Parliament Hill or Acland Burghley

[elml]

Any thoughts, opinions or recent experience of both above schools? On my tour of both schools, AB really inspired me and PH not so much (the girl showing us around was very unmotivated...let's just say!). Unfortunately my daughter didn't come to the AB tour, but she said 'she trusts me' (bless her!). However, i have neighbours that have girls at PH (one of them a teacher at another school) and are very happy there. Ofsted reports also better at PH. My girl is VERY musical & artistic but also loves maths and science and thrives in a structured academic environment surrounded by others that also want to learn. She has repetitive tics and ADHD so a calm, serene environment that encourages studying as well as an opportunity to pursue her passions (arts and music) is essential for her. She is outgoing, friendly and chatty but extremely sensitive and self conscious - again it could go either way in AB or PH. She's been offered a place at both now. I would really be grateful for any advice. Thank you x

Would be interested to know too, my daughter has a similar profile in many ways and looking for a new school for her ... good luck with whichever school you choose 😊

I don't know either school well, though have done a tour of PH and was impressed. I suspect a calm, orderly, understanding environment is more likely possible at an all-girls school . . .?

Parli in my opinion. You can pm me if you want.

Based on everything I've heard from parents with DC at these schools I'd say definitely Parli

I have a daughter in Parli y10 who is doing very well. The school while not perfect has been excellent for her. On the whole it's calm and that gets better as they are streamed a bit. The girls feels very connected and proud of the school and mostly they have a really good relationship with the teaching staff. I have heard that comment before about the girls showing people round not being great but I think that is luck of the draw as they offer the opportunity to all the girls. I would highly recommend it personally. My son started at AB but we had to pull him out early on as things did not work out for us. The school dealt with our issue very badly and I could not in good faith recommend it. We were left thinking our son was unsafe to attend. I do have friends who's children are happy there but if you are wanting a calmer environment I would go with Parli.

PH!

Could I ask where did your DS go after AB? Thanks!

Both schools are excellent. I know plenty of kids across KS3 and KS4 at Burghley and Parli who are all very happy.

My own kids (both academic but with various SEN diagnoses) are at Burghley and we've been so impressed with the support they get, despite not being particularly high needs. Anecdotally, Burghley's SEN provision seems to be a bit more joined up - I know a couple of girls who have jumped ship from PH to AB seeking better support and friends with girls there [ed: at PH] say comms around SEN can be a bit vague.

Music at Burghley has been a bit hit and miss in recent years but they have a new team in charge this year and that combined with the OAE input and a new music charity's support has really turned things around, lots of opportunities. Dance is also a huge focus for Burghley.

Bear in mind that AB only officially set for science and maths and don't stream more broadly. But they do do a pretty nuanced job of juggling groups for other subjects to keep classes focussed. My sons are quiet shy types and both enjoy their lessons and learning.

When we have had occasional issues at Burghley (inc one particularly nasty bullying incident) they've been dealt with swiftly and effectively, within 24 hours.

As a Mum of boys people often ask me where I would have sent a mythical girl. While Parli is clearly an excellent school, I think I would have still chosen AB - I feel pretty strongly about mixed education but I also think they do great things for girls.

Feel free to PM me if you want more intel.

I don't have kids at either school, but have good friends with kids at both. Have heard Burghley is better with SEN issues, and parents tend to feel warmer about it and more 'in touch' with the school.

However, you'd never describe Burghley as 'calm and serene' in a million years...and that would be a bit of a stretch for Parli too tbh! Both are okay academically - but PH tends to get better results, and is (I think) stronger on art.

I would choose PH over AB over Burghley for my daughter out of the two. If she's super musical and quite academic though, what about Camden Girls or St. Marylebone?