Grey coat hospital

[Melonjuice]

want to apply to this school for my daughter, however she’s not that academically inclined, ie I really have to push her to do her homework or read or anything of the similar without her making a fuss - she will do it eventually but prefers to do it on her own time often right before it needs to be handed in. I know she’s only 10 but I was a bit worried about sending her to her school which has such amazing results as I suspect they really do push them pupils to reach therefore potential however I don’t want to place her under any undue pressure especially around math- she is average to above average in English and most of the subjects except for maths where she is on the SEN register to help her with it I was told she has a working memory problem. I’m worried that if I applied to this school, because we do meet all the criteria that she would be under a lot of pressure is this school good if someone can please advise for a child like my daughter - we did go to visit the school and we did like it although there was something that I couldn’t quite place my finger on that I wasn’t sure about - please can someone advise ??
we were also looking at Saint Thomas Moore in Sloane sq but it’s exam results are quite mixed

@Melonjuice my DD attends GCH
She is incredibly happy there, and achieving very good results. Whilst she was always clever, I wouldn’t have said she was particularly academic before she went.
Her confidence has grown, especially in Science and Maths, probably with Maths being the subject she has improved in most since primary school.
The school does have very high standards and is strict about homework - no exceptions for lateness, handing in homework late, not bringing correct equipment to lessons etc
There is a strong work ethic, and commitment to learning.

I must say, I was unsure about the school before my DD went (I never saw inside it before she went, as it was during lockdowns, and they were quite inflexible regarding tours and open days), but her experience there has exceeded my expectations.

Feel free to PM me with any questions.

Following with interest as we are also looking at Greycoat for our DD (and have a decent chance of a church place). We loved it when we went round, but my concern is that it would be a longish commute (probably an hour door to door) and I don’t know if it’s that much better than our closer options. I know people do commute in from miles away but don’t want DD being knackered from travelling all the time!

How do you find the facilities - from what I’ve seen is quite dated? I thought the girls were lovely and obviously loved being at school.

what’s the PTA like also? Very involved and fundraising?

@bookworm14 if you have good options closer to home, I’d do that. My DD gets the 7.30am train in, and arrives home at about 4.45pm, so it is a long day, plus lots of homework.

@Nkmama15 tbh, I haven’t even seen many of the facilities (I didn’t get to go on any tours due to lockdowns). DD says the canteen is pretty rubbish.

There is an active PTA (the Guild), who organise the fetes and events.

Thanks @tigerbear - I am leaning towards this view as well. We have a good chance of getting her into St Marylebone and are virtually certain of a place at Paddington Academy based on distance. I’m just not sure Grey Coat is sufficiently better than both of these to justify the long commute.

I’m aware having a choice of three outstanding secondaries is a rather ‘my diamond shoes are too tight’ issue!

Thanks for the responses! I’ll add it to the list as a first choice . Fingers crossed for those who want to apply

My daughter is at GCH and so far I think it’s fantastic. The school does a fabulous job of motivating the children and I love the way knowledge is built up within the curriculum one step at a time giving the children a really firm foundation. The academic subjects are being taught in a really engaging way that makes the children want to do well. I also think it’s fabulous that all subjects are considered important and that a lot of effort goes into planning them including Art and DT for which homework is also set. The Maths teaching so far also seems to steadily building up in a way I would think supports those who find it tricky.

There is a fair amount of homework but no more than half an hour to an hour per night. The school is also quite strict with high expectations but not in an unreasonable way. When the children understand that the rules are there to ensure that they learn to be conscientious, independent and accountable then they don’t mind the strictness. I also made sure to tell mine that a detention is not the end of the world and not a judgement on her because I didn’t want her to spend her time being anxious.

Some of the facilities are good and some are average but it’s a nice site and the education is fabulous.