What would you pick if you could - London CoE or Catholic schools?

[Nkmama15]

Have the opportunity and meet the criteria to apply for two outstanding schools in London - the grey coats hospital school in Westminster and Sacred Heart high school in Hammersmith. Both girls schools and both perform well. grey coats gives ‘posh’ legacy school vibes , excellent university prospects and seems a very feminist school and I liked the head teacher. Sacred Heart is wholesome, performs well, lovely building , traditional, closer to home and seems more down to earth. I’m still scratching my head why people don’t shout about this school and if I’m missing something?! When I mention to people they just stay silent!

what would you pick from what you know of them - what at the pros and cons of them? I really do like both equally . But part of me feels grey coats is probably a strong academic school so why wouldn’t I go for that one?! I really value everyone’s opinions and experiences from these schools .

Oh course she can’t drive - she’s 11. She can be a pillion … gawd …. 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I meant she was a wizz in terms she goes on a Vespa with her dad and is very responsible/able if need to go on. You can be on a Vespa as pillion from a certain hight etc

The science block at SH is very impressive!!! Three floors of labs !

In central London 😱
Are you mad?
(Seriously....that does not sound safe. Is that even legal for an 11 year old??)
Edit: - I Googled. It's legal....but I really wouldn't want to do it.

As the person who asked the question... it actually comes from teaching in a Catholic school in the UK. We weren't allowed to refer tho evolution as Fact, only theory. Most of the children just rolled their eyes at it.
(Unmarried teachers were not supposed to be living with partners either...)

Not mad, just informed! 😊 There’s actually no legal minimum age for a child to be a passenger on a scooter or motorbike in the UK, as long as they can sit securely, reach the footrests, and wear an approved helmet. So it’s less about age, more about safety and setup (which I totally agree should be the priority).
I get that it might raise eyebrows – but before anyone starts clutching pearls, it’s worth knowing the actual guidance!
And yes, I share the concern about bad drivers — there are definitely people on the roads (cars and bikes) who probably shouldn’t be. But my husband’s been riding Vespas for over 35 years, he’s super safety-conscious, and I wouldn't even consider it if I didn't trust him completely.
She’s fully kitted out, understands the basics, and only does short, calm trips. Not a joyride — more a well-planned little adventure with dad.

Oh wow! I didn’t hear this regarding teaching at SH - I’m not sure it’s the case any more tbh. But it’s an interesting point to consider .

Things like how conservative does the uniform look? Would DC be comfy wearing it? Do the kids look like they're being kind to each other, are there big groups of friends together or smaller pairs, things like that!

@Nkmama15 yes I checked about the legalities. I will admit I am shocked considering the strict rules about car seats in cars etc in the UK.
But if you're ok with it.

@Nkmama15 Do you mind me asking where you live that you meet criteria for both schools?

@Nkmama15 Ignore me, just noticed the feeder school comment!

my daughter is at GCH, she loves it. They are firm but fair. It is academic but there is a mix of abilities, and they try to support and celebrate achievement of all children’s strengths including sport, music, DT, drama and art. There is a strong faith element and they attend services regularly at Westminster Abbey and its sister church, St Margaret’s. All children are expected to take part regardless of other denominations, religion or not. I’ve found it a very warm and friendly school.

@MrPanks Do you mind me asking where you live and which place type your daughter got in on? GCH is our 1st choice, so remaining hopeful!

I taught at SH a few years ago. Lovely school, I loved it. PM me for more information.

I met a London parent who told me that everyone was put off by what they saw coming out of the nearest school (regardless of which one it was) and sent their kids to the next school along - while the parents near that school were making the same decision.

What does it mean? If you are a Catholic you have only Catholic and non religious option of schools. You cannot be a bit of jewish and buddhist at the same time. It does not work like that..,.

That's not what she was saying

We’re happily Catholic, but we do understand how admissions work. The policy at the COE school I’m reviewing has multiple routes: siblings, EHCPs, looked-after children, open places, and even taking a language aptitude test to gain a place. And just to put your mind at ease, I’m not secretly juggling Judaism or Buddhism … simply following the rules as they’re laid out.

however , the Catholic school
we are looking at has the standard legal requirements - EHCP, looked after children, then feeder schools and is so over subscribed they do not offer beyond that part of the criteria… it never gets to open places…

Is this meant as a generic comment or linked to the schools I’ve mentioned?

I can’t understand the theory of review what happens after school but also part of me sees the pupils coming out after a day of lessons and maybe regulating and finally catching up with their friends … I was speaking to a colleague at work about this topic and she said do you think our lovely sweet girls don’t get hyped up and loud when with their girlfriends in the play grounds etc … tricky one!

I would go with the shortest way.

We chose a Roman Catholic over CofE to our daughter. Both great but RC closest to home.

it actually comes from teaching in a Catholic school in the UK. We weren't allowed to refer tho evolution as Fact, only theory. Most of the children just rolled their eyes at it.

I have heard of this happening very recently in Ireland as well in a Catholic school. Its baffling.

Strictly speaking, evolution is a constantly developing theory. An evolving theory, if you will.

Its a much more nuanced thing than fact v theory. Certain facts about the evolution of various species are well established or at least penciled in, while mechanisms of evolution continue to be explored, discussed, debated, and elucidated.

Got it. So CoE has a more relaxed admission and is broader than onky CoE believers in that school- ok

@mathanxiety I'd like to state for the record thst the RC church is a million light years away from the Bible thumping fundamentalists who think science is satan worship.
The suggestion that there might be a problem wrt science in an RC school comes from a place of ignorance.

It is useful to remember that, about 10 years ago, the religious fruitcake lobby did try to teach creationism in free schools and academies, under the pretence of academic freedom for free schools and academies. Luckily, they lost, as explained by Humanists UK.

Strictly speaking, evolution is a constantly developing theory. An evolving theory, if you will.
Its a much more nuanced thing than fact v theory

No, it's not. You sound like one of those American religious wackadoodles
Evolution is a universally accepted theory. How many scientists disagree with it? How many publications on peer-reviewed scientific journals cast doubt on it?

That certain details of the theory may need refining is a level of detail way beyond what is needed at secondary schools and does not undermine the theory in any way.

Creationism still found its way in a supposedly non-faith Welsh school
So it's important to remain alert

@Needmorelego In central London 😱
Are you mad?
(Seriously....that does not sound safe. Is that even legal for an 11 year old??)
Edit: - I Googled. It's legal....but I really wouldn't want to do it.

Still probably safer than horse riding or skying (the number of people who die or get injured skying only a few days a year is astonishing)

Most people don't ride horses around central London at rush hour.
(police and military do - but they are specially trained).
I've never seen someone skiing around central London at rush hour 😂