Experiences of Hampstead School or UCL Academy for a Year 10 move?

[Vivisal]

I’m looking for a state secondary school in camden/Westminster for my daughter who is in year 9 now - will be going to year 10 (moving from an independent school) - we live around the Swiss Cottage area - it’s been impossible to get a spot at camden school for girls and marleybone ce - we’ve been told Hampstead school and UCL have space but unsure about these schools - does anyone have experience of these schools?

No direct experiemce, sorry. However, have you asked about waiting list places? Parliament Hill either-that tends to be full but people do move so worth a try. La Sante Union will have places, it's a catholic school but you no need to be catholic for a place

CSG and St Marylebone may not have spaces now, but could well have before September. Have you actually applied to both and got yourself on the waiting list so you can find out if a place comes up? Neither school has huge mobility, but it's London and people do move schools and areas, places do come up at those schools. I know of a girl who moved this year from a girls independent school very near you to one of those two schools this year.
The pp has mentioned Parli and that may also have movement before the end of the year. Again you need to actually apply and get on the waiting list. The pp is also correct that LSU will have places.
Have you been for a look at either of these schools (are you able to?). I don't have a child at either but know lots of kids at both and have some familiarity but not personal experience.

Thanks @Angryvolunteer01 and @BananaDaiquiri - @BananaDaiquiri I suspect we are moving from the same school the girl you know has moved from :( - I’m not quite sure why they raise so much money for bursaries… We have been on the waitlist for Parli, CS and St Marylebone for two years. There has been movement but still we are far off. LSU has space and DD visited and they graciously accepted her but she is adamant she will not go there.