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Secondary education

NLCS or SPGS

10 replies

Baha · 10/02/2013 20:55

North London Collegiate or St Pauls? Plz some insider views for us to choose for 11+. We would need to move for either, so location wise, it would not make much difference. thanks

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Eastpoint · 11/02/2013 07:09

SPGS v friendly & loads going on all the time. Lots of girls who are the only one from their school. V small tutor groups (11) from yr7. 3 MFL options in yr7 + Latin then wider choice for MFL2 in yr8. No DT options at GCSE, no food technology at all. Loads of drama, some done without staff input, dance show run entirely by pupils. V good sport, lots of girls play for Middlesex, some in England U19 Lax. Obviously masses of music at a v high standard, double music lesson in yr7 as normal curriculum.

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Baha · 11/02/2013 20:31

Thank you Eastpoint.

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Eastpoint · 12/02/2013 16:39

Pm me if you want more

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TalkingTree · 15/02/2013 14:13

I have a DD at each. Both are very happy and both feel that they are at the best school. Both schools are very academic, do sports to a very high standard and have exceptional music. But the two schools have very different atmospheres. SPGS has a rather monied, west London feel, and I find it a bit arrogant. It's not very mixed, socially or ethnically. NLCS, despite its fabulous grounds and buildings has more of a grammar school feel to it. It gives out many bursaries and scholarships and has a very much more diverse set of pupils. I also feel the pastoral care is possibly slightly better at NLCS.

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Copthallresident · 15/02/2013 20:54

Yes, SPGS would be a difficult ask for any child not totally secure socially and intellectually. DD knew after the admission process it was not for her and I know of quite a few others who rejected it in favour of more supportive environments. However it would do no harm to let your DD decide for herself, providing she isn't going to be stressed out by the process?

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Baha · 18/02/2013 12:34

Thank you all.

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clb · 18/02/2013 13:29

I'd just like to add that my daughter, who's towards the bottom end of SPGS and could certainly not be described as totally secure socially and intellectually (how many 10 year olds applying to these schools can be?), is extraordinarily happy there, as her friends also seem to be.

Do PM me if you have any queries - I don't want to out myself, or her!

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nylon14 · 13/02/2017 11:12

OH this is an old post but we're dealing with the dilemma right now. NLCS with an academic scholarship or SPGS with a music scholarship.

What decision did you make in the end and how did it work out?

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brightenheart · 13/02/2017 11:38

Dear nylon,
My dd1 had the same school choice last year. She loved NLCS grounds and SPGS atmosphere. Both schools are fabulous and there is no wrong choice at all. Your dd proved her academic and music ability already so I would only focus on easier journey.
My dd1 chose SPGS for better fit and travelling and no regret. This year dd2 also got offer for SPGS so we are happy for the school.

I have no doubt that if we live near NLCS my dds would love to choose it.
What a lovely choice you have!
During half term, try mock school run with your dd to both school (imagine 7 years of travelling) and have nice walk around the schools, good brunch together, then go for your gut feeling.

Enjoy!