Totally agree with you about a well rounded education and not just academics.
My sister (and husband) studied Physics at Imperial and she works for the Institute of Physics alingside teaching and has led projects on encouraging girls to take up Physics at A level and university so quite aware of the issue of lack of girls taking up STEM. I studied arts myself and both myself and sister went to an all girls school. It suited her but not me.
I guess the question is single sex or co ed as well as getting through the 11 plus. I loved Emanuel and can see so many of you parents are very pleased with it. Thanks for your great feedback.

Both my sons went there and have done brilliantly.  Both got into top universities with great A level results.  The younger one and his friends who all did science  subjects I have to say, still go back on Dacre day (they left 3 yrears ago) to see the Teachers.  They loved it and only have happy memories of the school.  Made lasting friendships (bosy and girs) and as far as I could see the girls are very much encouraged to take up the sciences with vigour, but seem less inclined to do so sadly.  This follows onto university where my son says that less than a quarter of the Physics Undergraduates are female where he is (Durham).  

So yes, would totally recommend Emanuel!

Our daughter has just finished Hill Form.  We couldn't be happier with the school.  We went to the prizegiving on Saturday where the Head Master reiterated the goal to develop well rounded, confident, good hearted children (rather than academic robots).  Works for us.

I loved lots about Emanuel school when we visited and I know 2 men from primary school who went there when it was boys only and have been very successful and happy in their education and careers and well rounded and good people. But one thing bothered me though. When we were touring the classrooms I didn't see even 1 girl in the A level Physics class. And although I have no idea what my child would be studying by then it did make me wonder. Does anyone know if girls are encouraged in STEM subjects here?

Hi Annsw80

You may wish to come and have a look at The Hall School Wimbledon, hsw.co.uk or book a tour.
It is co-ed school for boys and girls aged 4 to 16. It has small classes and gives individual attention, it is also very nurturing. It is now owned by the Chatsworth Group of Schools (as from Sep 2018)

More praise here for Emanuel. Really great all round local school. Have a very happy daughter there and although yet to go through any public exams feel that she is stretched as much as feels appropriate at this time. Sport much better than expected. As above poster has highlighted we really love the fact that friends are local.

We have three children at the school and have successfully tried both the 10+ and 11+ entry routes.  We have been very happy with the school and in particular the outstanding pastoral care.  Being local is what really works for us.  The children can be home by 4pm, get down to homework and still have downtime.  Equally staying late for clubs and matches feels so easy when home is a short journey away.  As a parent it is no problem to get to school events.  We've got to know lots of local families although children come to Emanuel from as far away as Docklands, St John's Wood and Ealing.  Academic standards are high and climbing.  The curriculum is broad with lots of opportunities in the Arts and Sport.  Having until now been mainly a rugby playing school, in terms of boys sport, football is being introduced next academic year. My kids love the rowing and spend a lot of time at the boat house.  Mr Milne, in his second year, came from Kings Wimbledon and seems to have a firm grip on the school as he takes it forward.  I hope that gives a flavour of the place. I would recommend it.
 

Yes getting very tricky. I have heard really lovely things about Woldingham and Priorsfield for girls and Cranleigh, Ardingly and Hurstpierpoint on the co-Ed front. All of them seem to do some form travel arrangement to and from SW.

It is a nightmare and getting worse. The only light on the horizon is that Broomwood and Thomas’s are both opening senior schools in the next few years so there should be a few more places. Also don’t forget Ibstock Place and the Harrodian if you’re looking for co-ed schools. Also St John’s Leatherhead, Caterham and Epsom College are all possibilities as co-ed day schools albeit with quite long journeys. You just have to look a bit further afield but kids from round here do go to all these.

When I first started teaching in a London prep school some twenty years ago, Emanuel’s reputation academically wasn’t great and not difficult to get into. However, things have changed and entry at both 11+ and 13+ is now very competitive. The school does have a 10+ entry for I think about 40 children - ironically this is sometimes slightly easier. However, it can no longer be regarded as a secure ‘back-up’ school! If you want a co-ed senior school your choices are very limited, i’m afraid. What is the advice from your son’s Prep school? (I am one retired btw!)

There are simply more kids - https://schoolsweek.co.uk/secondary-sch ... ulge-hits/

There are more people in London who want to pay for secondary than places for kids

I would recommend applying for state schools too

I feel your pain Seb.
We are also looking at Emanuel but I think that the pass mark has gone up significantly and the children being offered places achieve way over the pass mark. They do interview all of the children so at least that is something.

I don't have any other suggestions at this point. I guess there is Streatham for girls but I think that is equally difficult now too.

That's very interesting Seb and also baffling to me. Why do you think London day schools are so hard to get into these days when state schools are meant to be better than ever and there are supposedly less people with that sort of income around to afford private? We are looking at Emmanuel too and I thought it used to be the back-up school if you didn't get into others. Can you suggest any good back-ups to the back-up? God, I really hate this senior school situation

It’s a great school BUT I would say that it’s getting really really hard to get into.

That’s the same for most London Day Schools but please have a few back ups ready as there really are no easy schools any more.

coldatchristmas wrote: ↑Thu Jun 28, 2018 10:46 pm Hi Annsw80

We have a daughter at Emanuel in yr 9 and it has been a complete win for her and for us. Local is such a win IMO, it really is. It's a busy school - lots of sport, drama, trips etc... Always a lovely atmosphere, loads of regular feedback academically etc. Obviously we aren't at the GCSE stage yet so can't comment on that process but I understand that they had record results last year. So glad we (she and us) picked it. Appreciate that I have a girl and not a boy so if there is something specific please ask away.

Thank you so much. This is very helpful.