Year 2017 - Nonsuch or Wallington girls

[Kaybeecee]

Dear parents,

I've noticed that this topic has been discussed a number of times but the last thread I saw reg this is from year 2010. I understand that the schools are merged now and also the headteacher in Nonsuch has changed since.

As of now, if distance was not an issue, which school would you ideally prefer for your daughter and why?
Can any of you comment on the pastoral care, renovated facilities, balance of academics and extra curricular activities and overall experience of being a student in both schools? DD is very much into arts, drama and dance and very average at sports. Favourite subjects are science, maths and languages. Any suggestions for us reg which one would suit her better?

One of the threads had an unanswered question - "Does Wallington make offers to only the top scorers from entrance tests?" If yes, does it mean that Wallington it is considered to be a better school and a preferred school than Nonsuch now?

Is it true that Nonsuch is basically a science school and focuses on medical science related studies whereas Wallington gives more importance to humanities?

If we are not offered a seat in our preferred school, is it something to be worried about? I.e are the two schools very different in their approach towards providing an all rounded and balanced education?

Thanks in advance for your valuable answers - I appreciate any guidance regarding my queries above!

[Moon unit]

I have DD at Wallington.
We are very happy with the school.
Art/ dance/ drama are very strong.
If you have a look at the GCSE options they are a bit different to Nonsuch.
Dance GCSE is available.
Slightly higher percentage of A*s at A level at Wallington this year but not much difference.
Science and maths seem good.
Wallington has a good fun vibe. Gym and dance display involves masses of whooping and cheering from the girls in the audience.
No coaching to keep up that I know of.
We know lots of girls at Nonsuch. All very happy.
I think the Wallington catchment is less wealthy. Don't think there are as many from private primaries.
Lots of socialising outside school.
Elite mathematicians join with Wilson's to do super hard maths after school once a week.
Music events are often also with Wilson's.
We did the open days for both and would have been happy with either.
My daughter had strong preference for Wallington so we let her decide the order.

[Kaybeecee]

Wow! Thanks for the very useful reply, Moon unit! Wallington seems like a great place to be in! The GCSE choices themselves are very interesting!

Any parent out there who can give their opinion regarding Nonsuch as well, and life there? Why they chose this school for their DD, proximity not being a point please? This thread will be useful for many who are stating their preference on their CAF which is due this Oct 31st please! Thank you!

[RuedeWakening]

DD preferred Nonsuch at the open evening, entirely because of their observatory

However, since we live a 5 minute walk away from Wallington, and are about 100m out of catchment for Nonsuch, we have put Wallington first on her CAF.

[Gringo64]

We live just about within walking distance to Wallington and IC for Nonsuch. My twin girls and I preferred Nonsuch so we put it first on CAF 3 years ago and they both got their first choice I have no idea why we all preferred Nonsuch, except we think it's a nicer building and grounds.
They both love the school and daily life there. They both (like their mum) hate sport but it isn't a problem at all. We are very happy with the school.

[tiffinboys]

Perhaps a feel of ease and cohesiveness at Nonsuch. DD preferred NS too.