St Albans Girls / Loreto Girls, St Albans Vs Independent

[ranmis]

I am really torn between STAGS (St Albans Girls State School), Loreto College, St Albans (state school for girls) and Independent Girls Schools. How good are STAGS and Loreto compared to independent girls schools? My daughter is not very acedemic, might be able to scrape through some Independent Schools, but tough. Are STAGS and Loreto good backup options? Anyone who has experience of Independent as wells as these two state schools that are supposed to be Outstanding?

[mad?]

I think you will find that you need to say which Indie schools you are considering, as they differ as much if not more than the state options. Both Loreto and St Albans have very good reputations and I would think would be very hard to top. Are you sure you meet the admissions criteria for Loreto?

[ranmis]

Thanks mad?

I was considering St Albans High, Aldenham School, St Margarets Bushey and Northwood College in the Independents. And STAGS and Loreto College St albans in State. I know Loreto is Catholic but I am hoping they might have space for some non catholics as well, if we're lucky.

[mad?]

OK, on their website it states that they currently have admitted no non Catholics which is why I asked. Similarly STAGS looks difficult if one is not in the priority area. Be sure you have a decent chance of gaining entry before investing time exploring either of these schools would be my advice. Good luck.

[loobylou]

I'm afraid I know girls from most of the last few years who are Catholic and have put Loreto first and haven't got a place. I can't imagine that they ever take any non Catholic girls.

[Daogroupie]

Ditto.

Catholics don't get into catholic schools so please don't waste your time.

Catholics have to have signed letters from the church and copies of the weekly register to show they have been attending so you are not going to get a place over one of these applicants.

STAGS has a tiny catchment area, you probably would not get in from four miles away so please don't waste your time on that either unless you live very close.

St Albans High School is the most academic of the private schools you have listed. These schools are quite far away from each other so I suggest you use location as your top critieria. DG