MAKING THE TRANSITION

Parent Lucy Darke explains the senior school admissions journey of her three daughters who are moving from a state primary to St George’s, Ascot for their secondary education

My three daughters have all attended our local state primary school in South-West London, so choosing a secondary school felt particularly challenging, given the various options of staying in the state system or entering the independent sector.

The space and the fantastic facilities were key reasons for choosing St George’s Ascot, and from the minute I contacted its admissions o ce I couldn’t have asked for a more bespoke introductory experience.

Coming from a state primary school, there was no guidance on how to apply or how the exams process worked in the independent sector, but Mrs Bertram and her team were painstaking in their explanations of key dates and welcomed the girls to taster days, as well as talking me through what was needed from an administration point of view, including introducing me to the school bus service!

I wasn’t able to fully commit to a year seven place, and it was truly a game changer when the admissions team suggested registering for a deferred place meaning my daughter could take 11+ but then defer entry to year eight or year nine. This took all the pressure o the decision-making process.

Another reason for choosing St George’s was the longer school day; the girls would do their clubs and their homework before coming home. State primary and secondary school finish at 3pm which makes life as a working mum a huge challenge. The St George’s day is tailored to keep them busy and engaged so when they get home, it is just ‘home’ time. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the school to any parent who is currently considering their options, and encourage them to contact the admissions team for some advice.