Perse School for Girls review by University of Oxford student.
The Perse has a reputation for very focused, individual classes which it upholds entirely. Class sizes are small (in the sixth form, around ten students but often less) and the pupils get to know their teachers and vice versa. Whilst vigorously focused on exam performance, teachers aim to instill in their pupils a real love for their subject and teach beyond the curriculum. Although there is an expectation that pupils will work hard and be self-motivated, support for students falling behind is excellent. Teachers regularly hold "surgeries" for students who are struggling, and all are encouraged to come along in their spare time to start revision early. Classes are very much discussion based, which the Perse believes helps students grow in confidence and inquiry. In the sixth form the schedule is arranged so that pupils have plenty of study periods during the day, when they generally work in the library or sixth form block. The emphasis is on self-study, which builds a strong foundation for exams and acts almost as a "half-way" house for university. The only criticism to make is that as a high-powered school, the pressure to compete is sometimes intense, but there is overall an excellent atmosphere.
The Perse, more so than many other schools in my experience, actively participates in students'.... Get the real inside story on college counseling at Perse School for Girls as experienced by former pupil and University of Oxford student — Login or Sign Up to access full review
Sample insights on college counseling
They have contacts at most of the major universities and feel perfectly comfortable picking up the phone and advocating for a student to get accepted somewhere they feel is a good fit for that student. However, these counselors are certainly not magic bullets. They cannot guarantee that a student will get into an Ivy League university...
For those wishing to move on to Oxford or Cambridge, the provision is second-to-none. In the months running up to application and interview, every subject faculty offers classes (often run by former Oxbridge tutors) exploring further areas of their subject as well as offering advice on personal statements, interview technique and more...
The admissions process includes a number of tests and interviews. It is important to bear.... Get in-depth insights and personal advice on admissions to Perse School for Girls by former pupil and University of Oxford student — Login or Sign Up to access full review
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For the interview, dress conservatively. Try to be very clean and put together. Also, I was a tour guide for two years and at the end of every tour, we were asked to evaluate the candidate so if you think the tour is not apart of the process, you are very wrong. Ask questions and be interested. Also, tip for the parents: the kids speak on the tour. Do not ask their questions for them...
Most younger siblings have an easy time in the admissions process. I can only think of one case of a younger sibling not being admitted. About half of the students who entered with me had come from public schools. The remainder came from private K-6 schools, or had transferred from other New York private schools The Elizabeth Morrow School and St. Bernard were two of the larger feeder schools...
Located as it is in the centre of the city, many students travel to school via train, bicycle or bus. The main school is in a self-contained site protected by locked gates, which includes two netball courts and a beautiful garden. The sixth-form centre is located close by, although I understand they are currently redeveloping the sixth form to include boys and are relocating the building. Additionally some classes are held for 5th formers and above in a building in Panton Street, to which younger members are escorted back and forth (this building also houses a small gym for sixth.... Get the real inside story on quality of school life and extracurricular offerings at Perse School for Girls as experienced by former pupil and University of Oxford student — Login or Sign Up to access full review