11 Plus Exams Forum

Having attended Handsworth Boys Open Evening last night, I am interested to hear opinions and experiences of current parents and students of this school.

So am I. I was slightly bemused by my tour guide. When asked about the school he said 'it's not the best. They think you're clever so they don't help you as much as other schools'!

Ha, they obviously didn't choose their tour guides very carefully!!
Sorry I know nothing of the school but the honesty of the student made me giggle (although not a funny situation if he felt unsupported at school).

I've only heard positive feedback about HGBS. I believe it went through a difficult period a few years ago but it definitely seems to have got through that.

Recently I've heard very positive feedback about HBG - the boys I know who attend, seem very happy.
The guide was right in that, if a child needs additional support through secondary school, none of the grammars are hugely geared up to provide that as they tend to 'cater' for very able pupils who require extension from the curriculum.

Thank you for the responses. We are looking at HBG for our DS who is currently in Yr 4 and doing well academically. As we live mid-way between Dudley and Wolverhampton, we have to look carefully at travelling times and HBG seems to be the school with the most feasible journey time, without it becoming stressful for him.

I'd be interested to hear from anyone living in this area, which grammar schools you have considered?

Ds is at KEFW and has a friend from Cradley heath and another two from Worcester! Kids commute huge distances and often when they had the option of a good comp near home. The GS thing is massive for some parents. Well done for thinking carefully about the practicalities.

Penguin Mom wrote:Thank you for the responses. We are looking at HBG for our DS who is currently in Yr 4 and doing well academically. As we live mid-way between Dudley and Wolverhampton, we have to look carefully at travelling times and HBG seems to be the school with the most feasible journey time, without it becoming stressful for him.

I'd be interested to hear from anyone living in this area, which grammar schools you have considered?

That sounds like Sedgley to me.....Me too

Have DS1 at KEFW and DS2 at Adams'. The Green Bus to KEFW is longer than I would like but the choice in this area is very limited for good free schools.

DS2 catches bus from Compton Road to Adams' at 0750 and is in school for 0825.

Also looked at Wolverhampton Grammar (not worth the fee in my opinion), Oldswinford Hospital (day pupils are in minority) and Queen Mary Grammar in Walsall (commute just too long and difficult). Also Aston (dismissed it as soon as saw it) and Bishop Vesey. Both are commutable from Coseley station - 0724 from Coseley goes through to Sutton.

DS2 friend from primary in Sedgely attends Handsworth, although not sure how he gets there.

Hi Happy Dad and thanks for the useful info. Yes, we are Sedgley too!

Great that your DC have settled into such good schools. We looked at the KEFW bus and it is a long journey. I guess you drive your DS2 down to Compton Rd to make his journey easier?

I hadn't even considered Aston and Bishop Vesey due to the distance, however, looking at train timetables - as you say, they are easier to get to than Queen Mary despite them being further away. Doesn't look easy to get from Aston station to the school on foot though.

Our DD is in Yr 7 at WGHS - if only there was something so convenient for the boys!

We did the journey to Handsworth by public transport when we attended the Open Evening last week. Jumped on the Metro at Priestfield, 25 minutes to Winson Green and then a 10 minute walk to the school - there is also a bus we could have taken for that last bit which is very regular.

How is your DS2 friend getting on at Handsworth? Our tour guide mentioned that the school specialises in Computer Science and Mathematics which would be a bonus for our DS but I cannot see this mentioned on the website or in the prospectus.

Yes DS2 is dropped off at Compton Road/Richmond Road junction to catch the bus.

I would suggest doing the journey the time your DS would have to do it to get a proper feel for how long it takes etc.

When we attended an Aston Open Day the booklet had a page on the safe route from Aston Station to the school. Our interest stopped there. However, there are many who do the journey without issue - we didn't fancy it. Green Bus used to run from station to school but believe it stopped last year. I actually see some boys on way to Aston on the 0712 out of Wolves.

I see Ds2 old school friend infrequently so apart from I hear he is doing well nothing else to report I'm afraid.

The Green Bus does take a time to get to KEFW but DS1 is into a routine of playing games and doing some homework. Not ideal but beggars can't be choosers. And he absolutely loves school.

Yes the girls sure have the better option around here