New to this - which grammar or independents within my area?
Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2011 11:40 pm
Hello
I'm starting my research early and so have no word of mouth info - only google.
I'm wondering which are the grammar schools within commuting distance from me and which independent senior schools there are.
I am researching this for my daughter's entry. I live in North Stifford, which is between Orsett and Ockendon. It is a 15 minute drive from Upminster Station, a 25 minute drive from Shenfield and an hour's drive from Southend on average.
So far I've come across a handful of schools which look good on paper. Chelmsford County looks impressive, based on academic results and university destinations. This is one I have heard of, being spoken of highly. I recently looked up Colchester High School for Girls and it seems that by the same criteria, they are even better than Chelmsford - on paper.
I've heard Dartford Grammar is good but I don't think it is in the league of the two other schools I've mentioned but am happy to be corrected.
As far as independents, I think, and again this surprises me and I could be wrong...the results and the grounds do not tend to look as impressive...? By these I'm referring to independents outside of Essex but then I was initially looking at boarding. I've now ruled out boarding due to cost. The only day independent senior school that I'm aware of in Essex is New Hall.
My question is, which grammars are considered the best and is this on academic grounds or all-round ability?
Secondly, which independents are considered the best and on what merits? Are there any girls senior independents in Essex? There is one in Kent which is probably within commutable distance called Cobham Hall but for the money I believe there is better value elsewhere.
Thirdly, is there such a thing as a grammar boarding anywhere in the country?? Doesn't seem to be, according to google.
Fourth question, please...I thought grammar schools went by cachment as well as by test results yet I see people on here discussing commutes from areas well out of cachment. Is it that easy to gain a place then, if not in cachment? If so then I might have options in Kent also as it is a nearby county. Has anyone considered this or is the bridge enough of a pain to deter such a thought.
My final question for now - does anyone on here have mixed race children? I don't know if this would be an issue and if any of the recommended schools has any minority ethnic representation amongst the pupils?
I look forward to any contributions.
Thanks.
C
I'm starting my research early and so have no word of mouth info - only google.
I'm wondering which are the grammar schools within commuting distance from me and which independent senior schools there are.
I am researching this for my daughter's entry. I live in North Stifford, which is between Orsett and Ockendon. It is a 15 minute drive from Upminster Station, a 25 minute drive from Shenfield and an hour's drive from Southend on average.
So far I've come across a handful of schools which look good on paper. Chelmsford County looks impressive, based on academic results and university destinations. This is one I have heard of, being spoken of highly. I recently looked up Colchester High School for Girls and it seems that by the same criteria, they are even better than Chelmsford - on paper.
I've heard Dartford Grammar is good but I don't think it is in the league of the two other schools I've mentioned but am happy to be corrected.
As far as independents, I think, and again this surprises me and I could be wrong...the results and the grounds do not tend to look as impressive...? By these I'm referring to independents outside of Essex but then I was initially looking at boarding. I've now ruled out boarding due to cost. The only day independent senior school that I'm aware of in Essex is New Hall.
My question is, which grammars are considered the best and is this on academic grounds or all-round ability?
Secondly, which independents are considered the best and on what merits? Are there any girls senior independents in Essex? There is one in Kent which is probably within commutable distance called Cobham Hall but for the money I believe there is better value elsewhere.
Thirdly, is there such a thing as a grammar boarding anywhere in the country?? Doesn't seem to be, according to google.
Fourth question, please...I thought grammar schools went by cachment as well as by test results yet I see people on here discussing commutes from areas well out of cachment. Is it that easy to gain a place then, if not in cachment? If so then I might have options in Kent also as it is a nearby county. Has anyone considered this or is the bridge enough of a pain to deter such a thought.
My final question for now - does anyone on here have mixed race children? I don't know if this would be an issue and if any of the recommended schools has any minority ethnic representation amongst the pupils?
I look forward to any contributions.
Thanks.
C