Page 1 of 1

Southend grammars versus CCH

Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2011 10:57 pm
by three
We are struggling to decide which grammar school should be our first choice. Southend and Wescliff are much closer to us but DD seems to think that she would fit in better at Chelmsford Girls and does not mind travelling. Can anyone give us an idea of the differences between these three schools? Not so worried about the academic aspects but more about the atmosphere and which type of girl suits which school.
Your response is very much appreciated.

Re: Southend grammars versus CCH

Posted: Thu Sep 08, 2011 11:42 am
by kaynor
We had the exact opposite, CCHS is nearer but DD preferred SHSG and was therefore top of the list. DD also enjoys sports and SHSG are current English schools athletics champions.

Think it's all about where they feel most comfortable. If :D they are more likely to work hard and achieve academically.

Re: Southend grammars versus CCH

Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2011 2:00 pm
by three
Hi Kaynor
Thanks for your reply. Does your DD have far to travel? If so, how does she cope with the journey? Would you say that there is a particular type of girl that suits SHG best?

Thanks

Re: Southend grammars versus CCH

Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2011 10:48 pm
by kaynor
Yes it takes just over an hour, mind you it would take 45 minutes to CCHS as we live south of Chelmsford (the wrong side). The travelling is made easier as it becomes a social event travelling with the other girls.

As well as the sports DD particulary liked the textiles and arts departments, she liked the hats they had made :) Also the feeling of more space, light and wider corridors compared to her primary. She just felt comfortable there.

Think it's difficult to say what type of girl suits which school. I liked CCHS as well but she preferred SHSG.....go to as many open days/evenings as you can and don't be afraid to revisit, hopefully the decision will become easier.

Best of luck......sure your DD will thrive and enjoy it wherever she goes. :D

Re: Southend grammars versus CCH

Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2011 10:40 am
by three
Thank you Kaynor.

Time is getting closer and I am having sleepless night over the journey. People think that we are absolutely mad to give her the choice of grammar schools when we have a perfectly good GS right on our doorstep but DD doesn't care what people think or where most of her friends are going. She wants to try for CCH and she is working extra hard to give herself a better chance. She is convinced that she will fit in better there and she is not sure she will happy at the local grammars. I have said to her that her friends will be a long way away and that we will not be able to see her sporting events like we do now. I am being realistic as we have other children to take to and from different schools. We agree that we think she would fit in better at CCH but I wonder whether we should try to persuade her to try for a local grammar for convenience reasons. It is such a hard decision.
Glad to hear that your daughter is happy. It is very reassuring.

Re: Southend grammars versus CCH

Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2011 12:44 pm
by kaynor
We had similar concerns but the most important thing is to keep DD motivated to work hard. If she has her heart set on CCH it is important she believes that is where she will go. We put CCH on our list and DD achieved a commendable 53rd placing at CCH.........now would she have done so well if she thought she was not going to SHSG?

Looking at the hard facts and as a general guide to achieve a place at CCH 75%+ is required. Southend grammars about 65% (out of borough) and 55% (in borough). If she aims for CCH and ended up at WHSG or SHSG (which are excellent schools) it would still be a wonderful achievement!

Re: Southend grammars versus CCH

Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2011 2:42 pm
by three
Thank you kaynor. You are right. We have to keep her motivated. That is the most important thing at the moment. Like you said it is harder to get into CCH so we may not need to worry after all! Thanks for your replies.