Continued Interest Information

[Ally]

Hi

I really feel for you because last year we were in a very similar situation. Congratulations on your DC’s mark in the test. I not sure how many DC’s sits the consortium test each year, but your DC is in the top 27% of all the pupils who sat the test and has done really well to gain an academic place at Queen's

My DS also started at Queens in Sept 10. We had only just missed out on an academic place at Parmiter’s.

By the start of term we were still one point away from gaining a place at Parmiter’s. In a world of if and buts – if only he hadn’t broken his hand and I had accepted the offer of extra time, I could make long list of things that maybe would have given him a couple of extra marks, but you can’t wind the clock back. I spent a long time waiting (with wonderful support from the forum) for the CI list to move, but it wasn’t to be! Waiting on a CI list can be very rewarding, and a number of forum member from last year successfully gained places for their DC’s from the CI list. Yet no one can predict how much a list will move as each year there are so many variables involved.

It wasn’t until we attended a New Pupils Evening held at Queens in late June at I realised that Queen’s would be the perfect school for my DS. The school and it staff seemed so real and grounded. Maybe I should have asked, if we could have had an additional tour of the school, as this might have settled things earlier (not sure if it’s possible, it might be worth asking if you can have another tour/visit to the school, as it may help you)

Now my DS has completed half of his first year at Queen’s. He seems so happy and grounded and doing really well academically. We recently had his first report and his lowest graded was for Sport. Yet he loves the access to the sports facilities and using he own initiative has become one of the Y7 Reps on the School Sports Council. I know that at Queen’s he will thrive and be pushed to reach his full potential.

Good Luck as I hope this helps you make the right decision for your DC.

Ally

[Daogroupie]

What a great post Ally. I am sure this will give hope to parents who are feeling despair at the moment. Apparently Herts have said on their website that all families who have been allocated a lower ranked school have the right to go and visit it so they can decide if it is right for them. I really hope that people will do this and end up with the same experience as you have had. DG

[R36]

Hi

I really feel for you because last year we were in a very similar situation. Congratulations on your DC’s mark in the test. I not sure how many DC’s sits the consortium test each year, but your DC is in the top 27% of all the pupils who sat the test and has done really well to gain an academic place at Queen's

My DS also started at Queens in Sept 10. We had only just missed out on an academic place at Parmiter’s.

By the start of term we were still one point away from gaining a place at Parmiter’s. In a world of if and buts – if only he hadn’t broken his hand and I had accepted the offer of extra time, I could make long list of things that maybe would have given him a couple of extra marks, but you can’t wind the clock back. I spent a long time waiting (with wonderful support from the forum) for the CI list to move, but it wasn’t to be! Waiting on a CI list can be very rewarding, and a number of forum member from last year successfully gained places for their DC’s from the CI list. Yet no one can predict how much a list will move as each year there are so many variables involved.

It wasn’t until we attended a New Pupils Evening held at Queens in late June at I realised that Queen’s would be the perfect school for my DS. The school and it staff seemed so real and grounded. Maybe I should have asked, if we could have had an additional tour of the school, as this might have settled things earlier (not sure if it’s possible, it might be worth asking if you can have another tour/visit to the school, as it may help you)

Now my DS has completed half of his first year at Queen’s. He seems so happy and grounded and doing really well academically. We recently had his first report and his lowest graded was for Sport. Yet he loves the access to the sports facilities and using he own initiative has become one of the Y7 Reps on the School Sports Council. I know that at Queen’s he will thrive and be pushed to reach his full potential.

Good Luck as I hope this helps you make the right decision for your DC.

Ally

Thanks Ally,

We're certainly in a much better space now than we were this time last week. We've investigated Queens more thoroughly & posts like your's are amazingly helpful & reassuring. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your views - it's much appreciated.

[R36]

What a great post Ally. I am sure this will give hope to parents who are feeling despair at the moment. Apparently Herts have said on their website that all families who have been allocated a lower ranked school have the right to go and visit it so they can decide if it is right for them. I really hope that people will do this and end up with the same experience as you have had. DG

Agreed & thanks again...

[R36]

My DD started Queens' in Sept 10 and she has thrived at the school both academically and in sports. Queens was our 2nd choice (SCD 1st) and she received one of the sports specialist places but would also have qualified academically (scored 227). The school has been excellent in all aspects and is a very supportive environment. As the school has the largest number of academic specialist places (about 90) the lowest score cutoff is going to be slightly lower and should not be misinterpreted as reflecting a lower achieving/ability school. Queens' was ranked higher than SCD in the Guardian GCSE and A-level rankings last year and was not far behind WGSB.

Do not be apologetic for choosing Queens' for your DC (if that is your decision). Only you know which school will suit your child best.

Queens' evolved from Bushey Grammar. It is Bushey Academy that was once Bushey Hall.

Please feel free to PM if you have any questions

BBF

Thanks BBF,

We're definitely warming to the prospect of Queens now and whilst straight A's would be great, my first priority is my DD's happiness and wellbeing, which it sounds like will be well catered for at Queens.

Really appreciate your insights and well done to your DD getting in on sports and academic places last year - a star in the making..!!!

[jo55]

I know they said week beginning 21st March, but would be useful to know if anyone has heard anything?

Thanks Jo x

[l33na]

We are too in a similar position. My DD has been offered Queens on academic which was her second choice. I just wanted to say I know of many parents locally who would be grateful if their children got Queens. Despite not being our first choice I am happy my DD will do well there. I feel reassured by parents and the pupils I have spoken too. For such a big school Queens does very well and I am
Looking forward to see how my dd progresses.

Leena

[lzwpm6]

My DS has also been offered Queens School. This was our 3rd choice, and I have to say I think it is an up and coming school.
I'm very disappointed to say that Parmiters are still not disclosing people's positions on the CI lists even though county say this information should be available from the 21st.

[RAE]

Received a letter today from WGSG offering DD a place - she was 9th on the academic list.

[jo55]

You must be very pleased- congratulations and welldone to your daughter. Can I ask if you also received a letter in the last few days telling you the position on the CI list?
Jo x