Secondary Schools

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MrsBrownsBoyz
Posts: 30
Joined: Mon Sep 24, 2012 4:50 pm

Secondary Schools

Post by MrsBrownsBoyz »

Good afternoon all, i`ve been a lurker for a very short time, as i`ve only found this site a few weeks ago :( . My child did take the kent test, so fingers crossed, but can I ask those in the HerneBay, Whitstable and Canterbury area, your views at the schools you would consider looking at, both grammar and conprehensive and why (if this isn`t being too nosey). I`ve had mixed reactions, from the very few parents, i`ve been able to speak to and was hoping that maybe some of you who have older children can tell me your views. So far I will be going to B.C, Q.E, H/B high and C.C.W open eve, as I can not make the day visits.
didcot2002
Posts: 31
Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2012 10:26 pm

Re: Secondary Schools

Post by didcot2002 »

Hi
I don't have older children but have friends who do - Simon Langton girls is apparently very good as is the boys but that's now a super-selective. Archbishops, also in Canterbury, is said to be a very good school and if you are an Anglican church goer then you would have a good chance of getting a place there... That's the extent of my knowledge..if you learn more please let me know :?

Good luck
lt123
Posts: 13
Joined: Tue Aug 30, 2011 5:26 pm

Re: Secondary Schools

Post by lt123 »

I think most of the Canterbury schools are 'good schools'... Langtons are great, as is Barton Court, and St Anselms and Archbishops all have many happy children attending,of varying abilities. Majority of the parents I know or hear about are happy with their children's school. A real generalisation I am afraid, but as far as the Canterbury schools, I am not aware of any glaring issues.
I think Canterbury High has a good reputation. I hear varying comments about Chaucer, but they're not from people with children attending; I know a number of boys and girls who are happy and have done well there.
Think you really need to go see & feel for yourself. Go with your personal views, and instincts. Ultimately I think it comes down to the individual child, and your own opinions. My dd is 14, year 10, with friends at all of these Canterbury schools, and there would be nothing of any significance raised. If you have a child who is more musical/sporty/ creative I would tend to veer towards a school with a specialism in that area.
U400JB9
Posts: 778
Joined: Mon Oct 19, 2009 5:29 pm
Location: East Kent

Re: Secondary Schools

Post by U400JB9 »

I have an older DD in yr 9 at Simon Langton and she is thriving there,

For DD2 we have looked at Barton Court this time around too. We are taking the entrance test for Archbishops and viewing St Anselms this Thursday.

We looked at Roger Manwood in Sandwich yesterday and its lovely too.

Chaucer.....I`d home school before I sent one of mine there. I have friends who have removed their children from Spires Academy

CCW....in my line of work I meet several children from CCW, they are always polite and interact well....always a good sign.

Assuming you live in the Whitstable area you might need to look at the Ramsgate Grammars too...I know the catchment for BCGS and SLGGS have shrunk considerably, and BCGS will be picking up all the non superselective boys this time around too

Canterbury Academy, as it is now is a very popular school, again, difficult catchment, but one to look at if you have a sporty/ dramatic/ musical DC
Posthistoric19
Posts: 6
Joined: Sat Oct 16, 2010 8:39 pm

Re: Secondary Schools

Post by Posthistoric19 »

My DS is in Yr 8 at QE and loves it. He enjoys himself, plays a fair amount of sport, has lots of friends and is doing well academically.

DD1, whom has just taken the test, would love to go to QE. I'm yet to be convinced it would be the best school for her, as she has the potential to be on a much higher level than DS. I will seriously consider SLGS, even though if I put that top of her list DD1 may not speak to me for a month of Sundays.
MrsBrownsBoyz
Posts: 30
Joined: Mon Sep 24, 2012 4:50 pm

Re: Secondary Schools

Post by MrsBrownsBoyz »

Thanks to everyone who responded :D . I`ve managed to speak to some more parents and it sounds like the 3 nearest grammars are all great, just have to go with my gut and see what DCs feelings are. I`ll also be adding Canterbury academy to view and see how we go from there. The Archbishops, may be an option, as somebody has given me some good vibes, but i`m not too sure we`ll get in as there is an entrance test (which I didn`t realise) and because we`re not church goers, I think this may go against us. Anyway onward and upward until next week, with the first viewings.
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