Bennetts or Hillview

Eleven Plus (11+) in Kent

Moderators: Section Moderators, Forum Moderators

11 Plus Platform - Online Practice Makes Perfect - Try Now
stressed mom
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu May 26, 2011 4:45 pm

Bennetts or Hillview

Post by stressed mom »

We were offered a place at Bennetts off the waiting list and have now won an appeal for Hillview - very divided over which school would suit our daughter? would be grateful for any comments from anyone with expreience of either of the two schools
mystery
Posts: 8927
Joined: Tue Jul 21, 2009 10:56 pm

Re: Bennetts or Hillview

Post by mystery »

I personally would go for Bennett Memorial any day ........but I don't know what your criteria are for choosing between the two. Have you taken a good look at the subject by subject GCSE results for both schools, and at A level successes ----- Bennett gets some children who get a really good string of As at A'level, the headteacher is an Oxbridge classicist with first class honours who failed the 11+.

Well done for having the choice of both.
sherry_d
Posts: 2083
Joined: Tue Sep 01, 2009 4:38 pm
Location: Maidstone

Re: Bennetts or Hillview

Post by sherry_d »

If you havent got a strong opinion on either schools, I would go for Bennett for the simple reason its stronger academically.
Impossible is Nothing.
stressed mom
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu May 26, 2011 4:45 pm

Re: Bennetts or Hillview

Post by stressed mom »

Thanks - my daughter loves Ballet and Drama, but a good education is the main criteria and I want her to be happy and pushed to her potential. She is quiet and needs encouragement to prove herself.
sherry_d
Posts: 2083
Joined: Tue Sep 01, 2009 4:38 pm
Location: Maidstone

Re: Bennetts or Hillview

Post by sherry_d »

stressed mom wrote:my daughter loves Ballet and Drama
I take the specialism bit of schools with a pinch of salt. You can always find her something outside school.
Impossible is Nothing.
tonbridgemum
Posts: 421
Joined: Tue Jan 29, 2008 12:46 pm

Re: Bennetts or Hillview

Post by tonbridgemum »

I think the pastoral side at bennett is outstanding so maybe your DD would benefit from this. Also think about the fact its a mixed school, does this affect your thoughts?
Not many mixed schools around here, particularly with a good reputation.
Long term might even be worth looking at what subjects they offer for GCSE - check they suit your child! Good luck! :D
stressed mom
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu May 26, 2011 4:45 pm

Re: Bennetts or Hillview

Post by stressed mom »

At first I prefered all girls but I do think mixed may take away some of the nastiness that happens at all girls schools. I will have a look at GCSE subjects - thank you
mystery
Posts: 8927
Joined: Tue Jul 21, 2009 10:56 pm

Re: Bennetts or Hillview

Post by mystery »

This is an old thread but I'm starting to think about secondary schools now. I've just been looking at the latest DfE performance tables for KS4 and the new style is very revealing. You can see what percentage of that cohort went in with level 5s, level 4s, less than level 4s, and you can see whether they have made "expected progress or not".

Hillview maths is dismal (51% making expected progress in maths) despite the school having recently been judged outstanding .... I'm starting to think it really is not worth reading an OFSTED report at all. Or maybe maths is not considered an important part of secondary education these days.
tigger2
Posts: 755
Joined: Thu Sep 24, 2009 11:35 am

Re: Bennetts or Hillview

Post by tigger2 »

Mystery...I have just had a look at the results for Hillview and Bennett . The 51% for maths in Hillview's figures references 'low prior attainment' and then I think its 78% for 'middle prior attainment' and then for high prior attainment. Do you know what these prior attainment levels are in terms of NC levels? I have had a quick look but can't find it on the D of E website.

Thanks !
Tigger
mystery
Posts: 8927
Joined: Tue Jul 21, 2009 10:56 pm

Re: Bennetts or Hillview

Post by mystery »

For maths, it's 51% of all pupils make expected progress in maths. 19% for low attainers, 58% for middle attainers, and 60% of higher attainers.

low attainers were less than level 4 at KS2, middle attainers were level 4, and high attainers were level 5 and above.

Compare with Bennett maths. It is a startling contrast. These new-style tables are fabulous.
Post Reply
11 Plus Mocks - Practise the real exam experience - Book Now