KE Aston v KE Handsworth boys

[Ricky74]

Hi all

Thanks for everyone’s advice....I’ve told Handsworth that we’ll be sticking with them..hope I’ve done the right thing!

Fantastic that you have made a decision and can plan. Your son would hopefully flourish at both schools so try not to dwell on 'what ifs' advice I have often failed to take and focus on what next?

[Caveman47]

Hi all

Thanks for everyone’s advice....I’ve told Handsworth that we’ll be sticking with them..hope I’ve done the right thing!

Now that's out of the way...your mind is at peace and planning will begin. Just enjoy the next few months of your son's life at primary.

My son will start at HGS as well

[Saidarao]

Hi dad10,
I am in the same dilemma now. Given that you are son is going to Handsworth Grammar school since 2018, what do you suggest me now? I am particularly interested to know how the teaching is, teachers are, facilities and the general attitude of the students there.

[hermanmunster]

Hi Saidarao - welcome to the forum!

Dad10 hasn't logged in to the forum for a few years so is unlikely to see the post. Maybe it would be better for you to start a new thread asking for people's views on Handsworth and Aston

[muminbrum]

Congratulations to be in that position. We have one DS in Y8 at HGS, and DS2 will be joining him in September (he could potentially have gone to KEA from the W/L - 217). If we ignored the experience of DS1 (which is nothing but positive), we felt that HGS had a more friendly, down to earth feel about it when we visited and feel that DS2 would fit in better. Although they still expect the boys to work and achieve, it didn’t seem as focused on just that; it had more of an attitude to shape the boys into well rounded young men who can go out into the world and succeed as they have the skills to be able to do so. This is not to say that KEA doesn’t do that, it just didn’t come across.

Does one school offer a subject / sport / extra curricular that the other doesn’t which your son wants to do? With the better transport links, how much earlier would your son be home / how much later could he leave in the morning? Don’t under estimate travelling time and how those extra minutes at home make so much difference, especially when there is homework every night. Does your DS have any friends going to either of them? As the others have said, which did your son prefer and why?

I think that both schools would offer him a fantastic opportunity - perhaps you can arrange to visit them both again before decide?

All the best with your decision.

DS3 is in Y7 at HGS and absolutely echo these thoughts.

[Saidarao]

Thank you Helen, this really helps. It is convenient for us to travel to HGS. I have seen both but couldn't decide as both said all the good things about their schools. My son prefers HGS as one of his friend's brother studying there has given some good feedback.