11 Plus Exams Forum

Hi, i really need help and cant decide between QMGS and BVGS for CAF form. Distance wise both are the same for us.
Any advise please stating pros and cons of both schools. Much appreciated. Thanks

Which one did your child and you like better when you went round? That is fundamentally all that matters - which one did you feel was a better fit for your child and your family life? Make a decision and put whichever one you like best, first on your CAF and get it in, before the deadline which is tomorrow. Do not leave it till the last minute (I am not sure if it is 11.59pm or close of working day for Birmingham) but, inevitably, the system can get clogged and might crash. It is a bit late to be asking complete strangers on a forum, who do not know your child at all.

wolverz wrote:Hi, i really need help and cant decide between QMGS and BVGS for CAF form. Distance wise both are the same for us.
Any advise please stating pros and cons of both schools. Much appreciated. Thanks

It's a good dilemma to have! Which school did your son like the best and becomes excited about and how straight forward would the transport links be for each school?

Sorry that I can't offer any other suggestions or insights. We had the same worry, either way both are fantastic schools.

Crossed with Kenyancowgirl

thanks for both responses so far.

1) My son liked the building of QMGS better than BVGS

2) But as parents we personally felt students of BVGS seemed better in conversations with them. Although ofcourse it might be just a personal experience and it also depends which kids we spoke with at that time. But in general this was our impression at few occasions.

Hence the reason we are asking for some expert opinions/experiences about the schools themselves , we do understand its our personal decision at the end of day and will submit the forms today
Thanks again

My son attend bvgs and loves it. He is however very sporty especially when it comes to rugby. Qmgs has a mitary background and are not (in my opinion) as sporty as bvgs. Both academically are excellent. Music is also very good at vesey but I'm unsure about QM. I'd look at the curriculum too. At BV drama is an add on at lunch and they do not do it in school time. They also do not do any cooking which I know other grammars do. They also do Spanish which was a big selling point for us.

thirdtimemum wrote:My son attend bvgs and loves it. He is however very sporty especially when it comes to rugby. Qmgs has a mitary background and are not (in my opinion) as sporty as bvgs. Both academically are excellent. Music is also very good at vesey but I'm unsure about QM. I'd look at the curriculum too. At BV drama is an add on at lunch and they do not do it in school time. They also do not do any cooking which I know other grammars do. They also do Spanish which was a big selling point for us.

I didn't venture an opinion earlier as I am a Qmgs fan as it has given so much to many of my family ( I use the word family to mean the sons and daughters of not only my linear family but of brothers,sister in laws and brother in laws ) and those of my friends.I have friends who have brought their boys from KES for the sixth form to do their A levels.I didn't want to say too much earlier as I know BVGS is a good school and I believe it has improved in the last few years from what I have observed but because I have no personal experience of it it was unfair of me to pass judgement on it.

There is not much to choose academically between the schools.Mandarin is on offer at QMGS.The school is part of the Mercian Trust which includes 4 other schools including QMHS.Some teaching in some subjects is taking place in individual schools.This is mainly at sixth form.I don't think it is stopping the many girls who leave QMHS at 16 who go to the boys school.The former headmaster at QMGS is now leading the Mercian Trust and the school has a new head from within the school for the last couple of years or so.

Every choice has to be individual and what works for you.Good luck.

Thanks both
Very informative messages about BVGS and QMGS. This kind of expert opinions can only come from parents who have first hand experience. Ofcourse seems both are good schools and we will opt for wat suits us personally but the given information helps us in that.
Much appreciate.