11 Plus Exams Forum

Folllowing up on another thread.
What makes WGH one of the best in the country, and what lessons can WGS learn from the success of WGH.

A few decades ago you couldn't separate the 2.

Pity it's not the case today. But if KES head has now arrived at WGS, maybe that pride of yesteryear can be restored.

Comments?

The big difference between the state grammars and the independents (outside London area that is) is that the former "select" their pupils while the latter "recruit" them.

WGS for example will bend over backwards to arrange tours of the school, trial mornings etc. The state grammars like WGH and AGS have so many children applying they don't have to put in much effort to attract high calibre pupils.

Do you have a daughter/daughters at WGH?

Resmum

resmum wrote:The big difference between the state grammars and the independents (outside London area that is) is that the former "select" their pupils while the latter "recruit" them.

WGS for example will bend over backwards to arrange tours of the school, trial mornings etc. The state grammars like WGH and AGS have so many children applying they don't have to put in much effort to attract high calibre pupils.

Do you have a daughter/daughters at WGH?

Resmum

Yeah, good point Resmum.
btw We have a large network of friends who send their loved ones to WGH

I agree, although WGS is clearly a very good school, the academic ability of students is not so high across the board. At AGS the boys are not in sets for Maths and English for at least the first two years, they have all lessons in their form groups. All of the boys are at a very similar, and high, academic level making streaming unnecessary. The speed that they seem to work at surprised me initially, my son is getting through exercise books at a great rate!! As all the boys were those with the ability to achieve 90%+ on the entrance exam the lessons can move on quickly because they all 'get it' quickly.

For me, as a parent, another major attraction of AGS was the pupils. Each time we went, and now every time I am there, I am constantly impressed with the maturity and natural politeness and respect of the boys. My son has changed in just a term and a half and is becoming more confident, he definitely feels as though he has found where he belongs!

I am sure your boys will have a wonderful time. Do you know what house they are in yet?

Chessdad, I am not sure about the level of chess at the school. My son does play but for fun rather than competition. He was involved in Chess club and also the house chess competition. If you contact the school I am sure they will give you the information. I think I remember that the school was involved in national competitions from a recent newsletter but i can't remember any more about it.