NicNack7 wrote:
That's great! Thanks so much for the replies.
The instruments lessons could be really handy for her clarinet & maybe for grade 6 theory, as she won't have as much time for lessons outside school with all the homework.
I read somewhere that the teachers go to diploma level too, but not sure 40 mins would be enough. She could finish her violin + singing grade 8 & diplomas with her current teachers to save losing too much time out of school lessons.
Choirs & drama sound fantastic too! All starting to come together. Think she'd be one happy cookie at Westcliff
Travel wise (from Wickford) seems far easier for Westcliff too as there is a bus that goes straight to the school. Southend looks like she's need to take a train, then bus & walk!
Thanks again for all your help, & all the best of luck to you & your DD's.

I would say, in fairness to SHSG that their music is pretty good, too

(Not that I got to attend many concerts in the four years that DD was there, as I was usually preparing, serving or clearing away the catering

).
Wickford to SHSG is train to Southend Victoria then a bus - only walking needed at the school end is crossing the road. It is easier just to get on a 25 then walk up from Kent Elms, for WHSG, though, I suppose (not sure whether one of the variants of the route stops a bit closer to the school?).