11 Plus Exams Forum

Hi everyone..
Which school would you choose and why..we have a dilemma:
The Crypt or Marling....any information advice etc would be so helpful

Whichever is going to be logistically easier for the next 7 years. They are quite far apart.

Both them will require a bus journey for us so the distance will be the same.
I have looked at the websites etc but wanted peoples opinions and views to help

Which one did your DS feel that he would most want to go to when he saw them on the open evenings? Get him to think how he felt at each one and do a 'pros / cons' list for each. (DS2 liked the library and the school jumper better at one of our local grammar schools, but liked practicality everything else about the other one, so that one went down as first preference on his CAF). Have you got time to fit in another visit before you have to accept / decline (assuming that the schools would allow this)?

(Personally, I would say Marling, because my cousin went there, but as he left in 1976, it's possible that the place has changed a bit since his day. Hopefully not too much, though ).

My son is more incline to Crypt but i like Marling- i didnt think we stood a chance with Crypt but we have an offer from both now and its a dilemma.
I have seen both the schools and looked at league tables and done all the comparisions i can think of but no closer to a decision

My ds passed for marling and we appealed for crypt as it's closer so after a successful appeal he is of to crypt in September

I guess it is whichever your DS feels most comfortable with.

I have 2 DS's at Crypt and we feel it is a fantastic school. There is a relaxed and great atmosphere at school. Pupils and teachers share banter, respect and admiration. But, parents from Marling and STR will feel the same about there respective schools!

Things you may like to consider include:-
Crypt is (more than likely!) to become a mixed school in a few years time.
Curriculum differences - I know Crypt are withdrawing Spanish from GCSE.
After school and lunchtime clubs, if your DS has any specific interest.
You have to attend events at the school and other locations - Crypt have Founders Day at Gloucester Cathedral.
Transport - not only to school but to new friends houses!
Facilities - Crypt have had a lot of new buildings recently and they are having the sports hall refurbished with a new teaching block of 3 sports science classrooms.

Good Luck!

How are you in the position of having a choice at this stage?

Crypt is the more popular at the moment I think, and for some years has been the slightly harder of the two to get into but it really does depend on what you feel about the place. For me the clincher would be pastoral care if you can find out about that somehow. Maybe ask about bullying and inclusion policies and see what the tone of the replies is.

The stats for GCSE 5xA*-C are identical for both schools but according to the local paper this is the top 7 for value added - Marling not in top 10.
1. Sir Thomas Rich's School, Gloucester
2. Balcarras School, Cheltenham
3. Pate's Grammar School, Cheltenham
4. Stroud High School, Stroud
5. High School for Girls, Gloucester
6.The Cotswold Academy, Bourton on the Water
7. The Crypt School, Gloucester

At A level the (national) rankings are thus, though of course many children move at sixth form so perhaps worth concentrating on the lower years:
2 Pate's Grammar Gloucestershire
40 Sir Thomas Rich's Gloucestershire
78 Stroud High Gloucestershire
80 Marling Gloucestershire
103 Cotswold Gloucestershire
117 Katharine Lady Berkeley's Gloucestershire
132 Girls' High Gloucestershire
157 Farmor's Gloucestershire
282 Crypt

We had our appeal for Crypt last week and we have been offered a place and Marling called us this morning and offered us a place from the waiting list.
Thank you Amber for the information!
Its a hard decision to make but i think me and Ds will go over the options this weekend and decide-Although im pretty sure i know what it will be i just wanted current parents advise!

I can't comment on the schools as DS is at STRS but I just wanted to say how pleased I am for you Ash and happyb on your boys securing their places - that's great news. I do know that if it hadn't worked out with STRS for us we would have been just as happy for him to go to Crypt.