11 Plus Exams Forum

Hi there anyone had experiences of these 2 grammar schools? We just don't know which one to put as first choice. I have been hearing about a lof changes at Barton court. Does any1 have any experience of either x

Dont know anything about the schools you mentioned but the new Head for Barton court came from Invicta girls and she was very hot on accelerated learning (AL) with all girls taking their GCSE early from as early as Y9. She did improve the academic results of the school. Having seen her at her previous school, I wasnt overly impressed by the AL and it seemed to be directed more at getting on top of the league tables. The girls also did a hefty amount of GCSE and A levels which led them to top the leagues for England here http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/8439641.stm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

During her reign the other local girls grammar here was more popular while Invicta was undersubscribed, why? I dont know but grapevine was littered with some nasty romours some of it quite personal and unwarranted towards her. She was head at Invicta for about 2years or so I think. However she may have a totally diff approach and vision for Barton Court.

Boy of girl?
My DD is in year 7 at Simon Langton.....and LOVES it. and is doing very well . She has loads of friends, the pastural care is amazing, sh has had a `mentor` from year 8 who looked after her initially.

I am more than happy to say its a fab school....DD2 is aspiring to go there too

Are you in catchment? they are both quite strict on their catchments. I believe some non-qualification appeals got in when just some out of catchments didn`t

do you have a preference for single sex school or mixed?

yoyo123 wrote:do you have a preference for single gender school or mixed?

DOH , yes obviously that is the biggest difference...I had noticed she was at a single sex school honest

I have a Langton Girls year 10. We have been very impressed with the school, although I wasn't happy witht he idea of single sex (dd's choice). One of the things I particularly like about the school is the fact that they don't do "accelerated learning" - the vast majority of the girls doing theri GCSEs at the end of year 11.

Dd has been very happy, not swamped with homework, and the general level of behaviour and consideration for others is excellent. Happy to answer any more questions.

I think the catchment was 6 miles last year - so check that before you decide.

I looked at Barton Court yesterday morning and have to say I was really impressed as was my daughter. The teachers were really friendly and approachable and as we came during lesson times we was given a good insight as to what happens during lessons. We were invited into each class room by the teacher and free to ask any questions. The pupils at the school were all very polite. The annoucements regarding clubs or any other student information is on screens around the school which i was equally impressed with.

I liked the fact that they have the card system in place for meals and followed a healthy eating approach. Also liked the way the children lined up for their buses which gives you peace of mind as they are escorted onto the correct bus.

We also went to the QE open evening last night which was very impressive my daughter had a great time trying out all the activities on offer in the classrooms wonderful school with so many oppotunities for children this was by far my daughter favourite.

Hi, I have a daughter in year 7 at Barton Court, I admit it wasent our first choice and llike others last year and this, I was unsue about all the changes.
However we are delighted with the school, I have met the head and feel that her visions for the future of the school are excellent.
My dd loves the three lesson early finish setup, and the pastorial system is great, the year head really knows all the children. The work is hard and I find the homework a bit daunting for 11 year olds,but she only gets 3 subjects a night so it evens out.
I was in the same position last year,but I really wanted a mixed school so the decision was easier.