11 Plus Exams Forum

After the open evenings yesterday at Wilsons and Wallington Girls I just wondered what opinions everyone had about the schools. I attended Wilsons and was pleased that everything seemed very organised.

We went to Wilsons and Wallington. Somewhat earlier, it must be said, than strictly necessary but wanted to get DS to appreciate the journey ahead.

Very difficult to split the two but:

Wilsons - made a huge play on anti bullying, amazing IT curriculum (coding and programming robots - really impressive), umpteen football pitches and astro turf (v important for son), new music endowment to fund music instrument lessons for each pupil, and fantastic art faculty.

Wallington- great emphasis on the pastoral side, excellent science, lovely buildings and campus feel, laid back and pleasant, excellent alumni involvement for university applications and very good science facilities. Downside - no IT as this has been dropped for food technology - not good.

On balance I would opt to go with Wilsons but they are both really strong. Wally is more unstructured, slight less organised and Wilsons very much a well oiled machine.

Thankfully we have two more years To go until a decision needs to be made.

As somebody on the other side, and having spoken to somebody only this week with a son at each, it really really depends on your child.

The summation made by Pushydad is pretty accurate I would say. The only point I would make is regarding the IT. I would imagine it was dropped because those that are really keen are very capable of pushing well beyond the curriculum without the need for it to be taught, and interestingly those that enjoy the Foodtech absolutely love it. Nice or have the option of a more relaxed topic that they would probably not do for themselves.

Pushydad is quite accurate I think. Just to add Wilsons has a good but challenging induction for new yr 7s which involves a trip to Brecon Beacons.