11 Plus Exams Forum

Hi
My ds has passed both saint Benedict and Kingston grammar school. My dilemma is which one is better school? Both seem to be academically sound schools offering good range of sports and music facilities.
Could anyone advise who has kids studying in the school at present.

Also to add further to my dilemma we have an outstanding comprehensive sch next door. Financially a more viable solution, as I have a daughter in year 3. Both currently go to a comp sch.

Please advise.
Confused mom

Hi I don't know about Kingston but I have family who have sent their children to St Benedict's. The elder girl went there over St Paul's for A levels and is currently in her first year at Cambridge. Her younger brother has been there since year 7 and is now in y11really enjoys it. He is very sporty and enjoys all it has to offer. So it seems to pass both academically and in relation to sport. They are not a musical family so I am not sure about this aspect. When you applied what did you think? Did you have a feel for either of them? I know that st Benedict's offers trips which are not usually on offer at comps ie rugby tour to Australia this summer, but that's not everything.

You are also thinking about your younger child and this will impact on your decision. Do you have the funds for two to go to St Benedict's and will the youngest pass the Kingston exam? What do you know about the comp? Is it well thought of? What additional support do they offer for the very bright children and also what does your child want?

Hi
Thanks for your update. We have been to st Benedict and ds liked it. So it is good to get your insight especially from kids who are studying there.

As for the comp secondary school next door has got outstanding rating by Ofstead for the past 5yrs. Predicting for daughter at this point in time is difficult.
Just cought up in the dilemma pvt vs outstanding comp.
Want to do the best for the kids.

Any advise on Kingston grammar sch... How is the school? Academic/sport facilities etc?

As far as I know Kingston is more academic than St Benedict's. Hockey is their big sport - and rowing later on I think. Lots of opportunities in sport and other extra-curricular activities. Has the reputation of being a very happy place.

A level results 2013 c.85% A*-B vs c.73%.

If I were to be looking at indies in the area (which I'm not, being 40-odd mile away with local state grammars ), "off-plan", I would definitely go for KGS. But surely you have actually already investigated and visited both schools before handing over money and getting your child to sit the exams? One of the main differences (assuming I am looking at the right St Benedict's??) is the religious basis versus not, but perhaps this is not relevant to you. What impression did KGS make on your DS when he went there for the exam / interview?

Hi have visited both snt Benedict and kgs now. Found both equally nice, but kgs a bit more academically sound and commute wise convenient.

Decision time - kgs (independent) vs lampton academy (outstanding comp) on our doorstep