We are in the process of looking at schools, and are in catchment for DCHG, BHS and CGS. We have been told that DD is exceptionally able (rightly or wrongly?!) so will aim for transfer test, which of course has no guarantees, and are also considering trying out for scholarship. Aside from RMS and Pipers, we are not too far from St. Helens and Northwood College, and would really appreciate any info on these schools.
Firstly, given the choice, would either of these schools be considered academically superior to the Bucks Grammars mentioned? We are particularly interested in Maths & Sciences, so it's important that these are popular, well taught subject areas. And how would pastoral care compare? We'd like to strike a healthy balance between the two if possible, but I suppose we all want that!
Also, how do schools like RMS and Pipers, compare to the North London schools?
With regards to admission and scholarship in particular, how attainable are these, and would a good scholarship award, out plum one or the other?
I get the impression that Northwood seems to award more 'easily', but has a good pastoral care reputation, and comments on lack of diversity have also been mentioned, so it would be interesting to hear from anyone who has experience of these schools.
Thank you for reading!