mm23292 wrote:
I can’t comment on those specific schools either, but have just chosen an independent option over grammar, which hasn’t come lightly, as the financial constraints are huge; but the grammars just did not compare in rounded education terms. Yes they look good at first glance on the league tables; but delve deeper, and it’s a murkier picture. Particularly at A level, and that was a surprising revelation. And taking grades aside; it leaves little else. Although your child may not be sporty now, it is having the opportunity to try different sports and activities, that can fuel a passion later on. Our daughter has had respiratory problems, which have undoubtedly been bettered by her growing enthusiasm for sport. And although she may not be A team material (yet)..she is hugely enthusiastic. At grammar, there is little scope for participation, unless you are picked for the competition teams, and that’s a tall order when there are almost 200 children to choose from.
Likewise with music; the independent offers great facilities and opportunities to practice and participate. Not so at the grammar. We visited the grammar a few times, and every time felt a little more disenchanted. It’s all about getting them in..and turning them around with their minimum clutch of 5Bs at the end, in the hope they can stay for 6th form. Yes some do better, and are naturally bright and may thrive...but some do worse, and I know quite a few. And a lot will fall somewhere in the middle. At the independent we chose, there is a huge sense of purpose beyond the mere clutch of grades. A vibrancy and enthusiasm for so much more, and an energy that was palpable as soon as you walk through the door. We just didn’t feel that at our local grammar. Interestingly, the other high flyers in our child’s prep, are not taking up their grammar places either, so it seems we are not alone! Good luck with your choice.
We experienced a polar opposite so definitely do your own research. DD was not sporty and sports were valued much more highly at the indie so she never got a look in. The overall standard at the grammar was lower which meant she could make it into a team and actually played some matches for the first time in her life. Both options had a year group of around 90 in our case.
For music DD didn't really flourish till she started working with Berkshire Maestros (who don't work with Indies). 2 grade 8s later and she got a music scholarship at the indie for 6th form - she absolutely would not have made this progress without Maestros.
No one at the grammar would have been satisfied with a clutch of 5Bs - there were an amazing number with 8+ grade 9s at GCSE.