darkmuseuk wrote:
Vicksteroo wrote:
I'm really curious as to why Ashlawn has such a higher AQS than LSS - we've viewed both several times, and I can't get over the fact that Ashlawn seems to be a comprehensive with a couple of classes of selective entry, which is negated further down the line as they no longer treat them any differently after the first couple of years. LSS on the other hand is single sex, much more old school in its approach and less vocational. I'm curious as to the reasons why so many choose Ashlawn (largely because we're still deliberating!

)
There could be many reasons. There could simply be fewer places available, its location in relation to applicants could be preferable or just the fact that "single sex, much more old school in its approach and less vocational" isn't necessarily (at all) a good thing. Horses for courses.
Location won't be a factor at all... as parents will die for a grammar place and you won't be surprised many parents will ask here how to get into 'X' school and travel time.
Less number of seats is also not conclusive, as if this was the case, these students must have tried LSS and then a lower AQS below the AQS of LSS. Or in another words, these students must have definetely got into LSS if they wish to do so.
I reason would be Ashlawn Grammar was not known to many parents in earlier years. Hence there were students who couldn't get into LSS but got into Ashlawn. Their siblings were studying in LSS. They got a chance to compare both schools honestly and some of them (not all) lean towards Ashlawn. Obviously they are the only people who can make a statement of comparison about these schools.
Needless to say, when you get a unbiased opinion, you tends to follow it.
I believe, next 3-4 years, Ashlawn will be have a jump in AQS ( with the limited no of seats available) and will stabilise.