Chis & Sid or Dartford Grammar for Boys

[pwarden]

Does anyone have any views on the above 2 schools.

We like them both but are unable to decide.

Any experiences would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Bexley Mum 2]

If you really can't decide then do what others have suggested and go for the one which is closest/has the easiest journey. Don't underestimate how tiring a difficult journey can be - especially for a year 7 child. When it's cold, dark and raining and you have a heavy bag, sports kit and perhaps a musical instrument with you, you don't want to be struggling with the journey as well.

DG is more selective so if my son was a borderline pass I'd go for Chis & Sids. Though having said that, I'd probably go for C&S even if he was a top scorer as, while I've no direct experience, it's always seemed to me to be a lovely school. Is he sporty? Does he/you have any views on mixed/single sex schools? Any friends going to either school?

When I couldn't decide between schools I drew up a list of what was important - length/ease of journey, school start time (to fit in with taking younger children), which sports they did, what their specialisms were, ofsted/league tables etc etc and gave each school a score in each category. Interestingly though, I then redid the figures so that I ended up with the school I must have known all along was best for my eldest!

[pwarden]

Thanks for the advice.

He scored 415 in the kent test and 230 in Bexley, so passed quite well.

He is very sporty, but Football is his main sport, which neither do. He is not worried about going with friends as he is very out going and confident.

Both journeys are straight forward, with Dartford actually being closer but would take the same time due to the transport used.

I suppose if his sister should pass in 2 years time then that would help her being at C & S.

Would you agree that C & S would give a more rounded person ?

Thanks again for your reply

[Bexley Mum 2]

I couldn't possibly comment I'm afraid as I don't know your son. So much depends on the type of boy he is and what environment would bring out the best in him. For example, I was very sure that my DS1 would fare better in a single sex school but wasn't sure it was the right thing for DS2 as they are such different personalities. When it came to it DS2 had no choice as he wouldn't have got into any other gs on distance. He seems quite happy however, and I'm sure your son will be happy at either school.

Doesn't your son have any views?

[pwarden]

We are all unsure on the two.

I am edging towards C&S we always wanted this one, but thought we would let the scores help decide to.

It is only because he scored so well in the Kent test which made us more confused.

I think it is time to go with the gut instinct, these would be my 1st and 2nd choices so am very grateful I am in a position to be able to pick and choose.

However all the grammars are very good schools.

Thanks again.

[Lalaloon]

Having seen both schools this week, I would favour C&S. When DS1 looked at schools I would have chosen Dartford but seeing others struggle to get university places with IB qualifications I would chose C&S.

[pwarden]

Thanks for your advise

We have made our choices and pushed the final button

[inspired2win]

Does anyone know if Chis and Sid require the boys to play Ruby?

Thanks

[pwarden]

From what I understand they all play it up til christmas and then they select teams

[inspired2win]

Thanks pwarden, much apprecaited.