I have a DS in Y10 at QE and have been reading threads on this and the Independent forums but haven't commented as I can't be bothered with yet another cyber battle, but here goes.
DS is very happy at the school. He participates in lots of sports and other extra-curricular. He gets his academic work done to the required standard but doesn't worry too much about being in the top sets. He's there in some subjects and not others but this is perfectly fine for our family.
The school works to establish the rules in the first few weeks of Y7 and this may seem daunting to boys who have come from very relaxed primaries, as DS did, but they take a more relaxed approach after they know that a framework is established. The advantage of this is that disruption in classes is minimised and supports the whole learning environment.
DS has a very good rapport with many of the teachers and there is a lot of mutual respect. He has recently encountered one teacher who he finds less than ideal but has quickly learnt to deal with this character and we see this as a valuable learning experience.
The current policy of the school is that boys have to reach threshold percentage marks in internal tests in order to do triple science GCSE (boys below the threshold do double science) and to be made offers of A level subjects that they may study. Nearly all school have "minimum entry requirements", though these are usually from public examinations.
I have been told since the start of Y7, and before, that a dark shadow will imminently be cast on my son and he will start to feel unhappy at the school. Well it hasn't happened and he is still "having the time of his life". Something I wrote back at the start of Y7.
Okay. As nothing positive may be written about QE, now let's wait for the barrage of criticism from parents who don't actually have a boy at the school and an eventual lock down of the thread.
Yes. It would be lovely if this thread only contains discussions from parents at one of the schools in question and doesn’t descend into the usual arguments. If the OP has more questions about either School, then the best thing would be for those parents with DCs at either School to answer, not someone who has no connection (other than what has been read on here).
Thanks - moderator.