Bennett Memorial and other non GS's

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Villagedad
Posts: 526
Joined: Tue Dec 23, 2008 5:22 pm
Location: Tonbridge & Tunbridge Wells

Bennett Memorial and other non GS's

Post by Villagedad »

Hi

Does anyone know much about Bennett Memorial Church of England school in terms of what it's like academically and success rates (at GCSE, A-level etc), and is anyone considering it as a choice if they don't achieve a GS place for their DC...?

I hear the admissions criteria is quite tough there.

It would be interesting to know other non GS's people are considering in the Tonbridge / Tunbridge Wells area, and what they are like.

Cheers
Villagedad
travelling man
Posts: 21
Joined: Tue Oct 21, 2008 7:42 pm
Location: Tunbridge Wells

Post by travelling man »

Bennett is a good school - you can check their results on line at dcfs.gov.uk as for any school. Some time ago I saw a table of added value (ie leavers scores - entry scores) which had Bennett near the top.

I would definitely consider it as long as you are a christian who regularly goes to church, which is the main selection criterion. By regular they mean 2-3 times a month.
tired_dad_2008
Posts: 96
Joined: Mon Jun 09, 2008 9:24 am

Post by tired_dad_2008 »

From our open evening there, I thought Bennett was really excellent for all standards of pupil. It has quite radical streaming in many subjects to allow the brighter kids to be pushed ahead and those who are struggling to go at an appropriate pace. It has a caring, respectful and disciplined ethos - based on Christian values. As travelling man says, they do very well in those value-added league tables - better than the super-selectives, in fact.

But you won't get your child in unless you can demonstrate, with references from a vicar/priest, that you are a regular and active member of a church congregation.
Villagedad
Posts: 526
Joined: Tue Dec 23, 2008 5:22 pm
Location: Tonbridge & Tunbridge Wells

Post by Villagedad »

Thanks for the feedback and glad to hear that Bennett has such a good reputation with good results.

Villagedad
kentmum1
Posts: 232
Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2007 3:58 pm

Post by kentmum1 »

We have been allocated Bennett today and thrilled. Son No.1 is at a grammar but we equally like Bennett for Son No.2. It is a great alternative to the grammar, especially with streaming and fast-tracking for the more able. I also liked the fact that they now have a language specialism and will give able language students latin in Y7, alongside French and German. However, I'm don't think my son is going to fall into that category. He goes to a church school now and 8 out of the 15 Y6 pupils all wanted Bennett.
shuff
Posts: 205
Joined: Thu Apr 17, 2008 1:54 pm

Post by shuff »

Congratulations Kentmum1 glad you are happy with Bennett, my nieces both went there and thoroughly enjoyed it, did well academically too!
It's a long wait until the post arrives tomorrow, wish I had done it all on line.
kentmum1
Posts: 232
Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2007 3:58 pm

Post by kentmum1 »

Thanks Shuff! Looks like you are going to be ok tomorrow, with Skinners, which is an excellent school, even if you do have to try and appeal for Judd. Son No.2 would have loved the whole CCF thing but was not suited academically. Son No.1's best friend goes there and loves it. Looks like the cut-off is around 405.
medwaymum
Posts: 827
Joined: Sun Nov 04, 2007 6:45 pm
Location: Medway & Kent

Post by medwaymum »

Congrats Kentmum1 with receiving your choice of allocation!! :) :) :)
Villagedad
Posts: 526
Joined: Tue Dec 23, 2008 5:22 pm
Location: Tonbridge & Tunbridge Wells

Post by Villagedad »

kentmum1 wrote:We have been allocated Bennett today and thrilled. Son No.1 is at a grammar but we equally like Bennett for Son No.2. It is a great alternative to the grammar, especially with streaming and fast-tracking for the more able. I also liked the fact that they now have a language specialism and will give able language students latin in Y7, alongside French and German. However, I'm don't think my son is going to fall into that category. He goes to a church school now and 8 out of the 15 Y6 pupils all wanted Bennett.
Well done kentmum1, our neighbours children all go there (we are in Bidborough) and rave about it !

Are the admissions criteria re church attendance tough? We are church goers and attend roughtly twice per month..

We will definately be thinking about Bennett for ours nearer the time.

Best
Villagedad
kentmum1
Posts: 232
Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2007 3:58 pm

Post by kentmum1 »

Many thanks Villagedad! It does seem that the entrance criteria has been tough as usual. Only 4/8 of our class has been successful with this school. However, we were a strong category B (3-4 times a month) and live within a couple of miles of the school. Son would have loved to join his brother at TWGSB but we all feel this is an excellent alternative and one he is much better suited to. I am sure where you live, will be fine for TWGSB, if that is going to be one of your choices.
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