Bexley vs Chislehurst and Sidcup grammar

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mumof2bexley
Posts: 17
Joined: Mon Sep 09, 2013 2:50 pm

Bexley vs Chislehurst and Sidcup grammar

Post by mumof2bexley »

Having a difficult time deciding between Bexley grammar and Chislehurst and sidcup grammar. Any parents of children at either willing to share their views/experiences? Also why they may have chosen 1 school above the other?
We've visited both and liked both equally, so wondering which one to put 1st on CAF.
VanillaLatte
Posts: 63
Joined: Mon Feb 10, 2014 9:22 am

Re: Bexley vs Chislehurst and Sidcup grammar

Post by VanillaLatte »

If I were you I would consider what my DC is passionate about and which from both schools will be able to respond to their needs. Also read the ofstead report and weigh the weaknesses of both schools. I found out that Chis & Sid was on a 3rd place from the bexley schools this year, but unsure which are top and second.

Can't really help much as we will be applying next year.
mumof2bexley
Posts: 17
Joined: Mon Sep 09, 2013 2:50 pm

Re: Bexley vs Chislehurst and Sidcup grammar

Post by mumof2bexley »

Thank you for your reply and advice.
What do you mean Chis & Sid 3rd this year in Bexley? Do you mean on results/league tables?
My DD is interested in science and sport. She was impressed with the sports at Chis & Sid, but she got a more welcoming feel about Bexley Grammar.
Good luck for next year.
MerlinFromCamelot
Posts: 224
Joined: Wed Jul 03, 2013 10:21 am

Re: Bexley vs Chislehurst and Sidcup grammar

Post by MerlinFromCamelot »

I think it does not matter which of the Bexley GS you go for. They are all excellent schools. Also what does it matter if they are 2nd or 3rd in the league tables. There is usually only a few % in it and there is no way of knowing which one will come out on top when they are in year 11. A lot depends on the child but in all 4 GS they will have an opportunity to do very well for themselves.

If it were me I would go for Bexley GS if the child is passionate about studying languages otherwise I would choose Chis & Sid without a shadow of a doubt. It has good pastoral care and fantastic after school activities. Also worth bearing in mind that BGS will no longer offer a levels only ebac whilst Chis & Sid is mostly A levels although some students are doing ebac. It is of course possible to move on after GCSE but it is nice to stay on if you are happy with the school.

I have a DD in year 10 at C&S and can not fault it. DD2 is looking forward to join her in September.

Which ever one you choose I don't think you can go wrong. Both are lovely schools.

Happy choosing!
Last edited by MerlinFromCamelot on Tue Oct 21, 2014 2:49 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Mich895
Posts: 131
Joined: Thu Oct 11, 2012 6:55 pm

Re: Bexley vs Chislehurst and Sidcup grammar

Post by Mich895 »

My DD has just started in year 7 at Chis & Sids and is really enjoying it. We live closer to Bexley Grammar, which is walking distance, but she much preferred Chis & Sids when we looked round last year. It just depends on the child and I think it was the right choice for her.
christmasbonus
Posts: 118
Joined: Sun Mar 04, 2012 4:45 pm

Re: Bexley vs Chislehurst and Sidcup grammar

Post by christmasbonus »

I agree it depends on the child. My DD has just started at BGS and loves it, but DS was already there so she was already familiar with the school. DS is also still happy with his choice. Our original decision was based on the fact that BGS has a good selection of languages on offer, as this was important to us, and our DC.
teepee
Posts: 6
Joined: Wed Mar 03, 2010 8:50 pm

Re: Bexley vs Chislehurst and Sidcup grammar

Post by teepee »

My 3 D's have all gone through C&S . They have all done very well there. The pastural care is excellent and the teachers really seem to care about the students. The head is approachable and has a great rapour wirh the kids. I could not recommend it more highly. It has been a great school for my boys.
lefol
Posts: 382
Joined: Mon Oct 18, 2010 11:13 pm
Location: Bexleyheath

Re: Bexley vs Chislehurst and Sidcup grammar

Post by lefol »

As I have always said , I have a ds in Chis and Sid and I cannot fault it at all even if I search hard enough ! I have experience of the indie sector v grammar and chis and sid comes out tops. It was number 1 in Bexley last year although thats not important as the percentages vary depending on the cohort. Some parents will cut off their finger to get into either school so I will go for which one has ease of transport for your son or daughter . Communication is tops in chis and sid, I like the purple uniform and jumper and I know the class sizes are dramatically smaller in years 10 and 11 when they pick subjects . My younger one will be taking the 11 plus in a few years time and it is definitely top on the list above St Olaves for me !

All selective schools are good but the speed of replies from teachers at chis and sid when I raise any issue is just fantastic and I like Mr Perry's speeches too . I like the trips , I like school dinners as my ds loves them and I like the fact he gets a good mix of friends .
VanillaLatte
Posts: 63
Joined: Mon Feb 10, 2014 9:22 am

Re: Bexley vs Chislehurst and Sidcup grammar

Post by VanillaLatte »

All excellent feedback and helpful to be considered. Not too sure where Chis&Sid stand on 3rd place, but it was only 1% which I assume changes every year. I think it will be difficult for us to chose as well if we get accepted next year. I will cut my finger as well to have my son there !

I think you already lucky that you have to pick up. A bit off topic but we are looking for a house in the next 6 months and there are not many affordable options on the market. If not in the catchment DS has to have selective results to get in! Is there anyone living in New Eltham and how this reflects on catchments etc. We are looking around boarder with Chislehurst.
Filitosa96
Posts: 44
Joined: Thu May 24, 2012 4:36 pm

Re: Bexley vs Chislehurst and Sidcup grammar

Post by Filitosa96 »

If your child is properly sporty (plays a team sport at club level outside school, for example), then BGS might be a bit of a disappointment in that it doesn't tend to do so well in team fixtures etc.
In every single other respect we preferred BGS and our dd is also in Y7 <waves to Christmasbonus> and also loving secondary school. The school offers a great choice of languages, has a really committed Classics provision and the pastoral support has been absolutely outstanding (dd has needed a fair bit of it for various reasons).
We love the Music and Drama provision too, which is really excellent for a non-specialist school.
You have to go with your gut feeling in the end - both schools are popular and full of children who chose to go there. Good luck!
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