any views on Hockerill Anglo-European College

[kris123]

Dear Mums,

We are thinking of sending our son to Hockerill Anglo-European College.

It has amazing reviews, it appears very good structured, good music schooo, international background, exchange programmes, IB, overall - it suits us very well....

... however it is a comprehensive school, and though it makes no difference especially if the school is very good, we also have (hopefully) options to send our son to the grammar schools (he already passed some pre application admissions tests - so we are kind of confident that he will get in). It could hence mean that we wasted a year of rat racing, schooling, extra lessons, past papers :), as at the end, by sending him to Hockerill, we would chose comprehensive over the grammar school.

What is however key, is that we make a right decision, and frankly... we are confused.

Please help with some good advice on this school, and your view on it vs grammar schools.

Many thanks,

Concerned Mum.

[webwiz]

Hockerill isn't very comprehensive though - its intake is well above average. I'm not sure how they manage to have such a skewed intake when they are supposed to be non selective other than a small percentage on language aptitude. I don't know much about it as a school though as hardly any local kids get in.

[kris123]

Thanks for your response. I agree with you.

Thanks to its intake it is the best comprehensive school in UK i think (or top 5).

But importantly, do you think that this school is at par, better or worse than grammar schools?

thanks, kris

[webwiz]

Sorry we aren't a grammar school area so no experience - just lucky enough to have very good secondaries.

[oshgosh]

Don't know HAEC but if it is like other State boarding schools that I know then it will be good, in an old-skool way.
Are the Grammars in the state sector i.e. free?

[kris123]

Yes. I am talking about the state grammar schools, free one, 100% selective.

Thanks, kris

[oshgosh]

And HAEC isn't free ...

Also, looking at the admissions, you cannot so easily guarantee a place. At a Grammar, you can say 'I passed the test, I demand my place'. HAEC's admission is more nebulous and so might trip you up. I think I would put a Grammar first on the Secondary Transfer Form with HAEC as a back-up.

[kris123]

Oshgosh, thanks for your view, so basically you would put grammar over HAEC - assuming of course you have a choice of both.

Thanks, kris

[oshgosh]

It is very difficult to comment because
I don't know the schools and their relative merits
don't know your DS and his strengths & weaknesses
don't know you, your finances, your transport situation, what sort of school you would like!!

If you really can't decide between two excellent schools (lucky you!) then put the Grammar first because it will save you £££££