Watford Grammar v private schools

[SHIVANJALI]

Does anyone have any experience of Watford Grammar and how it compares to any of the local private schools such as Royal Masonic or Northwood College or Haberdashers ? We have been told our DD is bright and very able but she is quite shy and does lack confidence and isn't the most motivated of learners probably because she does not have to try too hard. She does what she has to do and does it well but does not necessarily want to do anymore. Being clever but lazy is probably the worst combination. She is currently at 'outstanding' state primary where she has done very well but are now thinking about secondary school and life beyond that. We are considering private education and like the Royal Masonic due to its ethos and broad intake/curriculum but have no experience of any of these schools. She will do well academically wherever she goes but we are looking for somewhere that will give her more than just a good set of results.

[shivanjali]

Advice needed, is anyone out there who can help ?

[Sportsmum]

No experience of the WGGS only the boys - however, speaking to a number of senior school teachers, they have said there is very little difference in the curriculum offered by the schools. To be honest the results at the girls's school are every bit as good as RMS and NC, however, the intake of students is different - as there are those students who are at WGGS because of where they live and are not necessarily as academic as the others.

You need to have a look at all 3 schools and try and do so when the school is in action and not being "staged". The only advice I can really give you is to go with which ever school gives you the right vibes. With some schools you just "know".

Good luck!

[shivanjali]

Thanks for the info Sportsmum.

RMS happy for me go visit, WG don't 'do' visits outside normal open day. I will do some more searching....I can't believe how difficult it is to get an opinion on schools. I suppose this is because as you rightly say, it is based on a feeling or just 'knowing'.

[mrsmbuble]

Just wanted to know if anyone knows anything about these schools - thanks.

[weblette]

We loved RMS - dd had a place there but will go to the very good and much more local grammar instead.

Several of her friends will start Yr 7 in September, we know several people with much older girls who rave about it. Lovely ethos, really gives them a chance to find their strengths in and out of the curriculum.

[southeastastra]

well vanessa feltz went to habs and ginger spice went to watford grammar

[mrsmbuble]

Thanks Weblette. Was there any particular reason/s that made you go for the grammar (assuming this is the one in WD) apart from the obvious financial one ? And also results seem to be better at the Grammar ?

[alemci]

I know of these schools. They are all very good. I think she would be happy at watford grammar if fees are a problem

Northwood College is excellent too and the staff are very caring.

[mrsmbuble]

We have not had experience of private schools to date, she has done well at state school up to now but we would be able to manage the fees, never felt the need to go down private route yet. But given the good choice of state secondaries in watford/rickmansworth area, not sure whether we should stick with this or give independent route a go with the obvious benefit of smaller classes and more individual attention, which would help her get the good gcse and a level results she would need if she wanted to go on to university.

[mrsmbuble]

alemci do you have personal experience of these schools and which ones ? thanks

[weblette]

We're in Bucks so DCHS is catchment and a v short bus ride away. We also have 3 other DCs to think of so alas financial was a huge factor.

[mrsmbuble]

That is totally understandable, it wouldn't be an option if we had more than the two dcs we have.

Just been looking at the admissions criteria for WG and it appears that about 45 places are allocated by test and the remaining 135 based on distance, siblings and music, plus they have a designated admission area outside of which they recommend not applying because they have so many applicants from within the admission area. So with a 25% intake based on academic ability, the results are impressive.

[alemci]

yes but you would have to pm me.