oldham hulme Grammar

[22Mya]

I am starting to seriously think about secondary schools for DS currently in Yr 4. We would like him to tke the grammar school exams. We live in Heywood so not local to any state grammar schools. Cannot decide whether to move house to Trafford/Sale /Altrincham with the hope of getting into a local grammar. DS quite bright so am hopeful.
Also considering independent Oldham Hulme Grammar as we would ideally prefer co-ed. Can probably afford private for one DS but will struggle when the second one joins 2 years after.
Any information about Oldham Hulme Grammar and how it compares to the other grammar schools, is it worth the fees? ( or other local options would be welcome)

[Myredcardigan]

I have a friend who also lived in Heywood who sent her son there and was very happy with it. This was 15yrs ago though. She did opt to send her daughter to Bury though as she felt it was a better school but she wanted her son to be in a co-ed environment. There are co-ed grammars in Trafford though. Stretford and Urmston I think. Not as sought after as the altri grammars though. I didn't like Altrincham boys when I visited as I found it harsh. But again this was quite s few years ago as we no longer live in the area.
Sorry, not much help.

[HPFA]

I went there thirty years ago (eek) - didn't realise it had gone co-ed!! There used to be a locked door between the two schools -referred to as the Iron Curtain.
It was not a great school when I went there but obviously that has no relevance now.
I did check out the local schools from a statistics view and Middleton Technology stood out.I have a weird interest in education statistics and they are genuinely impressive. Their results bear comparison to very popular schools in Oxfordshire (where I now live) which have much more advantaged intakes. Obviously statistics don't tell you everything about a school but it would certainly seem worth having a look.
Moving from Heywood to Trafford would involve quite a jump in house prices but presumably you've taken that into account. Mumsnet tells me that Wellington School is a fabulous non-selective in Trafford- perhaps move into their catchment so you have a good fallback option if things go wrong with the 11+. Have checked their statistics and am gobsmacked to be honest -seriously good!

I had a wonderful six months working in Heywood Library many years ago - happy days.

[Wriggle45]

Lol.... Was just going to post I went there 30 years ago.... Although I would have said it was pretty good.... We had fair number of Oxbridge places and I went to IC. Clearly I'm no help either for current feedback as I live in Surrey.

[HPFA]

Hey Wriggle why don't you PM me -maybe we know each other! Although possibly not if you were on the Boys side!! I thought the quality of teaching was very variable - I went to Oxford probably due to a great history teacher but some of it was dreadful.

[MarthaMonkeynuts]

Have you considered Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar? Non fee paying, co-ed....

[22Mya]

Interesting that you were both there at the same time and have very different opinions. If I may ask, what did you like/ not like.
I am particular about level of discipline and academic achievements particularly with Sciences. I know it's been a whole generation ago.
Don't want to have to get a much bigger mortgage and still not get into a grammar school.
Don't mean to be too fussy not looking outside grammar or private but I am from quite an academic background and would really want my DSs to get good university education. I believe these schools encourage this.

[22Mya]

MartgaMonkeynuts.
Thanks, I will definitely be considering Bacup and Rawtenstall if we end up not moving but their admission criteria clearly states preference for children in Bacup, Rossendale, Haslingden and Rawtenstall.
I think I will be extremely nervous about leaving things to chance / fingers crossed till the last minute hence planning for private.

[HPFA]

I felt that a few of the teachers were relying on the fact that we were bright girls who would do well anyway. Interestingly our worst insult for a poor teacher was "wouldn't last five minutes in a comp." I do think teaching was of much more variable quality in all types of schools back in the eighties - the very worst just don't survive in state or private now. However even in the worst lessons there wasn't too much disturbance - I tended just to daydream or pass notes around!

I think if you were to ask Mumsnet or the eleven plus forum whether you should move for grammar schools the universal answer would be "not unless you're happy with the alternative". Even if both your kids are bright they might have an off day or sadly, there may be outside problems that derail them at the wrong time like bullying.Do you think the non-grammar options in Trafford are better than what you would have if you stayed?

If you think yes then I would move. Because you'll never get the school fees back but either you or your children will eventually get the house price back.

[Lucyccfc]

My friends daughter is at Oldham and has excelled there. Very supportive school and high standards is how she describes it. We went to visit last year and really liked it, but went for Stockport Grammar as they did pip on Oldham on a more rounded curriculum and higher academic standards. We found Oldham very friendly and down to earth.

Don't be fooled by the Co-ed. Girls and boys are taught separately and also have their lunch in different dining rooms

[22Mya]

Thanks for all the responses. I think we'd go and have a look round all the options for a start.

[MarthaMonkeynuts]

Sorry, just read your response. My friend in Rochdale had 1 child get in, and another not (went to Bury Grammar) - so it certainly could go either way!