Churston or Torquay Girls Grammar?

[Cyclebird]

Hi, I'm new here but looking for some advice. My daughter received her 11+ results yesterday and now we need to choose between Churston and TGGS. We have a list of pros and cons for both, and it's looking very balanced, so I'm looking for any constructive advice or experience about these two schools. Thank you!

[Lemon05]

Hi, I'm also new here. Only joined because I am looking for the same advice! We are in exactly the same position as you. Obviously, I am over the moon with this week's results (still can't quite believe it!) but now which to choose???

[Cyclebird]

Hi Lemon05 - congratulations to your daughter. Where did she sit it? Our DD sat it at TGGS. But both schools have a lot going for them. Let's hope someone sees our pleas for help!

[smellylittleorange]

Hi both have you tried the search engines...just bumping this for you. Presume you visited both schools have looked at transport , gave options Tec and determined which you prefer if it came down to.coed or single sex? Good luck anyhow

[Lemon05]

Thanks for your replies Cyclebird & Smellylittleorange. My daughter sat it at Churston and we are probably leaning towards this as first choice for a few reasons. Firstly, we get the impression - from speaking to friends with experience of both - that the academic pressure isn't quite as intense as at TGGS (I could be wrong!). The fact that it is coed school could also suit her better. Thirdly, the majority of her friends who passed intend to put it as first choice. As far as transport goes, we live an equal distance from both schools. However, like you say, both schools have their merits. When I viewed TGGS I was struck by the incredible confidence of the girls attending! It definitely seems to bring something out in them. I just wish I could predict where she'd be happiest.

[Cyclebird]

Hi Lemon05 and smellylittleorange. We thought it would be TGGS (hence sitting it there) but when we visited Churston we all just liked the feel of it (perhaps not quite so "hot-housey" - also your impression Lemon05). It will be a longer day for her though at Churston as we live closer to TGGS and she has friends going to TGGS who we could share lifts with. I think she likes Churston because it's different - I can't decide if that's a good reason? Also likes co-ed, the sixth form block, the library, lunch space, swimming pool and thought the teachers were nicer (think she had a slightly scary one when sitting the exams at TGGS!) But at TGGS liked the science labs, food tech, gym, astroturf. Churston will curtail her after school activities a bit as she won't be home in time for some things, but then they will perhaps naturally curtail a bit as she's starting secondary school and will have more homework etc. Like you Lemon05, I wish I knew which would suit her best.

[Cyclebird]

And I've read countless threads and opinions on single sex v Co-Ed and still confused!

[Lemon05]

Hi Cyclebird. Sorry for my delayed reply. I was just wondering what choices you went for in the end? We put Churston as first & TGGS as second. Still fretting as to whether that was the right thing but hey ho. Still a long wait to March now!

[Cyclebird]

Hi. We did the same. DD was very sure. So now we wait......

[Lemon05]

Great! Hopefully we'll meet you there! 😄