Winchester Secondary Schools - Kings vs Westgate vs HB

[JivinMissDaisy]

Hello, we currently live in London and my DH may be about to accept a post in Jersey. We don't think we are Island people and reluctant to move so now considering a move to Winchester (I grew up in Chandlers Ford) so DH can commute via Southampton Airport on a weekly (not daily!) basis. When considering secondary school options for my DD (academic aged 11) and DS (good at sport aged 10) , am I right in thinking that any of the secondary school options are good? Have heard that Kings is rather grammar school in approach. Might be good for my DD but perhaps not DS.

[Odgehog]

Hello. I'd feel the same as you re Jersey. I worked out there for a time, and it's not for me. Very insular. If you are near the station the commute from train to airport will be fairly painless I think.

Re the secondary schools think they are both good. Kings is very academic Westagate more arty and liberal (new ofsted just come out and worth a read) Westgate has more value add, in that they do more with their disadvantaged kids whereas kings is very streamed.

[SailingWidow]

I've various friends that have kids in all 3 schools.

The main thing you have to watch out for is (I believe) that Kings streams and then sets within the stream, and it is very hard to move streams and the streams are very obvious in the class names. I wouldn't choose it for that reason.

All parents happy with their choice, but obviously chose different schools for different reasons.

And you are then very well set up for Peter Symonds for 6th form.

[JivinMissDaisy]

Many thanks for the advice - very helpful :-)