Tiffin Boys & Girls - how much do they mix?

[sentimentality]

I'm thinking of putting Tiffin as second choice after our local outstanding (unfortunately very oversubscribed) comp because I'd prefer DS to go to a mixed school.

However, I've heard that Tiffin Boys and Girls do mix for some extra-curricular activity, and I'd like to hear more on that from Tiffin parents. Is it just a couple of annual school plays, and one or two after school clubs, or do they have some lessons and trips together too?

[HPparent]

Virtually none. DD in Sixth had some general studies lessons with the boys but it was one GS (not examined) lesson weekly over 2 terms I think. There was an awkward school disco organized by the PTA years ago but that's it.

[sentimentality]

Hmm, thanks HP. It's very offputting.

I went to a girls' school. We thought ourselves pretty sophisticated and looked down our noses at the nerdy types from the equivalent boys' school, with their underdeveloped social skills. They seemed immature compared to the boys at the mixed school in town. That prejudice against boys schools has stuck with me, and my DH, who went to a boys' school and hated it, is also against the idea of putting it as top choice, no matter how "desirable" Tiffin is otherwise.

I guess we'll take a view following the open evening.

[HPparent]

Yes indeed. DD thought the Tiffin boys were extremely silly and immature unfortunately.

[tess73]

there is no mixing. tiffin boys do more with KGS than with Tiffin girls as far as i am aware.

[ResponsibleAdult]

Tiffin, LEH, Hampton, Surbiton High ( except SHS, private coaches ) the pupils all mix on the school coaches and London Buses. They also meet at every party. They all have siblings in the London days schools. They all know each other well

Identify the nerdy / jock/ rower/ actor/ footy/ skier/ arty in your child and pick in your school accordingly.

I worked in two of the three above and all of those school will do everything to get the best of the skills of your child, not for school tables but a desire to get what was best for the pupils. Genuinely. Good luck

[tess73]

Really? Hampton & LEH share a private bus service. It's only KGS that mostly use public transport alongside with Tiffin.

[JetJungle]

DS, who is at Hampton, has no interaction with Tiffin pupils except for some of the boys on the sports field.

There is certainly daily interaction with the girls from LEH however it is all extra-curricular activity.

[sybilwibble]

Loads of local LEH & Hampton kids use the free, local public buses, with a ZIP card. Only kids coming from a bit further afield or difficult routes use the private coaches. As a parent, I insist on it! We'd be mad to pay for a local coach when our dcs can use Zip Cards for free.