Invicta grammar school

[day2263]

Any advice on Invicta Grammar school in Maidstone.
My daughter starts in September, she is so nervous as she will not know anybody.
She is getting the train and is so nervous. I have heard they are really pushy there, is this true.
Thank you in advance xxxxx

[228agreenend]

Invicta does have the more academic reputation of the two girls grammars in Maidstone, but I know several people who are happy there.

Most schools put on induction days when the pupils get to meet each other and teachers before starting in September. I'm sure Invicta does.

It's not uncommon for girls to,start Invicta and not know anyone. My son was in the same situation in his school and is fine. Schools are very aware of this situation also.

I think after the allocations come out, year 6's suddenly realise that the end of junior school is coming to an end, and they can start to feel nervous about the next step.

A lot of girls travel by train and it's a good opportunity item to make friends, from year 7 and above. It would be a good idea to have a couple of practice runs before she starts.

She's bound to feel nervous, but I'm sure will settle down well.

[LemonShizzleCake]

I went to Invicta back in the mists of the early 2000s and had a whale of a time (whilst still coming out with good grades!)

Can't comment on exactly what it's like now, but I did go back for a visit very recently (can't say why without outing myself) and it definitely seemed to still have a very similar atmosphere and philosophy. When I was there I did know a few girls from primary school, but made lots more friends very quickly. It is viewed as an "academic" school, but in my experience the focus was on us being well-rounded individuals rather than constantly "pushing" us for grades in any kind of detrimental way.

Agree with the PP who suggests a dry run on the train, and if possible buddying up with a local girl in an older year who can show your DD the ropes to start with

It's a big change from primary school, but she will love it! Good luck x

[day2263]

Thank you so much for your help, my daughter will be travelling from Borough Green, so it is 4 stops
We did do a dummy run last week on the train and she seemed OK.
It is so true, I think she is having a wobble, as she knows she is leaving school soon and her friends are going to different schools, I think it is a daunting time for all year 6 children.
I had a really good feel about the school and hopefully she will settling in quickly. Xx

[enyaheadress]

I am trying to decide on a house that lists Invicta Grammar and MGGS as close schools. My oldest daughter has passed the 11+ in London and should get in but my middle child gets learning support at primary. I was wondering how both or just Invicta handle children with interests in the arts (drama, drawing) and sports. Or their reputations with children needing SEN support. I can't find any direct info online. Peter Read's Kent advice blog is useful but any advice or info from parents/ex students would be much appreciated. We are moving from London and all VERY nervous.

[228agreenend]

we recently went around Invicta for six form. The arts department was very impressive, both in textiles and product design.

I can't really comment about sport or learning support as I don't know, but I imagine it has strategies in place to help people.

Have you looked around the schools yet?

Welcome to Kent. We live fairly close to where you are going to move to and love it here (moved 8'years ago). This area has the benefit of being near town (Maidstone, Bluewater, Lakeside, London) and the country (lots of lovely countryside around), plus is near the continent (tunnel is an hour's drive away).

[PettsWoodParadise]

Enyaheadress will your move then involve an in year application if your eldest passed 11 plus in another region? Kent as I know it will accept in year applications if there are spaces but will often require you to sit an age appropriate test. They also have long waiting lists so check the oversubscription criteria as sometimes being very close to the school jumps you to the top of the waitlist.

Day2622 - I think most going to a grammar will be the only one or a small handful from their school. A boys grammar near us, St Olaves only takes 124 but one year they had an intake from over 90 different schools! That is slightly extreme as their catchment is very wide but a similar principle applies to most grammars.

Good luck

[PettsWoodParadise]

Sorry day2263 for calling you day2622

[enyaheadress]

Thanks, 228agreenend! We haven't moved yet but I am hopeful it all comes together.

[enyaheadress]

Yes, pettswoodparadise. We are using an in year application. Hoping to go to see them next week. Mggs says she can take a test.