Which Grammar School for sixth form?

[Esmi123]

My son has been offered a place for sixth form at Sir William Borlase, Chesham Grammar School and at Burnham Grammar School. He absolutely loved his taster days at Sir William Bolase and really wants to go there, however, they also have the highest entrance requirements. He says the kids he met at Borlase were very nice and he has already made friends there. The worry is if he does not get into Borlase because entrance requirements are the highest. He says that when he went to the induction days for Chesham and Burnham he did not like it as much, he says the kids were not as nice and even a bit "snooty" at Chesham, which I found surprising as this is not the impression I got on the open evening. He is even saying that if he does not get into Borlase he wants to stay at his current school which is Chalfont Community. We as parents feel that passing up on a chance to go to one of the Grammars he may regret later on. Is there any advice on which school is better between Chesham Grammar or Burnham Grammar not so much from an academic point of view more concerning the general "friendliness" of the students and helpfulness of teachers. Any answers would be most appreciated. Thank you

[ReservoirDogs]

There will be friendly and unfriendly kids in both. A taster day is often not long enough for them to seek out the like-minded people and I am sure he will find his "group" at either.

I wouldn't worry too much about this (my DH did when my son changed schools but he has a lovely group of friends and found them I would say after the first term).

[Esmi123]

Thanks for getting back to me ReservoirDogs. I am pretty sure that he will find a nice group of friends but he is worried because he did not instantly click with anyone from Chesham or Burnham whereas he did with the kids from Borlase. Have you or anyone else out there heard anything with regards to how friendly or not the kids from these schools are. Thank you.

[underneaththeash]

Borlase is the best school by far, followed by Chesham and Burnham. They have friendly and unfriendly children like any other schools and there will be like-minded children at them all. They are just good state schools, so I think the "snooty" label is completely unfounded.

What is the transport like from where you are to the schools? That could rule one or other out.

I would also look at the A level results tables for all the schools and see how they compare for the subjects your son wishes to take at A level.

[MarchingFrogs]

As induction days for sixth form take place before GCSE results, there is no guarantee that the group of students who met on the day will be the same group who will be starting year 12 together in September. DD changed schools for sixth form and unfortunately found that those with whom she had 'gelled' at the induction had mainly either chosen to go elsewhere or had not met the entry requirements. Inevitable, really, just rather unfortunate, but she got on with it and made new friends, as you do.

[KittyMcKitty]

I have 2 children at Borlase (years 9 & 11) and they both love the school. It’s a very friendly school. The 6th form requires an average point score of 6.5 doesn’t it?

Good luck on Thursday.

[KittyMcKitty]

Chesham got v good A level results this year 75% A*-B which was v similar to SWBGS. Not sure about Burnham.

It’s a bit of a treck from tge Chalfonts to Marlow, I would make sure that wouldn’t become a pain for 2 years. Chesham and Burnham would, I imagine be easier journeys.

All 3 are great schools but equally your ds is obviously excelling where he is so I would let him choose which he feels is best fit for him. Grammars are not the be all and end all