School 1
Single sex boys’ comprehensive.
Former grammar school with excellent local reputation until a controversy in the school early this year which triggered an Ofsted report that came back as inadequate (previously Outstanding) identifying issues linked to safeguarding and pastoral care – still has huge local support and the school seems to be having a very positive, proactive response to the Ofsted.
Reputation for being academic and extremely sporty.
Setting in most subjects from start of Yr 7 (based on SATs and CAT testing).
Masses of amazing extra-curricular stuff.
Ten minutes’ walk from our house.
Links to DD’s girls' school including co-ordinated term dates which really appeals especially as they finish early in the summer!
School 2
Mixed comprehensive.
Ofsted Good.
Reputation for having a caring, inclusive, holistic ethos, but academic results are also strong. Some issues with bullying in the past according to local rumours but seems to be less so now. I really liked the open evening, which talked a lot about seeing each child as an individual, personal best etc. It feels a bit scruffy but welcoming. A lot of people I know are a bit snobby about it but I also have several friends who are very happy with it.
Mixed ability sets for everything until Year 9.
Five min walk plus 20 minute bus ride from our house, limited buses on return journey so it would make after-school clubs a bit of a pain.
DS is very bright, strong in maths and literacy, particularly good at writing, and absolutely loves to learn. He is a creative, gentle, thoughtful boy, always drawing and loves music and dancing. Not at all keen on sports although will have a go at cricket. He’s got a strong group of friends at primary school but there have been tendencies in the past for him to be the one left out because he’s a little bit different.
I think that school 1 would suit him academically as he would most likely be in the top sets, there’s a culture of it being cool to learn and he would enjoy many of the extra-curricular opportunities (he was swayed by the Warhammer club at the open evening!) However, I am worried about him not fitting in in a very masculine atmosphere, and having to fit a mould. There’s a lot of talk of ‘We know how boys learn…’ ‘We know that boys love books with facts…’ 'We know that boys like to run around...' etc etc which feels a bit like a one size fits all approach and doesn't seem to apply to my boy!
I like the individuality of school 2 and could see him being very happy there. He is very self-motivated and I wonder if having a bit less pressure would serve him well. However, I know that mixed sets are sometimes not so good for very able children. I’ve heard of kids being teased for being ‘geeky’ because they want to work hard etc.
Urrgh! I realise we are so lucky to have a realistic choice of two good schools but it’s so hard to choose!!
Sorry for such a massive post! I'd really welcome any opinions.
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Which school would you choose?!
48 replies
BooksintheBath · 01/10/2018 14:32
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