Reigate Grammar school vs Woldingham

[WishIhadMagic]

Really could use some help.

We have visited both the schools and they both look great. I am struggling with the fact of co-ed vs all girls school. To be honest, my first preference was Co-ed because my DD currently goes to a mixed school. But I heard and read lots of reviews about same sex schools which say that studies have proven that girls and boys fare better in same sex school. And I really liked Woldingham school (a bit more than RGS even).
So now the choice really comes between Co-ed or All girls. Could you please share your experiences as I have more visits lined up for both category.

[Bucatini]

I went to an all girls school and had a great experience there. But my DD is now at a mixed school and also having an excellent experience. Sorry that's not very helpful! What does your DD think?

[AuntImmortelle]

Studies show that girls do better in all girl learning environments (but boys generally do better in co-ed).

Choose schools based on your child and their particular interests. Consider the daily commute to school (presuming you're not thinking of boarding?) - do not underestimate this.


www.agsa.org.au/why-a-girls-school-the-research/research-shows-girls-benefit-from-single-sex-environments/

[WishIhadMagic]

@Bucatini my DD thinks Coed is better as she does not have any experience of All Girls school. I noticed that girls at Coed are more aware about make up and Hair do. Its not a wrong thing but my DD is extremely simple and I am worried that she might end up focusing on all this because of peer pressure. Or may be I am overthinking. Let me know what you think.

@AuntImmortelle : Both the schools have excellent Arts and Science section which are important for my DD. Yes we are thinking of day school option. Also we don't live in UK currently and are planning to move next year. So in terms of location, they are both same.

[LIZS]

Is budget a consideration as fees at W are vastly more expensive and it appeals to a different demographic with a mixture of boarding and day. Also far more cosmopolitan and international feel. RGS is much more of a traditional local independent school working hard to attract pupils from less advantaged backgrounds and state schools although majority come from their prep schools and other local independents. How old is your dd?

[WishIhadMagic]

@LIZS My dd is 10 years old and we are looking at Year 7 in 2020.

[LIZS]

So she would need to pass the entrance exam yet?

[GoldenRuby]

The entrance exam for Woldingham is in a few weeks. My DD is in Y11 there, and loves the school, so feel free to message me with any specific questions. DD is a day pupil, and gets to school via one of the many school minibus routes. Lots of girls come in on the train from Clapham/Victoria, which definitely creates a different dynamic to RGS.

[LIZS]

Does Woldingham still do a sleepover weekend for prospective pupils?

[GoldenRuby]

Yes it does, i think it has already happened though for prospective 2020 entrants.

[ShiatsuMummy]

Hi GoldenRuby
Our DD got an offer from Waldingham and is currently sitting exams for JAGS, Wimbledon and Alleyn’s. Her and our preference is Woldingham but we are worried that school’s ethos and focus will change with a new head. Do current parents have similar concerns? Have you had any update on who may take over? I do hope it will be announced before we have to accept a place.

[GoldenRuby]

@ShiatsuMummy I don't think we will know until March time who will be taking over. The school have appointed headhunters. Of course there is always some concern when a head leaves that this will change the ethos, but I think the Governors are very clear on what the Woldingham experience is and I don't think they will be looking for a radical departure in outlook. My DD is in Y11 and I have heard of very few girls looking to leave to go elsewhere for sixth form.