Is Wilson's School a good school?

I don't know about Wilson's, but know 2 boys currently in year 7 at SGS, both are enjoying it having come from very different backgrounds (one was homeschooled until this year).

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Hi Everyone,

this is an old thread but I was wondering if those of you who have children at Wilson were still happy with the school. any updates ?
generally interested in SGS and WCGS, need to fill the CAF. we have only visited Wilson unfortunately !

thanks

I'm not sure you can put it down to the school necessarily. I think many of the grammar school children are just as 'naice' as their public school counterparts. Possibly not as confident..... Some of the issues are as much to do with parenting as the schools the children attend!

No I am sorry I will judge , if you want the Right "mix" and cravat twirling lessons go private

There is no point judging each other by what we want..each one of us has our own view point about want they would like from a school..Lets not take it personally please..No offence to anyone in particular..

There is a Swiss finishing school for men if that's what your after.....couldn't possibly mix with south London boys!!

Teach only RP, ballroom and etiquette . Good grief!

Thanks a lot!!! That's useful. Will check them out.

Like I said, we thought Wilsons was a fantastic school where DS would receive an outstanding academic education and be with likeminded boys. From your question Nups and your post in the other thread, I suspect you're looking for a profile that would fit some private schools like Trinity and Whitgift in the vicinity of Wilsons which offer very generous bursaries and scholarships. So maybe check them out.

Have a question on Wilson's environment. How does it compare with some other grammar/private schools in terms of – smartness of the boys, their polished speaking and general get up. Are they suave enough like the boys from some of the private schools? Do they become smart enough to make captivating public presentations?

Have a question on Wilson's environment. How does it compare with some other grammar/private schools in terms of – smartness of the boys, their polished speaking and general get up. Are they suave enough like the boys from some of the private schools? Do they become smart enough to make captivating public presentations?

Great post lady luck , totally agree , but cannot afford private methinks

EyesWideClosed, Wilson's is a fantastic school. We visited Tiffin, Sutton and Wallington and Wilson's was the only grammar school we all fell in love with! DS got offered a place last year but also a scholarship and bursary offer from an indi. We chose the indi but would've been super happy if he had gone to Wilson's. We chose the indi for some of the reasons Ladymuck mentions but not all. Ultimately, for DS, it was the amount of music that tipped the balance. Now that he is at the indi, I am impressed by the atmosphere, the studiousness, the discipline, the extracurriculars, the pastoral care, etc and we are very happy with our decision.

That would be nice...but not necessary simple!

Wilsons are introducing an extra class next year, and consulted on a proposal that the new class would be for girls with a view to going co-ed. The consultation was met very negatively indeed, and the governors have recommitted to boys only.

I think that it is more likely that Trinity would make the move to go co-ed at some point, but publicly Mark Bishop remains committed to single sex. I don't know about whether he'd go for some sort of streamed structure, thereby allowing boys and girls to learn some subjects separately. Unfortunately I'm not sure that it will happen in the period where my family can take advantage of it.

Also, any truth in the rumour that Wilson's is going co-ed shortly? Also heard the same rumour for Trinity school (it's already gone co-ed in the Sixth-form). Can anyone shed any light?

Gosh! Thanks for that prompt and detailed response Ladymuck. There is much food for thought there. You have clearly given it much consideration. Take it you will also be doing the indies in Jan?

All HMC schools are committed to a (non means tested) scholarship limit of 50%, but obviously bursaries can top that up to more.

Most of the grammars we have visited, including Wilsons and Judd are clearly exceptional schools.

I'm not sure that I could come up with a ranked order of reasons, and there certainly isn't one single reason, but here are some:-

1. in comparison with the grammars there is a wider ability range of children. Someone has to be in the bottom set. In a grammar school these tend to be boys who have always been in the top set in their primaries. In independent schools they are often children who have been selected because they have other talents (usually but not exclusively sporting ones ), so even if they are bottom of the bottom set, their other talents are celebrated.

2. There are more teachers per pupil, and teachers are selected not just because of their ability to teach one subject, but what they are able to bring to the school community as a whole. They're allowed and encouraged to be passionate about anything. They tend to be interesting people. The boring ones tend to move on more quickly.

3. Facilities. Whatever your passion is, whether sport, music, art or drama, some independent schools have great facilities. I'd love to say it doesn't matter, but it can make a difference.

4. Access to staff. I can contact any member of staff and expect to get a response fairly quickly. I am treated as a partner in my son's education. I certainly don't feel that I get fobbed off. I feel that my view is heard.

5. Access to other parents. You are buying into a community with plenty of contacts, if you want to. There is an incredible range of wealth and situations. Most people want similar opportunities for their children. Obviously a grammar school will have this as well, but I think it is more of a basic expectation in an indie.

6. Not tied to national curriculum or other random Government interventions or targets. Can opt out of league tables, and by so doing allow children to take exams etc when it is best for the child, not the school.

7. Proper higher education and careers advice.

8. Usually smaller class sizes.

9. Exam results aren't everything. They're not even the main thing. Yes, you need grades to get to the next stage, but not grades for grades sake. You're a success if you go on stage or become an artist or musician, and not seen as someone who didn't study hard enough to be a doctor or solicitor.

10. Possibly unique to us, but I haven't come across any co-ed grammar schools locally (other than some letting in a few girls at 6th form). Co-ed and decent drama was important for one child which will pretty much keep us in the independent sector.

It's a list asking to be shot down, and no doubt I've missed things off. Ultimately it is a personal decision, if you can afford it. Many can and choose not to.

Another open question: if you were offered a bursary/scholarship from an indie (of say 50% or more) would you chose that over a grammar? And why?

hi dibbleofficer, Wilson's is a great school, very boyish and sporty from what I've seen. they have started to play rugby there recently too but i dont know how its progressing. its true wcgs do rugby at a higher level ATM but I would be inclined to play for a club outside school as apart from the A team there doesn't seem to be the same depth of talent you may see at tiffins or graveney for example. (no my son doesn't go there but some of his friends do)

Thanks ladyluck

And DD= Dear Daughter, DS = Dear Son.

Would second the fact that rugby is big at WCGS but not at Wilsons. When I looked at it a couple of year s back the boys only did 6 weeks of rugby (in total) and then those interested might put a team together. Nothing like the serious fixture list at WCGS who play against Whitgift, Dulwich etc.

Ok , my fella has done really well . Passed Wilson's and Wallington Grammars and got a possible at St Olaves. The CAF is looming and he needs to make a decision on order of prefeference. We are tempted to go Wisons / St Os top 2 , not sure of order. Wallington 3 , SGS 4.

We live in Forest Hill and travel is a variable , Wilson's seems to be the most convenient journey from Honor Oak Park station. Other variables are also results ( all excellent) , pastoral and big one sport , because DD is sports mad and talented. He is a rugby nut. Does anyone have any thoughts especially SE23 residents with kids at Sutton Grammar schools. Many thanks