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Original poster

Hampshire 6th Form colleges (esp PS, BP & Brock)

27 replies

TeenAndTween · 11/10/2013 12:07

We are starting to look at 6th form colleges for year 10 DD1. She is more of a B grade student than an A grade, but tries hard.

What do you look for apart from the subjects/results?
How do you know if the spin on pastoral care is spin or reality?

Does anyone have any views on Peter Symmonds, Barton Peveril or Brock?

Especially, but not limited to:
PS: Is it very high pressured? How do they stop students getting 'lost' within the vast numbers?
Brock: What is special that would make it worth travelling to?
BP: Do they push students enough? What is pastoral care like?

Are PS results due to good teaching, or high quality Winchester students?

tia.

OP posts:
Erebus · 11/10/2013 14:24

We will be facing this soon (Y10 DS). The vast majority from his school go on to PS but I think it's horses for courses. Friends whose DCs are in Y12 or 13 tell me that PS stuck to its guns re entry requirements whereas BP were more flexible; that they found the open evening at BP far more welcoming and 'child centric' than the one at PS they also attended. One said she felt their attitude was 'We don't need to fight for your DC, there are hundreds applying'.

I believe that PS is an excellent college for the right DC, but you have to find your way through the decision making process as to whether your DC is 'right'. I do think that some of PS's excellence is due to its exceptional intake, having a couple of the highest achieving comps in the county no more than 6 or 7 miles away helps!

The DC (and their parents) who do go to BP seem very happy with the level of pastoral care, I should add.

JWIM · 11/10/2013 12:26

DD has just started at PS. Doesn't seem overwhelming although student numbers are higher than our alternative (also very good but different) Alton College. Is quite a bit more structured compared to Alton - very few (?one) BTECs otherwise A levels, compulsory General Studies and compulsory extra curricular activity for example. Would say definitely more overall academic than Alton - which is the only other college we looked at in detail.

SMT have been very clear that they do get good results because they take in GCSE successful students. Attendance and attitude and AS results taken into account to be able to stay for A2s.

PS has good parent portal with attendance, progress and targets information. So far we have been impressed with communication, settling in, extra opportunities and expectations of students.

Don't know about BP currently but it was OK for me back in the day 79-81!