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Original poster

Wilson's vs. Sutton Grammar school?

56 replies

Nups · 27/10/2013 19:54

Hi! I would like some advice on which school is better in terms of all round development of the child- SGS or Wilson's? Please help with your own experiences if possible. Thanks.

OP posts:
Original poster
Nups · 28/10/2013 13:17

Thanks a ton. We are renting at the moment, so we can move anywhere. Distance is therefore not a concern. But happiness of my DS is!!

OP posts:
Willemdefoeismine · 28/10/2013 12:54

Oh dear that you didn't get to visit either because I think that would have gone a long way to help you make a decision...does your DS have any ideas/preference - what about travel considerations?

I truly believe that they tend to get into the school that's right for them so you could just trust to Fate...

From what I've seen of most of the grammar school children they are a credit to their schools....if you ever see the older SGS boys in Sutton at lunchtime they are always very, very well-behaved.... Not sure about the Wilson's ones as I don't frequent the area where the school is situated!

Good luck....

Original poster
Nups · 28/10/2013 12:46

Can anyone please advice on how much emphasis is given to the all round development of boys at Wilson's? I certainly do not want an exam factory for a school.

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Original poster
Nups · 28/10/2013 12:43

Willemedefoeismine..Thank you so much for responding. Unfortunately I could not visit either..DS has passed Wilson's and hopefully will pass SGS too..He is a bright boy, doing very well academically..but I do not just want academic brilliance. What I am looking for is a place where he will be nurtured warmly and encouraged to bring out the best in him in other areas too.
I know Wilson's is top of the league tables but that's not my consideration at all. I am not after A* is all subjects anyway..Hence the dilemma, as you rightly pointed out. Hve to submit the CAF by tonite..and want to obviously make the right choice!

OP posts:
Willemdefoeismine · 28/10/2013 09:08

Nups I think you would need parents with DSs at both.....Also you would probably need to find parents who have DSs who've 'gone thro' the school at least to the 6th Form....

DS is in Year 8 at one of these and is definitely a work in progress - academically, in terms of confidence, organisation and generally developing into an all-round good-egg (hopefully!).

Aside from all-round development which one impressed you most and is easiest for your DS to get to.....Those are also considerations which will help you to make up your mind...

I know that Wilson's currently seems the riding high choice of parents who regard the League Tables at the be-all-and-end-all of school decision-making, but there is more to school life than academic work - which is obviously why you're asking the question...

Sorry not to be more helpful and hope you get some more constructive answers!

GaribaldiGirl · 28/10/2013 08:30

Any mums of older boys got any advice on where to send an academically average/lazy boy at 13 who is not into team/ball sports (but loves biking, climbing, canoeing, shooting) and who is not naturally confident - definitely NOT an alpha male. Can afford private schools, happy with weekly boarding, live in thames valley. Don't mind a bit of a drive. All his local mates going to Radley/Abingdon - definitely not right for DS even if he did get in. Lead option is the Oratory, but think I should consider some other schools. Someone has suggested Bryanston, anyone know that school? Thanks for any thoughts/ideas!