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Original poster

DD got KGS10+, applying elsewhere?

45 replies

tess73 · 12/08/2014 13:41

We are in the fortunate position that dd got into KGS via the 10+ this year. I really like the school and paid the deposit to secure her place but am now wondering whether we should keep our options open.
I haven't prepped her for NVR so too late for Tiffin and would prefer mixed to all girls anyway. Similarly she didn't like LEH and i wasn't keen either. Surbiton High, lovely but i wouldn't choose it over KGS.
Am i missing any?
Tempted by St Paul's but feel it is too far and having done little tuition this year and state school she probably doesn't have a chance!
We are twickenham/teddington based.
TIA.

OP posts:
Marni23 · 15/08/2014 10:09

Yep, I'm going to disagree! DS about to go into Y8 at Latymer and we couldn't be happier with it. Definitely not full of it's own importance (if it was we'd hate it), on the contrary we've found it very down-to-earth. DS loves it and is thriving academically and socially. I'd definitely go to the open day tess73

Realhousewifeofealing · 15/08/2014 10:01

Have to disagree about Latymer - I hated it - full of its own importance .... An odious place - about the only school we didn't apply to ( my opinion only - obviously many will disagree )

Original poster
tess73 · 14/08/2014 22:36

Ok thanks clearly need to get busy this term on open days...

OP posts:
cakeisalwaystheanswer · 14/08/2014 22:13

Have you looked at Latymer Tess, that should be commutable from Twickenham? Their results are 35% A and 75% A/A combined. I would expect them to have a similar cohort to KGS but they have almost double the A* percentage. Latymer is very much THE school to get into at the moment and everyone who visits loves it.

If you're not set on co-ed, what about SWPS?

cakeisalwaystheanswer · 14/08/2014 21:53

KGS results at combined A/A are pretty much the same as St Georges and Ibstock, 60% and 58% respectively against 63%, neither have published a A/A breakdown yet. I'm confused because you didn't think they were academic enough, but you think KGS's A level results are amazing. Ibstock had very similar results to KGS last year, and St Georges have improved significantly this year. If you factor in that both these schools have their own preps with most going on to the senior schools and KGS are completely selective at 11+ you would expect a much bigger gap.

SPGS A level results will be in a different league, as will number of Oxbridge offers. Their results will truly be amazing if that is what you are looking for.

Pop1ns · 14/08/2014 21:37

Thanks

Original poster
tess73 · 14/08/2014 21:25

www.kgs.org.uk/Examination-Results

OP posts:
Original poster
tess73 · 14/08/2014 21:24

It's on the website. 18% A*, 45% A, 26% B
I think that's pretty good...

OP posts:
Pop1ns · 14/08/2014 21:09

Where did you get the info from t73 and cake?

cakeisalwaystheanswer · 14/08/2014 18:53

A*'s look low, 18% against a national average of 8.3 seems low for a very selective school. Hampton has 32%, LEH over 30, SPGS will be over 50.

I must say, Hinchley Wood, our local comp results are very impressive. 35% A*/A and 2 going to Oxford. I wonder why I pay school fees sometimes. Well done to them.

Original poster
tess73 · 14/08/2014 14:41

well if i had any concerns they are gone. AMAZING set of A level results this year. well done KGS!

OP posts:
Original poster
tess73 · 12/08/2014 19:31

thanks all - to those of you with DCs at KGS a couple of honest questions, feel free to PM me if you prefer.

  1. are the girls more interested in boys than those going to all girls schools? is there a lot of girlfriend/boyfriend stuff going on iykwim!
  2. is it a better school for boys than it is for girls? I've been following KGS this year on Twitter and apart from the rower Flo, most of the tweets seem to be about boys' activities. That's not the impression i got when i visited, but something i'm wary of. Thanks this is all so helpful.
OP posts:
Pinkfizzy · 12/08/2014 19:13

We also had the massed assumptions about DC, said v little other than we chose the right school for us. We also considered SPS & SPGS as well as the others mentioned, but quality of life (travelling, after school activities) & general independence from day one as it's so local were all important factors. You will know which works best and feels best. And a fab position to be in!

Pinkfizzy · 12/08/2014 19:08

Agreed - gut instinct is what it came down to for us AND for my friend.
Very happy indeed with KGS.

LIZS · 12/08/2014 18:58

I guess i'm feeling uneasy only because other people assume she's going for Tiffin, LEH etc and look a bit surprised when i say no. i want to make sure i'm not just taking the easy route of the school she already has! Ignore them , they are probably just surprised and Envy that you have things sorted already. If you, dh and dd are happy with KGS , let her enjoy her year 6 while others sweat.

Original poster
tess73 · 12/08/2014 18:54

Actually you know i am worried about applying to LEH. Firstly DD doesn't want to go there and will be resistant to doing the NVR prep required (don' t need it for KGS).
Then if she does get it, i know i'll feel pressured to take it - on paper it is a better school. Why i think not applying is a better option, i don't know writing it down is helping me sort out my head!
I also know DH will hate LEH, the pursuit of "excellence" "world class" shiny parquet floors and gleaming rows of apple macs. He liked KGS for the down to earth "normal school" feeling of it.

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Original poster
tess73 · 12/08/2014 18:29

thanks all, maybe we should do LEH esp with the new Wimbledon High head coming in the feel of the school may change. It's also probably the easiest to get to geographically. I wouldn't go less academic than KGS for DD so have ruled out ibstock, st george's weybridge etc.
I guess i'm feeling uneasy only because other people assume she's going for Tiffin, LEH etc and look a bit surprised when i say no. i want to make sure i'm not just taking the easy route of the school she already has!

OP posts:
Pop1ns · 12/08/2014 18:02

The kids we met had turned down SHS,Tiffin,Latymer and Hampton.It is personal preference and gut instinct.Let us know what you decide to do.

Pinkfizzy · 12/08/2014 16:27

Have a friend in silmilar situation a couple of years back. DF & her DD both convinced that coed generally & KGS specifically best for them. They then toured LEH , Surbiton & KGS again from position of offers to all & chose LEH. My point being that a year is a long time in a child's life and maturity & you dont actually need to make up your mind till end Feb. Oh and my DC go to KGS...Smile

Pop1ns · 12/08/2014 15:23

By what you have written it seems that KGS is the right choice for you.If you are uncertain you might wanted to do the guided tour again as KGS will be doing these again during working lessons next term.When we went we found the boys/girls delightful so confident,well spoken and knowledgeable.It was this that made us feel we had made the right choice(DS has 10+ place too).
If you want another option try Ibstock(co-ed) although I think KGS is more academic.