Sir William Perkins's School (SWPS!)

We did have a few tutor sessions (I think about 10 or so).... these really just focussed on writing stories to time (something they don't do at all in state schools) and a bit on looking at points per questions in comprehension.... for the rest she just did practice work books over the summer and Christmas.... No need to intensively coach over and above school work.... but is worthwhile ensuring your child understands how to tackle things

Hi

Im currentky looking into sir williams for my child. We have a few years before we need to apply but i wonder what preparation parents give to the girls to help with the entrance test? My daughter is in a state primary and quite academically abled. Do i need to do a 11 plus style prep with a tutor? Any advise especially from parents with girls at the school would be much appreciated. Thank you

We also love the feel of the school - dd will be sitting the exams in January 2017 so fingers crossed. We will be buying a house and looking at East Molesey or Sunbury on Thames. Where would you say, out of these two areas, most of the girls come from and which one is the easier one to commute from (both on the school bus and via public transport)?

Thank you

Yes thy still do the pyrcroft picnic, I'm pleased to say, as an old girl and parent of dD there. Also junior drama goes on strong, especially exciting with the new theatre they've just built. Saw around the other day and the new wing is absolutely amazing. Fantastic sixth form centre that is out of this world, with a roof top garden terrace, no less! It is great that coaches go after clubs as your daughter can join in with her friends and still come home independently. If no club that takes her fancy they do homework club, so a win all round. Results easily on a par with surbiton high so that comment was somewhat misleading. A agreater feeling of space at swps, we found surbiton had a very urban feel which we didn't like much.

My dd starting at SWPS this Sept, thanks for all the comments, my dd got through all the entrance exams that she took, but we decide with SWPS,as we liked what we saw during open days. All the comments have assured me further that we are making the right decision, we are looking forward to it.

If you are close to Twickenham station, there is no need to use the school bus.

You daughter can get the train from Chertsey, and change at Staines for the Richmond service, alongside scores of other girls.

ps not to say SWPS is less academic than Surbiton - just it is quite a bit further away / longer days so a less obvious choice.

wavedancer688 yes quite a few do go from twickenham/teddington/hampton. But they tend to be the ones who didn't get into surbiton ime.
they all love it and seem to do really well.

Teddtess, do you know if many girls attend from Twickenham. I like the look of the school but was concerned by the distance from home and the resultant long day. DD is very sporty so I imagine she will be playing lots of stuff after school so maybe not an issue but it's a full day (and an early start).

Was wondering if she would be only one of a handful of Twickenham girls if we went down that route (and got a place). Thanks

Depends on what kind of fun your DD is looking for?

If she is keen academically and considers it fun to have lots of new things to learn she will have fun.

If she is sporty and wants to do lots of sport there are plenty on offer and she will have fun.

The Music and Drama Department has quite a bit on offer so if she likes acting/singing/dancing she can get involved with that and have fun.

If she wants to giggle and laugh with friends she will find friends to giggle and laugh with, but that will be frowned upon during lessons so she wont have fun because she will be putting other girls off and end up with sanctions. If she wants to giggle and laugh with friends at break, lunch and after school she will have fun.

A big mixture of girls join the school from prep and state junior and they are all mixed up together. Girls are expected to be considerate of each other and are generally happy at the school. If your DD will be joining the school as a 'one' she will soon make friends.

depending on your location it is worth knowing that unlike most other schools, the coaches leave AFTER clubs, making it a very long day. Local girls here (teddington) don't arrive back til 6ish and the bus leaves in the morning about 7.15 i think.

so if you have a daughter who is sporty and/or will do loads of stuff this is great as no late pick ups. If you don't, not so much! Though i guess they can get their homework done.

Do they still do the pyrcroft picnic and junior drama?

They have several orchestras, including training and advanced. All Year 7s are in the Year 7 choir, and can join the school choir. There is also the Chamber Choir via audition. The are plenty of peri lessons for voice and instruments. There is a purpose built performing arts centre.

They have a big performance each year and a few smaller ones, as well as Autumn and Spring concerts.

They use the pool at the health club five minutes walk away.

Could someone comment on their focus on performing arts please? Drama/ singing/instruments etc? Thanks for this thread OP!

Just seen your comment re the sports - Dd plays hockey, netball, football, volleyball in clubs. Class sports in lessons rotate. Can't wait to row next year. Sport is inclusive - and the girls are encouraged to try new sports - but they play hockey and netball competitively - not the others. A and B teams prob have the most games.

No pool but think there is a swimming club, not sure where they swim.

DD there in year 7 - loves it! The girls all come in from different schools and the school do well to bring the year group together at the start of year. Mixed intake from state and private. No single type of girl I'd say - each will find her place and her tribe.

Likes her teachers for the main part, inspired by a significant number. Not stressed and shouty. Teachers always v responsive if you have a question - but they very much encourage independence and responsibility - whilst still keeping you in the loop.

Academic but not overly pressured. They set for maths from yr 7 but not other subjects in that year. There is not a huge amount of homework (1 hr max a night, although Dd will do more if they have a test) but they expect it to be done.

They deal quickly and in a straightforward manner with any stuff going on between the girls, tiffs etc, so it nips in the bud. Am really pleased with the pastoral care.

Dd Only does sports clubs but there is a lot of choice of other extra curricular clubs.

All in all - really pleased with our choice. It's a happy down to earth school.

Let me know if you have any questions!

Not shouty and stressed.

Teachers: Firm but fair. Obviously some are more fun than others but all are approachable.