How many GCSEs?

Is triple science compulsory? If so its only two options.

I think 9 is a good number.

Should’ve said. What are the extra few GCSEs they can take? my ds is taking 9.

Sorrry. But what are the 11 GCSEs?

DS is taking 10 including triple Science. Most at his school take 9 as they do double Science instead of triple.

Kids at other schools locally seem to do between 9 and 11, so 8 seems low.

8 is low and reduces choice early and therefore a level choice.

Dd did 11 and did well. Ds will do 10 as the school has reduced the number to reduce costs.

DD took 10, but that was 2 years ago. I think, with the harder exams most students take 9 or 10 now. 11 seems a bit of a stretch.

Dd is taking 11.5. It's too many IMO and she's very stressed. I think 9-10 would be about right, although at least with a large number they don't need to drop subjects they enjoy. It's very very hard work though...
I would look at the results both schools get, progress levels and which your dd feels they'd be happiest in.

My DDs school usual is 9 and some can take 1 extra (not on timetable, done a lunch times and after school only RE/Further Maths/Music)

Personally I wouldn't want either 8 or 11 but that doesn't help you.. Around here, the Grammar schools take 11, the private schools take 10 and the other schools take either 8 or 9.

My worry with just 8 is that there really isn't much option for you DD. My DD didn't get much to pick with just the 9 (she wants 10 but is going to see how it goes).
She has selected Triple Science, English x 2, Maths, History, PE, Spanish. If she does the 10th it will be RE or Further Maths.
From what I've read on MN, the universities will only look at the best 8 subjects so in reality no need to put extra pressure on and take 11. BUT with only taking 8 it doesn't give any leeway for a mess up. Even the most able student can mess up 1 exam, I think that is a lot of pressure if she is hoping to go to certain universities.
Also why are they only taking 8, is this due to their intact or lack of funding for teachers etc.. That would concern me.
I was a little concerned when our school changed to 9 but MN helped me realise that was fine.
The school that you say can take up to 11 - if that what most take? Your DD could take less but may not want to if everyone else is taking 11.

If she is starting in Y7 then there is a chance that either or both will have changed policy before your dd gets to GCSEs so I wouldn't let that be a deciding factor.

8 seems low. 11 seems high.

8 only means:

Maths, 2 English, 2 Science + 3 others
so for an able pupil who might want to do 3 science that means only 2 other subjects.

11 is a lot though with the new harder curriculum, all terminal exam GCSEs. Though 'up to' 11 I guess means 8-11.

If you can afford it (and all other things being equal) I'd put the 11 school first and the 8 school next on the form. And talk them both up to your DD.

Most places for further education look at the best 8 grades. If she only takes 8 and struggles in one area (perhaps she may not be an able linguist) she lessons her chances of achieving 8 good grades.

DS just took 11 in the last round and it is doable.