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Original poster

Which Devon grammar for DD?

58 replies

Tabbyabby · 23/10/2018 10:45

Help! Trying to decide by the weekend which of the South Devon Grammars to go for but we currently live in the West Midlands - very last minute as DH only got new job at the end of August.
We are relocating to the Exeter area for DH's job and DD, currently yr6, has passed the 11+ with eligible scores for both Colyton and Torquay Girls.
We have visited both schools, but have only seen each one for about an hour and cannot revisit as this week is Devon half term.
It would be really helpful to hear how girls , particularly, fare at Colyton - we weren't able to speak to any pupils when we were there - and what the extra-curricular offer is like there. DD is academic, esp languages and sciences and loves reading, but also loves the outdoors, climbing trees, swimming and singing.

Wonder also about the pastoral side?
Re Torquay Girls - most comments on MN very positive and seemed a happy school but noticed skirts turned over at waistband, immaculate hair and make up etc ( though didn't meet many girls) and wonder if there is much pressure to conform or bullying or whether all types of girl are included and supported by their peers as well as staff?
And any other advice/comments welcome! It's very difficult making the choice from a long distance without any prior knowledge of the schools.
Thanks in advance!

OP posts:
goodbyestranger · 23/10/2018 13:53

East Devon is a far nicer place to live than Torquay and has better communications by far. I'd live near Colyton and let your DH commute to Exeter. Colyton is a significantly better school too.

Namechangeforthiscancershit · 23/10/2018 13:52

Awww I was at Colyton soooo long ago and I loved it. I don’t think my info (left in 2002) is current enough to help you but I definitely had a great time and didn’t feel pressured at all. It was just starting to get kids from Exeter when I left and now I think there’s quite a lot.

onewhitewhisker · 23/10/2018 13:51

tabbyabby I don't sorry - i know they haven't had any problems of that sort which is hopefully a good sign but of course doesn't tell you how the school would have reacted if they had... re location i would agree with cold though i only know the areas from (fairly regular) visiting that colyton is more obvious from exeter. Living-wise, east devon is lovely, e.g. sidmouth is a nice small town where a young teen can have a bit of independence then go into exeter for more excitement when older... not that south devon isn't lovely! lots of DC i believe travel a fair distance to both schools.

folduptheocean · 23/10/2018 13:50

How do you get into the Devon grammars when living out of area? Genuine question. Thinking of relocating but don't live in an area with 11+

Can you do the exam elsewhere even if our if catchment?

coldagain · 23/10/2018 13:46

I'm probably slightly out of touch as when I was at school ( a v v long time ago...) most of the people at the Torbay Grammars lived in the area although I suspect they come from far and wide now.
So my thinking was that I'd much prefer to live around Exeter than Torquay and that Colyton was more likely to have pupils from Exeter than Torquay.
Does your DD have a preference for single or co- Ed?

Original poster
Tabbyabby · 23/10/2018 12:42

Thank you, both responses really helpful.
Coldagain - we are in the fortunate/difficult position of making decisions on schools, where we live at the same time, and the deadline is closer for schools so we're focusing on that first - not a very scientific approach! Interested that you think Colyton is the more obvious choice from Exeter - I wondered whether the train link with Torquay would give that the edge?
Onewhitewhisker - thank you so much for your detailed answer - just the kind of insider knowledge I've been struggling to find from 130-odd miles away. Especially good to know that involvment in sports/music is open to varying abilities.
Do you have any knowledge of whether problems eg bullying are dealt with effectively?

OP posts:
onewhitewhisker · 23/10/2018 11:30

I have relatives who have DDs at Colyton, they also had the option of Torquay. Their feeling was that Colyton was somewhat gentler pastorally speaking, based on discussions with friends with older DC I think. Both DD very happy. My relatives find the curriculum a bit narrowly EBACC focused (e.g. recent scrapping of DT) but I don't know how unusual that is at a grammar and both are taking an Arts GCSE. socially the DD getting on well, they are not cool crowd but seem to do a range of things with friends including bonfire parties and camping parties and craft stuff as well as shopping /fashion so i don't get a sense of image pressure at all. Lots of lunchtime clubs, they do lot of sport, D of E and Ten Tor and also quite a bit of music, the DD are good though not outstanding at both but seem to have lots of opportunities to get involved.

coldagain · 23/10/2018 11:16

I don't have personal experience of either school but I think Colyton is considered 'better'. I would think the decision comes down more to where you live as the schools are a long way apart and if your DH's job is in Exeter then Colyton seems the most obvious choice.