Trinity/Whitgift 2019 thread

Re scholarships, we went to the music scholarship presentation and were told it’s absolutely fine to call and say you need help if you can’t manage the fees attached to an offer. We’ve since called and asked if there’s any chance they could give him a bit more of a scholarship. Although they told us the same thing as others (all scholarships allocated) they were very open to the conversation and said it was unlikely but not impossible and we’d have to wait until The acceptance deadline. They ackowledged that every little bit helps! Always worth asking. We’ve accepted the place regardless. It’s an amazing school and we’re absolutely thrilled he got in!

PutMum If your son is musical, I would really look very closely at T. The facilities and opportunities are amazing! But also many of the musical boys have very active roles involving sport, drama etc so don't worry that other opportunities will be missed.

Yes turboturtle, he plays the violin and agree the music focus at T seems extraordinary. Nonie0509, yes I know what you mean about sales pitch but think difficult to manufacture how heartfelt it was if it was not real. Congratulations on making a decision! Seeline, my gut's gone a bit quiet, hoping to discover it on Friday afternoon! Thank you all.

Putmum, you mentioned in your initial post that your DS done the music assessment?
If your son is into music, T has an exceptional music department. All the boys (music scholars or not) are given great opportunities to perform and take part at numerous times of the year. I personally think that T do not shout loud enough about their music, but that reflects the kind of school that it is. Not boastful or in your face

It is a hard decision to make, but in the absence of any overriding factor, I think there is a lot to be said for gut feeling!
Good luck

Putmum
We were also at Trinity yesterday with our son and have the same predicament. Weighing more towards T though given the ethos, focus on the overall roundedness of the boys, the overall feeling as we saw the school come to life. I know the staff were on a sales pitch, but I genuinely came away feeling this was the right school for our son. Good luck with the decision.

Thank you to all who encouraged us to visit it.

We visited Trinity yesterday and it truly comes across as an exceptional school. Back to the drawing board for us in terms of making a final decision this weekend! My sense is that there is a strong emphasis on relationships, and value-based education in Trinity, which might get a little toned down in the scale and extroverted nature of Whitgift. Without an external reason to take one or another, it is not an easy decision at all.

Smorgas in the end it was just gut feeling. I can't seem to articulate it but W seems right for DS for his personality. It is surprising given that he is quiet and sensitive...he received scholarships for both.

I am a bit worried having to turn down the more difficult school to get into - so am hoping we don't regret it. 😀

Onwardsandupward are you able to share any thoughts on what swung it for you?

I know its very personal and I am not trying to get you to share anything sensitive but I am intrigued as to how the two schools differed after your conversations if you are able.

We have seen both schools this week and will be releasing a Trinity place with scholarship.

We spoke to both senior admissions team and students at both and feel that Whitgift will just suit our DS better.

You definitely have to see both schools. Our preference at the start was always Trinity.

Agree you really need to see both schools to make an informed decision.
My DS was a JBug at T 6 years ago, so things will have changed a bit, but I can honestly say it was the best decision we could have made. The school really help them with the big step up, and look after them. The real advantage came when the main intake started in Y7, and DS was one of the 'old boys'

@PutMum - I think it's best to try and visit both schools with your DS on a normal school day

PutMum, good luck. Both schools are wonderful. We’re closer to T but W was always DS’s dream school. He joined last year (year 7) and is simply loving it!

Thank you Jige and MuMama25. I am also inclined to go with DS' wishes, but recognise that it's not an informed decision if he has seen one and not the other. 3underThree - I too instinctively feel the scale of Trinity would suit us better, but really dare not force a school choice against DS' wishes. Will try to tour Trinity this week so we can make a balanced choice.

Putmum, I would choose T !

Thanks @Yey22

Don’t know how many offers go out though

I think it’s about 70 but I could be alittle more

Sorry to post again -

Does anyone know how many places are there for 11 plus entry and how many are offered a place in Trinity?

PutMum congrats on your DS in doing so well to get offers from both schools.
Personally if you don’t have a preference then it is important to take into account which school your DS likes and wishes to go to.
However, if you and your DS have not had a tour of Trinity or Whitgift then it is wise to go and have a proper look at both. And then see what you and your DS feel and have a discussion.

Many people assume that because both the schools come from the same foundation, that they are the same. They are both very different, but academically the same.
Give T & W a call to arrange a visit and it may become clear which school you think will suit your DS. Good luck.

Personally I think they are both great schools and you choose the one that suits him - I don’t think you’d be foolish to choose either one above the other - also I think their wanting to go is really important

I was wondering if I could get a view on the following from some of the mums who have experience either personally or anecdotally of Trinity and Whitgift. We have a full fee offer from T, and a modest scholarship from W which financially puts them on par for us. We came to the 10+ process quite late, almost by accident and put in applications without visiting Trinity.

DS visited T for the exam, art and music assessments, seemed to like it until he sat the W exam in the old library and was blown away. He is very taken by W, finds it inspiring and beautiful and being an emotional/ intense learner I think this will mean quite a lot to him. Would we be foolish to reject Trinity without going on a parent tour? Feel uneasy about rejecting T without visiting, so any comments, thoughts would be much appreciated. DS will be moving from a small, cosy state school so I have some concerns about feeling lost in W - so pastoral support would make a difference. Thanks in advance for all and any inputs!

Does anyone know how many places are there for 11 plus entry and how many are offered a place in Trinity?