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Original poster

School for geeky-and-proud DD - Worcs

34 replies

Booferama · 22/08/2021 10:40

Just moved to Worcestershire from Scotland. DD (10) is about to start Year 6. CAF form looming. Any suggestions for a super-friendly indie? Top priority: finding somewhere a geeky girl won't get eaten alive. Local catchment comp seems reasonable. But not great, and also apparently hugely oversubscribed. I need a Plan B and C. And D...breathe...

TIA.

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Iratus · 28/10/2021 12:27

The only “geeky” school I can think of would be Princethorpe - which would be just the right place. It’s going to be too far though I should think.

EyeBallisticSquid · 28/10/2021 09:55

Thanks, Dancingdreamer - it's on the shortlist!

Dancingdreamer · 28/10/2021 00:30

I wouldn’t recommend Solihull from Worcester nit in travel grounds but that your DC would feel quite isolated as most of the students live in a tight area around Solihull with a few being bussed in from Sutton.

If you haven’t made a decision already, I would definitely look at Bromsgrove. It is a large school with all types from geeky to sporty to amdram types. However the house system means that no child gets lost and the pastoral care is excellent.

I think there is a bus from Worcester and they will often tailor a bus route to suit where children live. The school is about 40% girls but I think they were building and girls’ house so numbers may increase.

EyeBallisticSquid · 27/10/2021 18:50

Ah yes, I spotted that but we've missed the test and it's probably a bit too much of a trek, but thank you anyway!

ShinyNewStart · 26/10/2021 18:59

KEFW is another former boys school on the M5 and used to have kids from Worcester, but grammar rather than indy. Still rather a slog in the morning though

EyeBallisticSquid · 26/10/2021 18:48

Oooh, thank you wigornian, mystilles" and BoxOfDreams*. Really appreciate your insights.

BoxOfDreams · 25/10/2021 22:48

My geeky DD was bullied at her state school near Worcester so she went to King's from 11+ and really flourished there. We sent DD2 there as well and she loved it. It's worth seriously considering.

Our neighbours son went to Bowbrook and it was a good fit for him.

Theres also The River School, which I've heard good things about. It's a Christian school so may not be for you.

myrtilles · 25/10/2021 22:30

RGS and Kings both have good reputations and attract pupils from miles around. There is no need to drive elsewhere.

wigornian · 25/10/2021 22:18

My geeky and proud DS loves RGS, was at an RGS prep, in year 8 now and has found his tribe, friends with many geeky and proud girls!

Haggisfish3 · 24/08/2021 13:43

@Booferama sent you a pm Wink

Haggisfish3 · 24/08/2021 13:39

Sorry, just saw co ed!

Haggisfish3 · 24/08/2021 13:38

Dodder hill school for girls might be worth a look, too.

KingsHeathen · 24/08/2021 13:36

Awesome Grin

Original poster
Booferama · 24/08/2021 09:54

Now you're talking, KingsHeathen...this looks RIGHT up her street. 100%. Much obliged.

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KingsHeathen · 24/08/2021 00:44

Mine wanted co-ed too, so I completely understand! Smile

This is completely out of left field, but what about Old Swinford in Stourbridge? They're taking girls into Y7 from sept 2021, so it would be very boy orientated. I know a few boys there, and while it's pretty sporty rather than highly academic, all the extra-curriculars are male interest, shall we say. It's a state boarding school, and pupils can be day pupils, flexi-boarding or full boarding, dependent upon what suits the family circumstances, and of course how far away you live.
It can be hard going to a school that is newly co-ed though- there are often lots of little issues that have been overlooked because they've never cropped up with boys.

Original poster
Booferama · 23/08/2021 10:49

louisejxxx - thanks re RGS idea. They certainly have great IT and it's right by Worcester station, isn't it? Added to list...

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Original poster
Booferama · 23/08/2021 10:47

Thanks so much, PeasandCucumbers. Will explore Bowbrook...
KingsHeathen, totally hear you re KEHS but she's adamant it needs to be co-ed. Such a shame. Thank you.

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PeasandCucumbers · 23/08/2021 05:49

Have you looked at Bowbrook House school. It’s a small indie and having had children at RGS, Bowbrook and a state secondary in Worcester I would really recommend it.

It is small, my child’s year had 31 pupils at the end of Yr11, but no one seemed to be excluded socially and there were definitely children I would class as geeky.

There are several bus services from surrounding towns.

KingsHeathen · 23/08/2021 02:05

I really wouldn't recommend the commute from Worcester to Solihull daily! Utter nightmare morning and evening. You might be getting home at 7.
Bromsgrove- I know a number of children there that are happy, but its v boy heavy from what I recall (and that can be challenging if you're new to that) and it isn't particularly geeky unless you're a drama geek or a music geek, perhaps.

If you're by a station, perhaps visit KEHS?
Malvern St James was nice when DD visited (for a geeky outing, not to look round! Languages though, rather than science, I'm afraid I don't know the schools that far south too well).
Is Worcester 20 miles south of Birmingham? (Bit hazy)

louisejxxx · 22/08/2021 15:42

That section of the M5/42 definitely wouldn’t be 25 mins at 8am in the morning. I second Bromsgrove school - they are pretty sporty but I think the academic side is also good.

I think RGS would be relatively geeky - as far as I’m aware there’s still an 11+ style entrance exam to get in.

Unfortunately Worcs is awkward in terms of secondary school, mostly because they don’t have them unless private!

Original poster
Booferama · 22/08/2021 15:36

Thank you - actually Solihull's only 25 mins away, by car, in theory. Will take a closer look at it.

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emlouwat · 22/08/2021 14:10

Was going to suggest Solihull too

Original poster
Booferama · 22/08/2021 14:08

Ok - will do. Thanks for the suggestions - much obliged. Solihull a bit of a trek. I hadn't considered Bromsgrove but will take a closer look.

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GuyFawkesDay · 22/08/2021 13:22

Solihull school is co-ed
Also maybe look at Bromsgrove

Original poster
Booferama · 22/08/2021 13:13

Both girls' schools, unfortunately, but thank you! DD needs co-ed. Her interests are stereotypically 'boyish' and struggles in female-heavy environments.

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