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Original poster

6th Form - Move to Super Selective or stay at Comp?

32 replies

AmazeAmazeAmaze · 25/08/2022 14:23

Son has gotten very good GCSE results - good enough to apply for 6th form at a super selective grammar (which we toured earlier in the year).

He liked it very much at the time but now it’s crunch time to decide whether he applies he is having a wobble and wants to stay at his existing school. Current school is OK - gets good GCSE and A level results but my son has found them lacking in discipline and his classes were often disruptive.

The headteacher has assured us that 6th form attracts the more academic students and the ‘disruptive element’ generally go elsewhere.

The Grammar is 15 miles away and requires approx 1.5 hours travel each way (very very busy commuter route) and I think this is the biggest stumbling block for DS who is not the best at mornings.

His current school says if he goes to the grammar and doesn’t settle he will be welcome back ‘without question’ but he has ASD so finds lots of change very hard.

Im torn as to what way to steer him - the grammar sounds good on paper but I’m wondering if the upheaval and disruption to his routine, having to get used to a new school and the initial stress of it all is worth it in the long run?

OP posts:
RampantIvy · 25/08/2022 15:21

Good points @itrytomakemyway. At DD's school the untried subjects attracted much bigger classes - psychology and sociology, and dare I say it, the less academic pupils. They also had the biggest drop out rates when they found the work more difficult than they had anticipated. Generally the STEM and MFL subjects attracted the pupils who had done well at GCSE and wanted to do well at A level.

itrytomakemyway · 25/08/2022 15:12

What subjects s he doing? How big will the classes be? The chances are that the classes will be less dirupted by students as those in sixth form will be there by choice. I am asking about the subjects because from experience I know that some will attract more hardworking students, or will only accept students who have achieved a good enough GCSE grades. I am more wary of sujbets that will take on anyone becuase they have to kee their numbers up.

It sounds like the school is a good fit for him. He did well there at GCSE. He is comfortable will the teachers and I assume his friends are staying there too? The journey to the new school sounds terrible, and he will have to find his feet all over again.

I would leave him where he is.

Original poster
AmazeAmazeAmaze · 25/08/2022 15:06

Digimoor · 25/08/2022 14:47

Did you already apply to the Grammar?
Usually applications close in Nov/Dec in Y11

The journey sounds like a nightmare

They only open 6th Form applications on results day. You submit their grades and places are allocated as per the school’s admissions policy. We don’t know if he has a place for sure yet but need to be ready to accept or decline if / when they call. He has exceeded the grades required but we may live just a bit too far out to secure a place.

Thanks to all for all the feedback so far - my gut is agreeing with the majority - stay at his existing school.

OP posts:
Digimoor · 25/08/2022 14:47

Did you already apply to the Grammar?
Usually applications close in Nov/Dec in Y11

The journey sounds like a nightmare

TeenDivided · 25/08/2022 14:39

1.5 hrs each way is 3hrs a day.
This school has served him well so far, I'd stick with it.

RampantIvy · 25/08/2022 14:34

The commute is a massive off putter. I agree that the less academic and disruptive element are likely to go to other further education establishments.

I would stay put.

Nomorescreentime · 25/08/2022 14:31

If he’s the type that will put his head down and work hard then I’d be tempted to stay put. All that change could be a lot of stress for him. Three hours commute each day is a big commitment too.