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Original poster

Whitgift Vs RGS vs Emanuel vs Reeds

31 replies

Aror · 11/02/2023 08:48

Hi,

DS has received offers from Whitgift, Emanuel, RGS ( Guildford) and Reeds. We did a bit of spray and pray as we panicked after he didn’t make the 1st round of Grammer schools. DS is a polite, silent, kind and sensitive boy. He is not extremely active or sporty (doesn’t enjoy rugby) but plays some Cricket, TT and Chess. Academically he is bright but not extremely motivated or hardworking. He is quite laid back and likes to do things at his own pace. A bit of a dreamer. We did tutor him but it was mainly 4 months - Aug, Sept, Oct & Nov. We are certain that he needs a caring and nuturing school (not a hot house) but that also pushes him to bit to mature & grow up. We live in Wimbledon / Raynes Park area.

Whitgift: +ves - well established school with good results. Nice social & demographic mix. Concerns - too sporty & academically hot house , travel time (60-75 mins by public transport or 45 - 50 mins on school coach), big school & pastoral care
RGS Guildford: +ves - well established with good academic results. Concern - lack of social & demographic mix, Sporty & academically hot house and travel time (60-mins by public transport or we will look to move)
Emanuel: +ves - very close (20-30 mins on public transport), came across as caring & nurturing, DS likes it . Concern - Co-Ed, lack of academic ambition
Reeds: +ves - close-ish ( 20 mins drive, 30 - 40 mins public transport), great infrastructure and facilities, came across as caring & nurturing, definitely not a hot house. Concerns - lack of social & demographic mix, lack of academic ambition, expensive

Does anyone have any views / insights /guidance?

OP posts:
dew141 · 11/02/2023 09:33

We play these schools at sport so I can't give much of an insight. But I have a friend whose son is at Whitgift (as a weekly boarder) and they've never described it as an academic hothouse. Her son is sporty and loves it there (although not the journey as we live in outer NW London).

SadCatNight · 11/02/2023 09:30

Emanuel is the only one you said your DS likes.

So that would be it sold for me. Especially as it's closer too.

woohooho · 11/02/2023 09:28

And yes, if you choose RGS or Reeds his friends could live miles and miles away. Also, as parents there are quite a lot of events you may need to go to so an easy journey for parents is also quite important.

woohooho · 11/02/2023 09:26

I'd definitely take Whitgift out of the mix. Journey too long and doesn't sound an ideal fit.
Would you/DS prefer co-Ed or all boys?
If you really can't choose go for the easier journey by public transport.

3WildOnes · 11/02/2023 09:07

I would choose Emanuel. It will be far easier to have local friends when he is a teenager. With the others you will spend your weekends being a taxi driver around surrey.

HawaiiWake · 11/02/2023 09:04

Do go to the holder days to see and ask questions. Current snapshot of a school is more important than from someone’s experience from years ago. You can find out about sports throughout the year which is more extensive than primary schools. Clubs, such as chess if they do have a lot of tournaments. The range of clubs, music, drama and school trips.
Academic ambitions, you could ask about current A levels offers, GCSE etc. International universities applications etc.