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Original poster

Chis and Sid or Townley

32 replies

CokeZeroPlease · 10/07/2023 19:01

First choice was c&s (mixed) grammar and we were offered Townley on offer day. DD just went to the y7 induction at Townley but wasn’t particularly happy afterwards, lots of tears saying its all too much, although I don’t know how much of that is due to leaving her very small nurturing primary school, any secondary is going to be a shock !

She’s very sporty which is why c&s won for us first time but I’ve now become quite pro the idea of all girls, however we’ve now been offered c&s. Any one with experience of either school? Distance wise is about the same.

OP posts:
newyeardelurker · 11/07/2023 20:47

Dd is at Townley just finishing Y7. She’s been very happy. There is homework and detention if not done but she’s kept on top of it and I haven’t heard of anyone leaving at the end of the year. It’s a diverse and welcoming school I think the older girls seem to support the new ones in early days, lots of clubs available. I would have preferred BGS when we were choosing but she wanted Townley and it’s been good so far.

They required us to buy a Chromebook (pupil premium would cover this if eligible and the cost could be spread), there is a smartphone ban for her year (but they all have them just can’t use in school), so those things annoyed us at the parents initial welcome session. But actually both have worked well.

Original poster
CokeZeroPlease · 11/07/2023 17:28

Thanks @UmbrellaSoldiers

I would love any insight on Townley if anyone has current dds there

OP posts:
UmbrellaSoldiers · 11/07/2023 16:54

CokeZeroPlease · 11/07/2023 15:03

@UmbrellaSoldiers oh blimey that does sound intense. I wonder if that’s typical y7 grammar experience or if it’s just C&S take a very hard line ?! Do you know anything about the pastoral support there ?

I don't know about other grammar schools, but the parents definitely felt it was coming down hard to set expectations in year 7. I believe the pastoral care is good, but academia is priority. When it comes to 6th form it is assumed all will go to university with very little focus or support on any other paths.
Pupils do achieve well there though!!

Original poster
CokeZeroPlease · 11/07/2023 15:03

@UmbrellaSoldiers oh blimey that does sound intense. I wonder if that’s typical y7 grammar experience or if it’s just C&S take a very hard line ?! Do you know anything about the pastoral support there ?

OP posts:
Original poster
CokeZeroPlease · 11/07/2023 14:59

@GodessOfThunder Both Bexley schools

OP posts:
UmbrellaSoldiers · 11/07/2023 12:11

My experience of Chis and Sid is that year 7 is brutal. Lots of pressure, tons of homework with sanctions if not completed. My friend's daughter got a detention in her first week of year 7.
Year 8 is much better and the kids I know who went there all did really well. But several kids left at the end of year 7 and went to comprehensives.
I don't know anything about Townley.

GodessOfThunder · 11/07/2023 12:00

Where in the country are these schools?