DS has passed the 11+ so has a chance at a grammar school place (school A). I’m looking for a school which will push him academically but also support a well rounded development and provide lots of experiences. A school that will support him where needed both academically and pastorally.
I get the feeling the local school (school B)
and another comprehensive school in another town (school C) achieve just as well, if not better, than the grammar school and offer more. I’m worried that passing up an almost guaranteed place at a grammar school will be a big mistake but I think the local school (B) or another comprehensive school (C) might be able to help him achieve academically whilst being better all round for him.
These are the three schools we will be naming, but need to decide on the order. (Yes, there are out 3 closest schools, discounting a comprehensive academy next to the grammar school).
School A:
The grammar school is 53 minutes door to door using public transport and walking at both ends. Children in our town do go to this school and maybe some from DS class will. There’s a scramble/high demand for places here.
The P8 for high attainers is 0.29, and middle is 0.64. Overall 0.45.
KS3 - As expected very academic curriculum.
KS4 - Everyone does English Lang and lit, maths, science x2/3 (decided by science department), RS, history or geography, French or German and one option. (9/10 GCSEs) Choices limited to humanities, languages, computer science, Music and Art.
Extra curricular - surprisingly limited e.g. sports, debating, maths.
Support/Pastoral - seems a bit like lip service to me but very vocal on how they support those under achieving by putting on after school classes (which are compulsory if you are identified as needing them).
Careers - sixth form and university only advised. I get the feeling I was laughed at when I mentioned degree apprenticeships.
School B:
The local school is a 15 minute walk door to door. Children from our town definitely go to this school. The majority of DS class will go here. Children from the grammar school town also go to our local school if they don’t pass the 11+ because it’s a lot better than the comprehensive in their town. Children from lots of other towns and villages fight for a place here as well including children from the town of our School C. Usually lots of appeals for a place.
The P8 for high attainers is 0.16, middle 0.36. Overall 0.33 (inc low)
KS3 - Typical comprehensive curriculum with academic and vocational subjects. They offer things like John Muir award and DofE.
KS4 - All expected to achieve grade 4+ in ebacc do English lan and lit, maths, science x3, history or geog, French or German and then have one more option (9 GCSEs). Range of academic and vocational to choose from.
Extra curricular - Just about everything you can think from theatre to sports and electronics to debating and environmental group to rowing. They also have additional subjects like Spanish, Latin and astronomy all of which can be taken for GCSE.
Pastoral/Support - Evident throughout the school. Have a good SEND reputation and have the same form tutor who gets to know when throughout KS3 and then swap for KS4.
Careers - Very good careers advice, engagement with the community and bringing people in. Support all pathways after school/sixth form.
School C:
A third school is 32 minutes door to door using public transport and walking. Very few (if any) children in our town go to this school although there is a lot of competition for places from other towns and villages with poor schools.
The P8 for high attainers is 0.45, middle 0.36. Overall 0.41 (inc low).
KS3 - Typical comprehensive curriculum.
KS4 - They are put on pathways but if expected to get 4+ in ebacc (likely) will do English Lang and lit, maths, science x2/3 (science department decides in Y10), history or geography, French or Spanish and 2 options (9 or 10 GCSEs). Biggest range of choices.
Extra curricular - a decent range of sports, drama and music.
Support/Pastoral - Specialist school for autism but this seems to transfer out to all the kids whatever they need help with. The usual of a new form tutor every year.
Careers - Good. Work with the community. Promote all pathways after school and sixth form.
Ive also attached some results form the school performer website for all three of the schools.
Which order would you put them, and why? No opinion is a wrong opinion. I’m just really confused and worried I’m going to do the wrong thing an looking to see how other a would approach this.