How demanding is a music scholar place at Twyford C of E?

Ours went to a similar school but not yours.

It was music first, last and everything in between which was a paradise for him.

Yes I agree, if music isn’t his absolute passion then being a scholar might not be for him. It goes far beyond just being good at music.

I think with any music scholar place they have to be really interested.
Taking Music GCSE should be a no brainer not something to wonder about.
Mine was a music scholar at another school and basically lived in the department for 5 years - now at specialist music college.

Both my kids are at Twyford. I would move heaven and earth to get your child in there, it’s an excellent school. Hot on behaviour, very solid academically, my children are very happy and performing well with high and clear expectations. Unless you have better options I would fully commit.

Also the RE GCSE is taken in yr 10 as a practice/warm up. It doesn’t take away from options.

I think it all depends on what your other school options are. If the music route is your only way in, and another school isn't as desirable, i would go for the music place. If you have another great school your child would be happy at, then you can rethink.

They actually get the option of four! So they choose three; for example, a mfl, history or geog then computing or graphics. The optional fourth is offered in an add on session after school, for example triple science/graphics. The range of subjects is very trad, but that is Twyford’s usp. They know what they’re doing, they do it well and they do it again and again across four great schools. The children in top sets study Latin and German alongside their main choice of language, those in lower sets get lots of language classes. The SEN is good. Behaviour management very strong - at times a bit reactive, but overall they get it right then support the children to learn from it. There are lots of trips abroad in the earlier years and an exchange programme. It is in a trust, so all schools are teaching from the same resources. This gives them consistency and lots of thought has gone into planning. The teachers know my children well and I’m always impressed in teacher meetings by their understanding and informed approach. In yr 10 sports is divided between competitive and recreational, which is really fair to both sets.

One of the best things about this school is the no smart phone policy. This is a saving grace. I cannot express how highly I value that as a parent trying to keep my kids off phones.

worst thing is the lunches, appalling. Not fair really to feed children that crap, and sometimes they miss lunch because of the queueing, it’s a huge school. Oh and every year they have these interminable open evenings for ‘year 8 parents’ etc, so dreadfully boring, but I suppose most people like that kind of thing.

may as well apply since it sits outside your choices anyway, then decide. Good luck!

I would just apply- the deadline is tomorrow I think. I would recommend some practice for the test as I definitely think familiarity helps at least with round 1. Round 2 is like an abrsm aural test. I know a few music scholars, some slightly more reluctant applicants. Not heard any negative reports. If your child gets a place following the test you'll receive a call from the head of music and you can ask for more details. You can probably do this, even if on the waiting list, through email. Music GCSE is not compulsory (at least not as far as I know) but if they choose to do it they would be well supported.

will you let us know how you get on? Very intrigued about the process. i dont think you can study for it really since it is all about having a musical ear, but also keen to hear what's expected of music scholars. we may apply for music + CoE

Both of mine are music scholars. Neither did GCSE music.
Best school in West London. Do whatever you can to get in. Children excel there.

Have both yours enjoyed it. Do you have a long commute? I would put it first choice were it not for the commute