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Original poster

RGS Guildford 2018

380 replies

Rianna · 02/01/2018 14:11

I’ve had so much fun lurking on the entrance test threads in the last years - now it’s my son’s turn .
Still 10 days to go but I’m starting the thread .
Sitting a couple of other schools as well so maybe we could start a general ‘ Surrey entrance exams ‘ thread ( fun ;-)! )
DS ‘s first exam is in two days time .
He’s preparing himself by playing computer games . I let it go as I don’t believe in prepping children too much for these exams - . I just want him to be relaxed .

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anonymoosy · 05/02/2018 14:06

I hate this process. Still nothing in the mail today. What are the chances of a 'no' turning up now, in the last three days? (DS sat 11+ with no call-back interview) Sitting on my hands trying to resist calling the school. I'm even walking right past it later this afternoon....argh!

heysunfish · 05/02/2018 14:28

Didn't someone say they've already told the heads of primary schools? Are they also not telling?

SheilaFentiman · 05/02/2018 14:34

Chances of a no turning up are v low - only a lost in the post moment, anony!

If the heads are told, I'm sure they will be asked not to tell.

madworld67 · 05/02/2018 15:41

anyone for 11+ who wasn't interviewed and hasn't had a 'no' letter will get a 'yes' letter on Friday. Well done!! Those who were interviewed could be a 'yes' or 'no' on Friday. Obviously scholarship call backs already know they are in =/- a scholarship. Anyone for 13+ who hasn't had a 'no' will get a 'yes' or 'comeback at 12+' letter on Friday.

Original poster
Rianna · 05/02/2018 17:44

That sound like it comes from the School office 😀.

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Original poster
Rianna · 05/02/2018 20:44

Thank you madworld !

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cmjmama · 05/02/2018 20:55

I believe it is correct and true but until you have the letter in your hand it is hard to relax. The letters will arrive postmen all over the county will be greeted by anxious mothers and fathers ripping the mail out of their hands.....it will be a fat envelope or a thin one...... roll on Friday

anonymoosy · 05/02/2018 20:59

I'm so pleased this thread is here for support whatever the outcome. Thank you! Flowers

CRM114 · 05/02/2018 21:39

Hear! Hear!

Original poster
Rianna · 06/02/2018 06:19

I’m just waiting to find out if it’s a boy or a girl ...
( so to say) . I’m more excited than stressed .

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Original poster
Rianna · 06/02/2018 06:41

Ps as that did sound like someone who works at the school is reading this thread : my feedback about the exams is that the extra time children ended up with no breaks , which was very tiring .

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madworld67 · 06/02/2018 08:02

Just to put your mind at ease, I'm not from the school Rianna! My DS did it previously so i remember what it felt like. I was just trying to help clarify how the system works. All very stressful. My DS was successful at 13+ but it was a thin letter- so don't be worried by that!

Original poster
Rianna · 06/02/2018 09:01

😂 I was worrying about all my spelling mistakes as have a son at school there .
I’m honestly not too worried , just feel I would like to know . Do I have to start knitting pink or blue socks ? My son really likes Reeds and I’m not saying anything until I know what the options are . Then might have to go back to headmaster for advice . Or maybe not .
And then I can organise a coffee morning with mums of either school .
St George’s will be on Friday too btw ,but my son prefers Reeds .

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cmjmama · 06/02/2018 09:42

I know that a lot of tutors and people from the school do read this thread, I was told about it by a tutor who watches it. Just a couple more days to go...

Zam786 · 06/02/2018 11:58

Some good news Rianna. We got an offer for Reading Blue Coats in a nice big white envelope. Just waiting for Reeds on Thursday. Phew!

Original poster
Rianna · 06/02/2018 12:15

Well done Zam , phew !

Cjmama must be a boring thread for them . Can’t I delete my messages . ?I sort of said where I was from . Oh well ...

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SheilaFentiman · 06/02/2018 13:49

Rianna

You can report any identifying posts and MNHQ will delete.

Original poster
Rianna · 06/02/2018 17:02

Thanks I reported it . I tend to forget it’s not FB on friends setting .

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Omi80 · 06/02/2018 18:42

Hi ... We expect the DS to get an offer from RGS and Wilson ( a top grammar school) .. can anyone share experience of a state run grammar school and compre with a good independent school like RGS

Omi80 · 06/02/2018 18:45

And thanks in advance Smile

Original poster
Rianna · 07/02/2018 05:54

Omi I think its hard to find people who have experience with both - maybe teachers . In this aerea there aren’t state Grammar schools , I only know of someone who went to Tiffin’s and they moved to Kingston because of it .
Which school is closer to you ? I would not worry at all about a state school , if the inspection says the school is well run and it has a good local reputation you might as well save yourself the money , especially if your son would have to travel less . The sort of boys who go there would be similar apart from obviously more children from higher income families at a private school - but who cares about income ? So basically I would look at travel time and what I personally could afford , I would have no worries at all about a state school .

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Omi80 · 07/02/2018 06:52

Thanks Rianna .... I just want best for the DS... travel & fee are less of a concern... academically Wilson is slightly better the RGS .. university destination is also similar... so very tough for us to decide... I believe the difference is in extracurricular activities and exposure....
I have discussed this with teachers and feedback is mixed ..... I am ideally looking for a parent having personal experience of both type of schools... I do acknowledge that it may be difficult to find anyone at this forum

madworld67 · 07/02/2018 08:54

I don't think its possible to compare really. Obviously they are both academically great and you'll never know which environment your DS will do best in. Perhaps ask yourself why the results are better at the state grammar. Is it because a lot of the kids do nothing else but work? Is that what you want for your DS? Pastoral care if often better in a private school- you are paying! However, perhaps at a highly selective state grammar the type of kids means there will be less issues than in a comp. Wilsons is in Croydon, RGS is in Guildford. Unless you are going to move I think travel has to come into it. There will definitely be more extra-curricular at RGS but if your DS has a huge travel time he won't be able to access most of it. Sport is near Godalming in the middle of nowhere!

Original poster
Rianna · 07/02/2018 09:18

Travel is important .your son will be tired after a commute and have less of a social life . You know I think you can discuss it with dr cox , his children went to state school , he’s not a snob at all .difference in result might be motivation - the parents might work the children extra hard whilst parents like me think the motivation should come from the child - i’m particularly laid back probably .there’s a thread on how much you help your child and after primary school that wouldn’t cross my mind - with the exception of Latin vocabulary maybe as I find that fun . I never even ask if he homework is done - if the results are fine it’s their business how they organise themselves . So that’s probably the difference ...it’s not a bad thing it’s just that ‘s what might explain results ?
Or are you looking at league tables , RGS does IGCSE , which can influence them . Tbh between best and better and bestest ... I always say to my kids that’s like a beauty contest ... one wins but is not like the one who came fifth is ugly ...I don’t worry about that . I have neighbours who sent their son to the one in wimbledon ( king something ) as they looked at league tables . Boy has now a very complicated train and bus journey ...not worth it imo.

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SheilaFentiman · 07/02/2018 09:44

Omi, maybe start a thread specifically on this question, if you haven't already? I know a few on this thread have older brothers at RGS but many will be first timers and that way you'll get some parents from each school on the thread...

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