Whitgift versus Trinity

[Wobblypig]

Tricky choice because not sure if the stereotypes are to be believed.
DS is not musical , loves sports but isn’t elite. He will be disappointed if he can’t get into teams because they are only for county players. It seems that many have got into W but not T which seems to argue that Trinity is more academically selective .
Anyone in similar position or has been in previous years?

Hi wobbly, , there are plenty of sporty boys at T, and plenty of both musical and non-sporty boys at W, and lots of opportunities for music and sport at all standards at both schools.

They do have completely different "feels" to them, though, so I would go with whichever you and your DS liked best when you looked around - that's how we ended up choosing for DS1, the music/sport aspect didn't come into it at all.

I don't think actually there is much between them academically, although W apparently will overlook the entrance exam results to a degree if you are exceptionally talented at sport... T has a smaller intake, which probably explains why more people get into W but not T.

Which one, if any, are you leaning towards?

I like the more physical landscape of Whitgift but the more relaxed approach at Trinity. But really torn. I am concerned DS won’t get a look in sports wise at Whitgift because not elite just v keen and also concerned re amount of homework at Whitgift. But like the Saturday am sports for year 7 and 8.
Our scholarship for Trinity are bigger, not sure why but Whitgift a bit easier to get to

The two schools are much more similar than the stereotypes would have you believe.

There are lots of boys into music, drama or geeky stuff at Whitgift and plenty of sports jocks at Trinity. Whitgift is much bigger so takes more boys per year group, hence more boys getting offers....

I can’t imagine there’d be any noticeable difference in the amount of homework boys get at either, certainly ds at W wasn’t over or underwhelmed by the amount of homework and he came out with very good results so it seemed to work.

Personally I’d go with whichever has the easiest journey - it’s hard enough getting 14 and 15 year old boys up in the morning in the middle of winter when it’s dark and cold so whichever gives him the extra time in bed would be my choice!

If he's keen and enthusiastic he'll get plenty of sports input. Contrary to popular myth it's not all about the first XI at Whitgift. The vast range of sports available means that any boy will find his niche if he wants to.

I agree there are probably fewer differences between the schools than you think and that basic things like ease of travel make a huge difference once you're away from the frenzy of entrance exams and are into the day-to-day routine. Academically they are pretty much neck and neck; I honestly wouldn't factor that in in terms of making a decision. A bright and motivated child will do brilliantly at either.

Money, however, could be a biggie. W is traditionally always more expensive than T and the fees will only ever increase!

Hi thanks that is reassuring. We have 25% off W but 30% off T due to scholarship which makes T quite a bit cheaper so in the end, if they are both similar , that will be the decider.