Thorpe Hall or Belfairs Academy?

[Seasidelivinglife]

We are considering Thorpe Hall for our DS , Belfairs Academy is our catchment school.
When I mention Thorpe Hall is seems to be met with negative remarks about the accademic level. People have also said that most children have SEN so it won't be suitable for our son.
He is above average but unlikely to pass the 11plus but probably won't miss the mark by much so he still has good accademic potential.

Which school do you think would suit him best ?

I wouldn't send a boarder line child to Thorpe Hall. Have you considered New Hall or Brentwood?. He may still pass the 11+, Southend and Westclff both have a wider ability range than many Grammar schools. Brentwood or New Hall won't be of the same level as the Grammar schools but if he does well at GCSE he could move to a Grammar School for 6th form.

They’re totally different schools, not comparable really!

I know children who have done very well at Belfairs, achieved top grades and happy. Top set kids who can focus can do very well. It’s a big school though with more than its fair share of under achievers because of the grammars.

The DC I have known go to Thorpe Hall have been nice kids who have generally struggled academically. I think the school do a good job & the kids tend to be happy and the parents are happy the kids are in a nice environment - that’s what you are paying for.

If grammar was close but I wanted to avoid the local non grammars, I would apply to New Hall or Brentwood.

Thank you both. We will have a look at New Hall and Brentwood. Do you know how difficult it is to gain entry compared to the 11+ ?. DS is at West Leigh so we are not familiar with the independent sector.

Entrance to NH & B is easier, DC who do not pass the CSSE usually get places. I’ve only ever heard of one child who did not get a place.

There are buses that take Leigh children too, from Rayleigh Weir I think, 715ish. Quite a slog but there are always a group of Leigh children going to NH & B.

West Leigh gets about the top 30% of their pupils through the 11+ usually.

The big bonus of NH & B are the opportunities and extra curricular available and it is the norm for DC to participate. The extra curricular are excellent, much better than at Westcliff and Southend which struggle for funds. And the exam results are very, very good, especially considering the intake excludes the brightest Essex kids because of grammars. If you can afford it, they are excellent schools.

Thank you @Chewbecca which school would you consider to be better New Hall or Brentwood? Or is there very little between them?

That’s definitely something that varies from child to child, Brentwood is better for some, New Hall for others. I know a family with a child at each. Go to the open days and see where your child feels at home and excited by. They’re in the next month or 2.

Thank you , I'll do that.

I'm pleased that you are considering New Hall and Brentwood. Thrope Hall would not be right for a child without SEN. It's also far too small for a secondary school experience imo. Best of luck with your decision. DS might surprise you in the 11+ so I would keep that option also