Bolingbroke v Chestnut Grove

[Stircrazyschoolmum]

Hello!

Can anyone give me an up-to-date opinion of these two schools and the key differences (from a parental point of view) between them?

As I understand it, historically Chestnut Grove was seen as shabby and having behavioural issues but more recently its on the up (?) with a new building imminent. Whilst Bolingbroke was historically over zealous with its discipline policy and has its first GCSE results due this year which are likely to be good given its feeder school cohort?

Would a middling academic child thrive equally in each or are there subtle differences I am missing?

I don't know much about Bolingbroke but is it's demographic different to Chestnut Grove
I can't find the Free School Meals or English as a Second Language figures but there may be differences there

If you are at a feeder school - does anyone choose Chestnut Grove over Bolingbroke?

I think you've hit the nail on the head Greydove.. that's the dilemma I'm facing. In the past couple of years I'd say you would be hard pressed to find someone that would put CG first, but their new building, more relaxed approach to discipline and prospective new outdoor space makes it an attractive option. I don't want my child to go to school in a bubble, but similarly I don't want him to slip into a 'bad crowd' or not get pushed hard enough. Bolingbroke parents tend to be very overprotective of their school so it sometmes feels difficult to get a true sense of what it's like and who it suits, whilst CG is a bit of a mystery as I don't know any parents there. I guess this summers results will help.

Will you definitely get in to Bolingbroke?
What are the other destinations from your primary?

Have you checked the distances for C Grove? They vary a bit as they use banded entry

My godson went to CG - was happy there and got good results; left in 2015 and is at a good uni.