Kendrick Grammar - any parents out there?

[GaribaldiGirl]

Just want to know if anyone has a daughter there, if they're happy and how they find it generally. My daughter sat exam in November. She's got an academic scholarship to an independent school which reduces the fees which is great so if she gets into Kendrick will be a tough choice (fees are a stretch - we have 5 children!) I just don't know anyone who has actual experience of the school.

My friend took her daughter out of the abbey aged11 because they felt it was far too competitive and really put the pressure on the girls ! The girl now goes to a state comp and is flying .

An interesting thread!! I went to The Abbey, although some time ago under a different Headmistress/Senior Staff, therefore my experience will not be reflective necessarily of current practices and attitudes.

I was not an academic child by 'The Abbey standards' and was more involved and succesful within sports/music areas. My time was enjoyable, but it was noticeable the different support and assistance you received if you were on the Oxbridge pathway. You did have to work hard, although I knew nothing else having been there since I was 4, and it was academically competitive. This did not have a negative effect on me. It probably enabled me to acheive more than I would have done at a different school. I can easily understand that for some children this whole ethos would be destructive, but I do think for a child not within that top academic elite group, The Abbey may still be a suitable option.
Individualism was certainly encouraged during my time there and was not frowned upon. A disorganised, forgetful, but highly academic girl I knew was a very successful and respected Head Girl.
I found the comments about supporting children with difficult home situation interesting. Punkatheart- it sounds as though you were badly let down and treated apallingly. Conversely, albeit some time ago, a friend of mine was in a similar situation and the school could not have been more supportive. Perhaps I am glad that I attended The Abbey at a time where areas now being stressed as problematic were less significant.

To those searching for the right school for their child, good luck ,do your research and trust your own instincts and knowledge of your dd.

Very good and balanced post, Catper33. Lots of opinions are always better than one.

Hi Hoofhearted.

I am a very happy Abbey Mum- Junior School, but with many friends who have children in the SS, and who speak very highly of it. I can see that time is tight, but perhaps seeing the schools again would help? The girls themselves are the best advert for the school, and I think that the school leadership is excellent. They have just started the IB with excellent results, and there is a very broad choice of subjects and extracurricular clubs at all levels.

I would agree with the views of ReadingMan, particularly about confidence. I would add that The Abbey seems keen on supporting whatever a girl's strengths are, and feels like it will offer a very rounded education.
I gather that St Jo's is apparently doing better now that it's co-ed, and is well known for excellent pastoral care.

I wondered what your daughter wants?

I wish you well with your choices-it may not seem like it now, but how wonderful to have a choice of three schools!

Hi,

Sorry have been PC less for a while and so unable to answer.

The other school is Luckly Oakfield in Wokingham.

Still don't know what to do. Have asked all schools if we can defer answer until Monday. Any other comments please....

Punkatheart - your description of 'An alpha, mature and organised child' is the complete antithesis of my DD which is exactly why I am worrying.

DD has not received 'good vibes' from there and is favouring the other two and probably much more St Josephs if we are honest.

Academic results are really not the be all and end all for us and we have as a family discussed this at length, but what we so want for her is a happy childhood with a good education that will set develop her in all areas and set her out into the world with a good foundation, a pleasant manner, good friends, and above all a positive attitude to all things. She has lacked so much confidence and her current junior school has done so much to help her (it is a shame the school doesn't go beyond 11) that we just don't want everything to be reversed.

Catper thank you for your comments.

This is so difficult.

hi bananashavenobones

sounds like your daughter chose well, I hope mine does.

No bursaries involved so don't have that to worry about at least

Punkatheart - I am sorry but I am a bit of a novice at Mumsnet and cannot seem to pm you....I will keep trying. HH

Hi All,does any one have information about Abbey school reading A level .their A level result is fantastic but will like to know if the kids have to be supported with extra tuition at home to achieve that result or is it the schools effort on its own.