Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School or Hampton

[Lumikki]

I have a place a both of these schools. Was originally happy with Cardinal Vaughan but having spoke to friends who have children there I am not so sure. Sounds as if it the battle they are having with the diocese is unlikely to enable them to get the results they have enjoyed in the past and that standards could well slip in years to come. Would be grate for your views as I am keen to free up my place (was only just told by Hampton I am off the waiting list)

I don't understand. I thought the battle with the diocese was over admissions. If they let in a wider mix of people then it shouldn't affect how your son does, only how the school does as a whole. It won't make much difference to your son if 80% of kids get 5 GSCEs or 60% so long as he's in that group. It's not like he'll get 80% or 60% in his exams. I'm sure standards in the higher streams will be completely unaffected. Or do you think your son will be in the lower ones?
This is the whole problem with league tables and selective admission processes. They don't tell you how your child will do, just how a percentage of the children entering the school does...

I agree with Polly regarding the future of CVMS, but if it were me I would be thinking much more around which school would suit my child best. CVMS has a very distinct culture and ethos - its not right for all types of boys. Additionally, I would be considering the distance and travel times from our home and whether the chilld would have many friends that live locally (or easy to get to on public transport).
Good luck on the decision. Would be very interested to hear what you decide!

In asking the question have you not answered it. ? I share your concerns:
See other threads on CVMS.
My feeling is that no one knows what will happen to CVMS; it might be ok but it might change.

Lumikki

Have you made a choice yet? If so, what was the basis of your decision?

Good luck

The problem with the change to admissions is that it is likely to result in a narrower range of people being admitted. When the Oratory changed their admissions criteria, the % on free school meals fell and therefore they are going to snub the Diocese and go back to their old admissions crieria. It'll be interesting if the Diocese shops the Oratory to the admissions authority