Cardinal Wiseman vs Gunnersbury Boys - HELP!!!

[VanessaF]

I am thinking about sending my son to either Cardinal Wiseman Catholic Secondary (Greenford) or Gunnersbury Boys Catholic Secondary (Brentford). Does anyone have any views on either? I really cannot decide between the two schools. Please help!

Depends where you live imo.

My son is enjoying Gunnersbury. It is much nearer to us than C Wiseman, which we also visited. He's obviously only 11 so he doesn't miss the girls yet, and is loving the variety of new boys he is meeting, after feeling a bit bored in primary. I like the sports facilities, and there seems to be enough challenges academically, and rigorous marking etc.

If I had lived within 15 mins of CW, I would have considered it as first choice. As it was, it was too far to even be on my list. (45 mins on the E3)

I thought headmaster at CW was absolutely inspirational, and school seemed big bustling, but great. I liked the fact that both boys and girls too.

However, Gunnersbury I chose because it seemed lively vivacious, slightly more academic in tone (may have been misled there, I'm sure CW is for highfliers too) and I liked the layout, area.

So either would probably be a great choice. From our primary, boys at both schools have been very very happy. If you are near CW, and want a mixed sex environment I don't think you can go wrong with it either...

I also liked the history and science depts, and the Art room at Gunnersbury.

Thanks for the information. My son could walk to CW but would have to get the E3 to Gunnersbury. I am not sure about a single sex school for him as he likes hanging out with girls, but Gunnersbury did seem really nice, small and inclusive. I have checked out the results and the are both doing very well academically. It would be good for him to stay local. Decisions, decisions - I have until 21 October to decide

I think if it is your "local" so to speak, you would be mad not to choose that.
Cardinal Wiseman has a very good SEN dept too, and a brilliant Art Dept from what I've heard from picking up fag ends.. whereas G possibly has less good SENCO.
I think you need to just talk to other parents with children higher up the school, rather than Yr 7's ths year. What their kids have achieved, what their expectations are for them etc...

I suppose what you are referring to is the idea that G might be slightly more academic and focusing narrowly in that direction - so far I haven't seen that much evidence of drama and music extra curricular stuff in G, but that may just be first impressions.

I really don't know!!!!
Just that my son is enjoying G and lives nearer!

Thanks - your comments are really helpful