Pate's Grammar School, Cheltenham

[RosaLappen]

Can anybody tell me more about the school? Loved the feel of it at the open evening but then hear people say it is too pressured, pastoral care not good enough...

Obviously I do appreciate that dd has only a slim chance of gaining a place, but I thought I could ask, anyway!

[EllenJaneisstillnotmyname]

Hi Louise. Have a look at this forum

www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/forum/11plus/viewforum.php?f=16

for a bit more detail. My DS found the first paper harder and struggled to finish it, with some guesses at the end. He also forgot to go to the loo at the break and had to leave the second test, so failed to complete that one, too, but generally it was considered easier.

[LouiseMarie1975]

Ellen Jane

Thank you very much and goodluck.

[hanglider]

Good luck to those of you whose DC took the test at the weekend. I hope this week goes quickly for you!

[HappyTurquoise]

I've just joined Mumsnet and joining in here a bit late...Pate's is a great school for those children who are very academically inclined, naturally well organised and who have good memories. Our daughter is very happy there 9though it isn't exactly true that every child there is happy, some have their problems, just as at any school.)

[PhylisStein]

My twin DSs have passed the test and are into the top 120 at Pates (1hr each way by bus costing £2900 p.a) , but we live near Marling in Stroud (my car 15 mins) and we are totally conflicted about what to do next - help us decide oh wise and wonderful mumsnetters!

[PhylisStein]

bump

[ByTheWay1]

Phylis... it depends - do you want to be ferrying kids to and from Cheltenham and further every weekend - to meet up with friends? School is not just about the education side - but also about friendships made....

Remember, if they are "active" in the school community - choir/drama/sport that the school bus does not go AFTER clubs but before... (I believe this is the same for Pates)

distance can matter, so I think it is great you are thinking about it before making a decision, academic/kids preferences have to have a look in too , so - sorry I would be conflicted too.............

[Clareyst]

Hi Phylis. Congratulations on your DSs' results. This was exactly our choice a few years ago, and we chose to stay local. We haven't regretted it at all. DS1 now in the sixth form and loves school - I don't believe he would have achieved any more by going to Pates. Both DSs are in various clubs and almost certainly wouldn't be able to do as much if we were reliant on a school bus from Pates, and we're pleased that their friends are nearly all local (although Marling boys also come from a pretty wide area).

I would say the main downsides are that our school looks a bit shabby in places, and the website is a bit cr*p (in terms of information). But both these things are currently being sorted out. The teaching is great, which to me is the most important thing.

Send me a message if you want to know anything more specific!

[hanglider]

Phylis - go and look at both schools again this week. See which one feels right and which one the boys like best. There are lots of lift shares available from people who are in a similar situation to you. I regularly share with several others which makes the load easier. Both schools have children from a wide catchment. Several of DD's friends live within 5 miles of us. Lots of Pate's clubs are at lunchtimes.

We had the same choice - SHS or Pate's in our case. DD chose Pate's and we haven't regretted it. It hasn't been nearly as onerous as people said it would be or as we thought it might be.

I think we probably live in the same area btw that bus fare sounds familiar but we can pay monthly which makes it slightly less painful!

And try www.elevenplusexams.co.uk. If you ask on their Glos forum there is bound to be someone who has a child at each school and can offer a balanced opinion.

[Clareyst]

Yes, I should have added that our decision was skewed by the fact that we both work full-time, and in the opposite direction to Pate's, so we would never have been able to share lifts.

Good idea to visit both schools again - I think also interesting to visit schools on a normal day rather than on an official open day. I really believe in trusting your instincts, too, when it comes to the 'feel' of a school.

How do you feel about single sex v co-ed?

[hanglider]

By sharing lifts I meant from after-school and evening events. The lot I share with are all pretty easy-going and accomodating re: working hours!

I was surprised that DD chose co-ed, I thought she couldn't wait to get away from the boys. I personally prefer it and hope that my other DC can go co-ed too. They seem to have a civilising influence on each other (having been to a girls school myself and DH having been to a boys school - albeit several decades ago!).

[GreenShadow]

PhylisStein - We have 2 DSs, one of whom is still at Marling (and one now at University).

If they had the ability to get a place at Pates and wanted to go, I would have encouraged it. I have heard nothing but good about the school - as long as the child feels it is right for them and is well motivated. The cost of transport however, could be a deciding factor.

Marling though, has mixed feedback. We've not been particularly impressed by results - I think if the boys put the effort in, then they will achieve, but if they are lazy and need a bit of a push, then I'm not sure that the school is necessarily right for them.

I will say that both boys have been very happy there.

[PhylisStein]

Thanks so much folks! I've been to see both schools again this week and I think I'm veering towards Pates. It just had a great feel about it.

[hanglider]

[hanglider]

My DD showed round twin boys...

[Ouluckyduck]

Just saw that Pate's has been named the Sunday Times state secondary of the year.

[Menyanthes]

It is a school which is highly selective therefore it would expected to get good results. I am not sure that makes it a good school. One of the only thing that it has going for it is that it is not single sex.Gloucestershire has the misfortune to still have a grammar school system and the education of the whole county's children suffer because of it. I would say to those who wish to send their children from outside of Gloucestershire that they should agree to take a place at a comprehensive in the county if they fail to get a place at Pates.

[Ouluckyduck]

Menyanthes, do you have children at the school?

[Menyanthes]

yes one

[Ouluckyduck]

And you're not happy with it I take it?

[Sagelynodding]

Back when I went there it was a lovely school!

Fab teachers, loads of extra-curricular activities, a relaxed and friendly environment.

I wouldn't hesitate to send my dc there if they got in.

[Menyanthes]

Disappointed, it promised so much. I have other child at other secondary school in the County and they have had a much better all round education. The Pastoral care has been far superior.

[Ouluckyduck]

Is your child in year 7?

[Menyanthes]

No, I won't say any more other than just be careful about choosing schools on league table position and their hype

[Ouluckyduck]

Well I've heard lots of good things about the school - great extracurricular provision, good at communicating with parents, great facilities, and somebody I know who went through a family break up said the school were very helpful and caring.