Kingston Grammer School

[lemonstartree]

DS has been offered a place in the 10+ deferred entry. He is from a state school, v little tutoring.

My understanding is that KGS is quite academic.

Any thoughts ?

Firstly, Congratulations to your DS! But I must say that, in my research, that there are many other independent schools that are better than Kingston Grammar in education... for example, in GCSE 2013, it was 67th; in 2011 they were 51st in the independent schools in the UK.

He should be fine,the school selected him so they are sure he will cope.
The question is do you buy into the school?
The school in due course will arrange tours and teas with HT so make sure you get a feel of the school.

KGS is academic, not as much as, say Hampton or Tiffin, but it has a different feel. It's been growing in popularity, partly because of last HT. Her replacement comes with strong track record from Aylesbury Grammar. We like the school - friendly, down-to-earth, a sizeable intake from state primaries, pupils seem happy and confident, strong maths and different sporting emphasis: not hell-bent on rugby like some other schools. Hockey and rowing are the big thing.

Only reservation is the somewhat cramped nature of the site, squeezed into the centre of Kingston. Having said that, children at the school, the ones we met, didn't mention it as an issue. Interested to hear more from those who are at the school.

We're warming to it for DS, who has an 11-plus offer, over Hampton. Either there or Tiffin, unless reserve list place at KCS comes through.

Thanks. We live locally and that is a big plus for me. Its academic enough, DS will do well there (or not) as he has thrived and learned masses at his current state primary.

Our other options are Reeds & Tiffins. Hampton is too big for DS and now that he is in KGS I would choose it over Hampton any day. Reeds is lovely, but an hours ride on the bus each way every day. That's a lot for a kid of 11

Its more about the other kids and parents ? are they all really wealthy ? it will be a stretch for us financially, are the kids expected to go on expensive trips, is it snobby ? Are the children happy - there are LOADS of clubs on offer - to kids use them? DS is also very musical and they advertise different orchestras - does that really happen? how is communication with the school ? do they get back to you promptly if there is concern ?

Thanks for your thoughts

I think it's a great school and definitely would go for it. We gave several neighbours who go there and they are normal, well rounded kids and not super wealthy.

The school does well academically and has good sporting activities. If it's close by that is a major bonus as well.

Hi my son is at KGSand very happy. DS2 has a just got 10+ offer that we will accept. We are turning down a Hampton 10+ offer for DS2 and I don't think of it as academically inferior to Hampton to be honest ( though has a lot less homework and is a bit more laid back as I understand it , suits us but maybe not league tables right? )

Homework is max an hour a night , with the odd more extended piece of work .There are a few wealthy parents but most seem down to earth and normal (as I'd like to think we are). We were both state school ourselves and kids at state primary and I think that is the majority.The clubs are well used my son is sporty and DT club building robots and such like. There seem to be lots of music things on but I know less about that. We are local and a 15 min bus ride to school is definitely a bonus. Website very organised and tutor answers by return of e mail with any concerns. We get an e mail ping for commendations (and misconducts ) . Haven't been on any expensive trips so far in year 7 one to a castle and the British museum so far....