Request for reviews of Dr Challoners High School and Chesham Grammer School - which should we choose?

[stephp123]

Hi All,

DD passes her 11+ TBH we did not expect her to as she has dyscalculia and finds maths a real challenge so we were both surprised and proud as she has worked very hard over the last year.

DD is high-end in literary subjects, very creative, imaginative and musical with a leaning towards the creative subjects as well as DT and IT. She does not always cope well in high-pressure environments but this is getting better as her confidence builds. She is rather distractible and needs constant monitoring / nudging whilst doing homework or she drifts off into doodle daydream world.

We live a short walking distance from DC so logistically it makes sense. DC has incredible results too. However CG is not far behind on results and scores a significantly higher 'Happiness' score than DC (75% compared to 50% with national average being 42%).

Can anyone with experience of either or both schools please provide your thoughts and opinions? We are torn between the two and would rather make an informed decision rather than choose the closest/easiest or flip a coin...

We only have a few days left in which to decide.

Many thanks,

I know its a very very very long time ago now but I loved my days at D Challoner's. i used to have to bus in from Denham. Having my son within walking distance and not reliant on public transport or set timed school transport is a massive plus.

Dr and I. My keyboard is sticking. It isn't a sign of bad education from Dr Challoner's!!

I have had DDs at each. Both are good schools, if a little uninspiring in the way that state grammars chasing league table points can be. Chesham used to be the more relaxed option, but with slightly lower points scores. Now it is less relaxed, but scores more highly.

In your position, I would go by which creative subjects your DD likes most and whether she would prefer a single sex or mixed school. The presence of boys does dilute the 'pressure cooker' atmosphere that academic girls schools can have.

Both schools should get her good academic results. Both have good art departments. Computing and Electronics at Chesham are both very good. However Chesham no longer offers Textiles or drama at A level, so maybe that is a consideration.

Neither school would be a bad choice, but there are subtle differences.