Prendergast Hilly Fields & Graveney School

[user1475317873]

Hi,

I am considering these two schools for my daughter who will start secondary school in 2018 and I would like to hear opinions from parents with girls there. Also, what are the chances of getting a music place at Prendergast? do you have to play an instrumt to a high level or can you also sing? is it very compentitive? what's the test like? and most important what's the school like in terms of atmosphere, sport, extra curricular activities.

For Graveney: What are the chances of getting an academic place; I believe there are 60 places based on the Wandsworth test; is this a reaslitic option? with children there who can tell me what the school is like.

Thank you

Thank you Maarias; which grammars did you see?

Interesting Mariaas, because some of the grammar kids I know (boys) just missed Graveney. I've seen that happen in MN, too.

No, don't be, villa! It's a very individual choice about what one thinks will be best for one's child. We know lots of children there who are happy and thriving, although I'm not sure whether those in the lower bands are having quite such a good time.

No offence taken - was having a josh. Yes, the lower bands are a completely different story! But the OP's daughter would be getting one of the selective places, so would be in Upper at the lowest and more likely Extension. They make up 7 of the classes and the middle and lower classes only 3.

::grin::

I would strongly advise you not to discount the desirability of going to a local school. As soon as your dd gets into her teens she will want to socialise with friends outside of school, in the evenings and weekends. She will be left out of the loop if she is not within a quick walk or bus ride of her classmates. Some friends with dc at Kingsdale also find this a problem - kids come from miles around so you can end up ferrying your child 5 miles or so for trips to cinema/sleepovers etc.

The Graveney results look good on paper - and so they bloody should with that weird super selective stream.

Thank you. I appreciate everybody's opinions and advice; It is a important decision and a very important stage of their life; there are lots of things to take into consideration; hopefully visitng the schools will make things a bit easier as you can feel whether it would be the right enviroment for your child or not.

Sorry for incredibly slow response. My DS
actually did better in the Grammars than the year 6 test!
Just goes to show that those prepped for 11plus don't necessarily fare better in year 6 test!
I would say the NVR and also the VR requires specific practice. And also a natural aptitude.
Re the Grammars I saw all but Wilsons and tbh I don't think Graveney is quite in the same league. SGS and Wallington were my fave although Tiffin very run down and lowest in league tables in now - still have the toughest test though!
Prepare for some serious tiger parenting for the Grammars - the boys that did the best are natural mathematicians at year 7 level now. It's traumatic and stressful - with no guarantees at the end of it.
Even though DS has passed for some I am still considering a local school and Independents for a less 'pushy' feel
HTH