Thoughts on Newstead wood Vs Graveney

[user1477238080]

Mums,
really need help. my DD did well on her 11+. we are thinking of Newstead wood; but read mix messages. any views will be highly appreciated. many thanks

Would suggest the elevenplusexams forum.....but do tread carefully, as there will be some who won't have the choice you do iysim.

What is the easiest journey for you? Both schools are a good distance apart. Are you considering moving? DD loves NW, it is early days as she is only in Y7 but it seems a great school to us but then we are nearby so it was an easy choice. NW seems to attract the self-motivated, sometimes slightly quirky girls who have lots of opportunity to be themselves I appreciate the reservations but the Head has changed and the pastoral care is really spot on.

My DD was at Newstead wood, but has now moved for sixth form.

It can be a difficult atmosphere for girls. There will always be mental health issues in a selective school for girls, and while my DD was there, Newstead got that badly wrong. I know the head involved has now left, and hopefully lessons will have been learned, but I would ask specific questions at the school at an open day, if I were you, to reassure myself.

I don't know anything about Graveney.

They are a long way apart!
What did you think on the Open Days?

What's your journey like to both of them?

NW has not had a good reputation for the pastoral side recently but I believe this has changed with the new head.

Thank you
Really helpful. Do girls get support from teachers? Can you be in touch with teacher?

Went to NW open day last year. I liked the art class and the detail of work generally was impressive. I didn't get a feel to the school's vibe and pastoral care.
Graveney is mixed school great results a bit more relaxed but a system. Not really tailored for specific needs.

Yes, you can be in touch with form tutor or the heads of department. If they have any concerns they will also be in touch with you. They have a nice balance between the academic and non-academic. That may all be the same at Graveney but I don't know that school. NW have just won a bid for funding to create a wellbeing garden, a project put forward by the school. They also have a beekeeping club etc. I think these are examples of how they think about outside the academic and pastorally look after the girls.

My daughter left Newstead for 6 th form too . Unfortunately it didn't suit her as she was a bit of a cruiser . She was predicted pretty rubbish grades and was labelled a no hoper with the teachers . She exceeded predictions and did well at GSCE but she decided a fresh start was needed .
Her comprehensive 6th form was a breath of fresh air and her teachers were tremendously engaging . She has now finished uni and has a fantastic job . I think if your daughter is bright and confident she will be fine at Newstead but it is not the place for dreamers or those lacking in confidence .
I really hope the pastoral care has improved because I'm afraid it was pretty shameful

HardcoreLadyType
thanks for your feedback; could you please give me a bit more detail. are you referring to bullying or pressure by teachers to do well? sounds like pastoral care is poor. when did your daughter leave?

I'm not aware of bullying, though I'm sure it happens from time to time as at all schools.

The girls put pressure on themselves, rather than the teachers doing so.

No, there was a really awful incident recently. I don't want to go into it - I'm sure it's googleable. It was reported in the press. I believe it led to the dismissal of the previous head (who I always believed was a poor choice, after the inspiring Mrs Allen).

My DD left a couple of years ago.