PGS or Churcher's College?

[Ellerslie2012]

Hello. My daughter will be starting Year 7 in Sept. 2017 and has recently been offered a place at both Portsmouth Grammar School and Churcher's College. We have visited both schools but would really value the views on both schools from those of you who have first hand experience. My daughter is quite an all-rounder and loves music. We live in Havant so both are equally convenient in terms of commute, although I think she'd have more friends living nearer us if she goes to PGS. I think PGS is seen as more prestigious and academic (although both get good exam results) but Churcher's is going to be quite a bit cheaper over all the years (we have 3 children). Churcher's is also smaller and all on one site. Any thoughts would be gratefully received! We want her to be challenged, have lots of opportunities but also be happy! Thank you.

Lots of Churcher's pupils come Farnham area and North of Petersfield so friends could be further away. On a plus point I like the all on site sports facilities plus it has a great pool. Academic wise don't think that there is much in it between the two schools. We just got a better vibe from Churcher's than PGS.

Thank you for your helpful comment. We loved the atmosphere at Churcher's when we visited too.

2022 thread revival!

OP which school did you choose in the end if you dont mind me asking?

We are in a very similar position - DD will be entering year 7 in September and we are currently going through the exam/interview stage. We are fairly confident that she will be offered places at both so which do we choose?

Its a tough one - I am currently a parent of a PGS pupil in year 12 and have a year 5 who I am beginning to think about options for her. Currently I think that Churchers would be the choice.

Over the past few years I think PGS has gone down hill and doesnt feel like the natural choice for aspiring pupils in the Portsmouth area.

This has been Churcers advantage as it has been able to grab the high flying pupils who previously would have been PGS material.

I know times have been tough for schools like this recently but I have not been impressed with the current head - she just doesnt seem to have what it takes to lead a school like PGS which has to cast its net far and wide to get the quality pupils it needs to sustain itself.

I am hopeful that with the appointment of the new head, starting this summer, PGS will once again take its place as the top school in the area. In the meantime I will be applying to Churchers too....

So we chose PGS because there is more diversity and more of a city vibe. New headmaster has made a great impression on all so far. Most teachers are excellent with a few who need to move on. The school offers great opportunities generally.

Sorry, missed the post revival earlier in the year! We chose PGS and are so glad we did. Our daughter is thriving there and so happy. We now have three children in the senior school. We are also very pleased with the new Head. It's great being in a city with a more diverse group of pupils, to have some uni and Naval facilities that they can use and to have use of the cathedral for concerts etc. Music is also very strong. Where did yuu chose in the morning end?