Wallington boys, what's wrong?

[Estella78]

Hi everyone:)

My DS's got a place in Wally boys, which was our second choice. We are a bit disappointed as commute will be a bit longer, but that's a life. The only thing is I don't get why most of the parents and DSs thinks it is inferior to other grammars in the area, but at the same time have no particular reason for dislike. What's wrong with Wally boys, why nobody likes it?

Antimatter, on the open day we could not drag him out of the chemistry lab:)

I don't think Wilson's is so focused on maths. Obviously they select on maths and English, but they do all the normal subjects and most boys will be better at some subjects than others. They don't spend any extra time on maths lessons: they just have high ability boys doing it. There is a big emphasis on writing well too and diligence (their favourite word) generally.

It is strict on behaviour, but I think that's a good thing. The few poorly behaved boys can be quite disruptive.

The Heads of Year in years 7 & 8 are really nice and approachable and have always answered any queries we've had. There are two form tutors for each class. My sons are happy there and aren't obsessive about their results.

Because Wilson's is renowned for being strong for Maths and in the end STEM subjects are all anyone very education focused seems to care about.

TBH I honest the Maths emphasis in all the Grammars.
With all the Grammars the Maths paper has been much tougher than the English paper - so they are really going to get a certain type of boy.
Shame really but I am told it's the boys who are pushing the Maths standards up as they will always get boys who can do level 6/7 maths easily.

Estella I posted a very similar post to your own when my son got his place at WCGS 4 years ago. I really wanted to know why it never seemed to be the first choice of the Sutton grammars. I actually discovered that this was actually a fallacy and lots of people put it first. Maybe they are just not as vocal as others.

Anyway fate is a wonderful thing and I couldn't be happier that my son didn't get his first choice of school. Yes the buildings are a little shabby but a school is so much more than its buildings and in any event WCGS does have a rebuilding programme underway.
The pastoral care at the school is great but there is discipline and messing around isn't tolerated. The best thing though is that the boys have real pride in their school and they're proud to be "Wally Boys". The house system is fantastic and you only have to attend one of these events to see how much enjoyment they get out of them. Don't worry about the STEM subjects - just because WCGS excel at the humanities it doesn't mean that maths and science suffer! My son is"terrible" at maths compared to most of the boys but he's still expected to get a level 8/9 next year. Many of the boys are sitting their gcse early this year and will take a more advanced qualification next year.

I couldn't endorse the school more if I tried and Ofsted seem to agree as they've just given the school outstanding in all aspects.

Thanks legallady! I do believe in fate too:) How are non-sporty boys treated by their peers? Is there any pressure to be a "rugby" boy? Do boys have any help if they struggle with any particular subject?

I think that both Wally Boys and Sutton Grammar attract more local boys whose parents know a good thing when they see it which is possibly why they get much less 'coverage' on the 11+ Forum (and possibly on MN too).

There is a certain obsession/hysteria about both Wilson's and the Tiffin schools that amuses and ires me in equal measures.

At the end of the day if you look at the annual league tables, of the local to SW London grammars, Wilson's does seem to have the edge generally but not always - they all yoyo up and down quite markedly

I liked Wally boys more than Wilson's after open days to be honest (the atmosphere was "warmer" than in Wilson's), but commute to Wilson's is much easier for us than to Wallington, so after long consideration we put Wilson's first, but i think someone up there decided that Wally is better for him, despite the distance:)

Estella78 it often works out like that. DS's first choice was Wilson's (some years ago) but ended up at SGS which we much preferred for all sorts of reasons.

my ds isn't sporty at all and it didn't make any difference to how he feels about his school

I think the biggest shock is that there are no lockers at school but they learn to be very good at packing and not losing pieces of their (quite expensive!) PE kit

Yes, antimatter, I have noticed how pricey PE uniform.... my eyes popped out literally. I really hope he'lll not lose any of his PE items. Are there any plans to install lockers, do you know?

no plans for lockers, there's no room for them
Wally Girls few years ago had lockers only for the first few years (3 I think)
they learn to live without them and pack light
only those who carry a lot of sporty gear really have problem

Hi ladies, I am new here I have a question I would really appreciate it if someone can answer it please. My son has only passed to Wallington boys but I am really worried he may not get a space . Dose anyone knows someone or from personal experience that been in my position and been offered a place in Wallington boys.
Thanks

Hi, I just received an email from WCGS today regarding my DS position in waiting list. He is 9th in waiting list. I would really appreciate if anyone can give me some information regarding waiting list. If they move or if they do then what is the chance that my DS will be offered a place. I don't know if I should be excited but I wa when I found out he wa 9th,It give me some hope. Please any information will be greatly appreciated.

sara176 I would have thought being 9th on the waiting list is quite positive in terms of being offered a place some time between now and September. You may find your DS receives an offer from the W/L in the next round (which will be at some point after the 15th March deadline for initial offers).

Really you would be wise to ask the school what's happened in previous years to help determine how soon (if at all) your DS is likely to be offered a place. Movement can vary markedly from year to year but you might be able to establish some trends if you are given the stats.

Fingers crossed for you and your DS.

sara, a boy last year got offered a place in August, having been about 40th on the list to start with. I don’t know whether this was unusual or not, though.

So I’d say you could have a reasonable chance - hang on in there.

MeetieVonWrinkleSqueak wow that's a lot of movement on the W/L.

That sounds promising for your DS, sara176.

sara I know a handful of families returning their Wallington offer this week so hopefully good news for your DS!

Awww you lovely ladies, you all made my day ! my sone was gutted first he didn't get to Wilson's where his brother is in year seven and he wasn't offer a place wcgs and seeing him so upset broke my heart. After reading all this I am much more positive and hopeful.
Thank you all. 😚