So where's this years Trinity/Whitgift/Dulwich/Alleyns Thread PART 2!!

[Firefox1066]

The other thread reached the 1000 post limit so I've started this as a follow on

[Firefox1066]

Well done Tolacar!!! It really did make sense when you compared the two journeys!!

[soooooooknowwhat]

So right up until the last minute we were struggling to choose but always had a niggling feeling that we just didn't feel as comfortable at Alleyn's. Got lots of advice from Mumsnetter and ds's prep head who called on Sunday. She surprised and reassured us by saying she would definitely choose DC over Alleyn's for ds BUT that it would be harder to pick between the other academic co-ed school ds had an offer from and Dulwich. She really said it was down to gut and that's what we went with in the end! Ds is going to DC now and I'd say we are 80% sure we made the right decision, there is always that slight niggle re co ed but we do know that Alleyn's wasn't for us. Jasmine, probably too late now but I'll second other posters, an hour each way with multiple changes isn't worth it I think. I don't know City and love T, but I know many people who are happy with City and I think you have to think about how it will work practically! I hope you made the right decision for you and your ds and hope everyone else is very happy with their choices. Very good luck to those on waiting lists and fingers crossed for you all!

[Tolacar]

Thank you Firefox1066. It definitely makes sense.

Well done soooooknowhat....Dulwich is an excellent school. Loved the vibe there.

Jasmine...which did you go for?

Good luck to those still waiting to hear on the W/Ls.

[IntheMotherhood]

Has anyone noticed that the Grammar Vs Indie thread on eleven plus forum has been locked - some very antagonistic/chippy conversations going on there!

For those making the decision between: Grammar and Indie; Grammar and Comp; Indie and Comp.. I have a couple of research studies to share (if anyone has time). Ultimately - it's the child's ability, their family support and then the school that counts, and in that order. There are no silver bullets in life.

I hope everyone makes peace with their decision...whatever it may be.

Thanks for all your support.

epi.org.uk/analysis/grammar-schools-8-conclusions-data/

educationdatalab.org.uk/2015/03/the-lucky-children-who-just-get-into-grammar-schools-dont-appear-to-achieve-more-than-their-primary-school-contemporaries-who-just-miss-out/

www.isc.co.uk/media/3140/16_02_26-cem-durham-university-academic-value-added-research.pdf

[Firefox1066]

Yes Inthe... it's locked due to one particular poster being unable to accept that some independent schools are actually very good (he/she is fervently anti-independent school)

soooo congrats on your choice. DC is a fabulous school and, although not right for my DS's, I know many parents who are extremely happy there. Joe Spence, by all accounts is doing a smashing job and I'm sure your DS will thrive.

[Firefox1066]

orangetiger In answer to your question on the other thread. W will send out info on the New Parents evening that happens in June, I believe. Also they will send out info on Lake Garda Trip and the induction days in August.

There tends to be a Lower First Rep who puts all the info (of those parents who are happy to do so) together and I seem to remember someone producing a map of where people lived etc (all a bit fuzzy now as was three years ago with DS1!)

[JasmineJasmine]

Thank you for your advise. We decided to go for City. Only if T is around our area...such an attractive school.
Looking at schools where we live and the schools we got offers, this choice is the best. One thing financial matter is painful. It will not easy for us. City is the only one we don't have any financial benefits and need to pay full.

The end of the day.......my son's life is not only school life. He wants to continue his swim training after school and need to do homework. In that sense, it may be OK if he goes a good comprehensive near us, but none. To stretch his potential, this choice comes first....
Thank you for all your thoughts and comments. Good luck to you, all.

[sooooooonowwhat]

It sounds like everyone is happy with their choices! We have found the whole process quite draining and it will be so good to have something else to think/talk about now! We had applied to a couple of state schools as back up and our postie must have had a few days off as their offer letters have just come in today but deposit paid and mind made up so we are not even going to go there! Good luck to all those still deciding between Indies and grammars, speaking from my current and very limited experience my takeaway is ultimately it's best to go with your gut (and shorter journey!!)

[Tolacar]

I managed to sleep 8 hours straight for the first time in months! Now I understand the toll it took on my DS during the exams...but agree my lesson learnt from this is to with your gut and the shortest commute too. I will have to repeat this in 4/5 years time....wonder what the situation will be like then!

[Railworker]

Thank goodness the decisions are all over - you are right, Soooo - the decision making was more draining than the exam prep!
Good luck to those still hoping for wait list places.
In our case we definitely went with our gut, strong steer from our current school and my son’s preference (albeit marginal in the end). Sadly not the shortest journey but hopefully worth it!
Thanks for all the advice/info I’ve gleaned over the months on this thread. And hope everyone’s first term at all the new schools goes swimmingly!

[Quirkyfunkyvintagequeen1]

Longtime lurker here and first time poster!
First a big thank you to everyone on this years thread and the many threads of yesteryear! You have all been fountains of knowledge and have equipped me through this madness! My DS has been given a place from the waiting list at Trinity and we are over the moon! Just felt the need to share to give hope to others who may be still be on waiting lists... they do move!

[spacecadet48]

Quirky welcome and what fabulous news!

[Robotsandunicorns]

Thank you Meetie for directing me to this thread!

[Robotsandunicorns]

Does anyone have any feedback on W waiting list. We have accepted an offer there but I have some anxious friends still waiting....

[spacecadet48]

robots i would imagine there will be some movement on the waiting list now that that the state schools have now sent out their offers. There have been delays with the mail but I would expect W to email or call. Good luck to your friends.

[LondonUSAmum]

Does anyone know if Alleyn's went to waitlist at all this year?

[SchoolQuest]

A very quick question, what is the deadline to accept the offer from Trinity for 11 plus? I had applied for my son for 10 plus and I had to give the acceptance before 23rd February, is it the same case for 11 plus as well? Just wondering if the parent is expected to make a decision before 1st March the National Offer day for Secondary state schools?

Thanks

[user1495443009]

Decisions to accept 11plus offers are normally 5th of March

[Firefox1066]

Schoolquest that doesn't seem right for T. It should have been 5th March.

[MeetieVonWrinkleSqueak]

firefox, no, that is correct for 10+ entry - the acceptance date was much earlier at T. At that age they don’t have to tie in with Nationals Offer Day, so I guess it makes sense for them to try to get replies in as quickly as possible.

[Seeline]

For those of you that have accepted offers from T, and want to get ahead of the game, a ‘Good As New’ Uniform Sale will be held on Saturday 10 March. It will take place in the Boys’ Foyer from 8.30 until 11am. Please note that cash or cheques only can be taken. Profits will support the school’s Malawi Project.
There is usually another one held on the New Boys morning, as well as others throughout the year.

[SchoolQuest]

Great thanks for your response, it's a relief that it is after March 1st for 11 plus.

[Railworker]

Thanks for the info Seeline!

[Railworker]

Oops, posted too soon.
Can any T parents tell me what colour the school trousers are supposed to be? I saw most of the boys sporting black trous on our visits, but uniform list says charcoal grey. I realise this is v early days to be asking about uniform, but son wants to blend in as much as possible. Thanks

[orangetiger]

thanks Firefox1066 assume W will send out confirmation letter that they received paperwork and deposit for place ...