Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Original poster

Trinity/Whitgift 2019 thread

862 replies

enterparentone · 14/12/2018 17:04

Is there a thread yet for parents with kids doing entrance exams in Jan? It's been so helpful looking through previous years threads and now we're going through it I'd love a hand-hold and any advice on what to expect!

OP posts:
Onwardsandupward · 27/02/2019 14:55

We have seen both schools this week and will be releasing a Trinity place with scholarship.

We spoke to both senior admissions team and students at both and feel that Whitgift will just suit our DS better.

You definitely have to see both schools. Our preference at the start was always Trinity.

Smorgas · 27/02/2019 16:54

Onwardsandupward are you able to share any thoughts on what swung it for you?

I know its very personal and I am not trying to get you to share anything sensitive but I am intrigued as to how the two schools differed after your conversations if you are able.

Onwardsandupward · 27/02/2019 22:31

Smorgas in the end it was just gut feeling. I can't seem to articulate it but W seems right for DS for his personality. It is surprising given that he is quiet and sensitive...he received scholarships for both.

I am a bit worried having to turn down the more difficult school to get into - so am hoping we don't regret it. 😀

PutMum · 28/02/2019 09:29

We visited Trinity yesterday and it truly comes across as an exceptional school. Back to the drawing board for us in terms of making a final decision this weekend! My sense is that there is a strong emphasis on relationships, and value-based education in Trinity, which might get a little toned down in the scale and extroverted nature of Whitgift. Without an external reason to take one or another, it is not an easy decision at all.

PutMum · 28/02/2019 09:36

Thank you to all who encouraged us to visit it.

Nonie0509 · 28/02/2019 10:11

Putmum
We were also at Trinity yesterday with our son and have the same predicament. Weighing more towards T though given the ethos, focus on the overall roundedness of the boys, the overall feeling as we saw the school come to life. I know the staff were on a sales pitch, but I genuinely came away feeling this was the right school for our son. Good luck with the decision.

Seeline · 28/02/2019 10:13

It is a hard decision to make, but in the absence of any overriding factor, I think there is a lot to be said for gut feeling!
Good luck

turboturtle · 28/02/2019 10:25

Putmum, you mentioned in your initial post that your DS done the music assessment?
If your son is into music, T has an exceptional music department. All the boys (music scholars or not) are given great opportunities to perform and take part at numerous times of the year. I personally think that T do not shout loud enough about their music, but that reflects the kind of school that it is. Not boastful or in your face

PutMum · 28/02/2019 10:41

Yes turboturtle, he plays the violin and agree the music focus at T seems extraordinary. Nonie0509, yes I know what you mean about sales pitch but think difficult to manufacture how heartfelt it was if it was not real. Congratulations on making a decision! Seeline, my gut's gone a bit quiet, hoping to discover it on Friday afternoon! Thank you all.

Seeline · 28/02/2019 10:49

PutMum If your son is musical, I would really look very closely at T. The facilities and opportunities are amazing! But also many of the musical boys have very active roles involving sport, drama etc so don't worry that other opportunities will be missed.

Jessicalangleyss · 28/02/2019 16:24

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

helgwyn · 01/03/2019 16:36

Re scholarships, we went to the music scholarship presentation and were told it’s absolutely fine to call and say you need help if you can’t manage the fees attached to an offer. We’ve since called and asked if there’s any chance they could give him a bit more of a scholarship. Although they told us the same thing as others (all scholarships allocated) they were very open to the conversation and said it was unlikely but not impossible and we’d have to wait until The acceptance deadline. They ackowledged that every little bit helps! Always worth asking. We’ve accepted the place regardless. It’s an amazing school and we’re absolutely thrilled he got in!

MuMama25 · 01/03/2019 20:45

Hmmm Grammar or W ?

Smorgas · 01/03/2019 21:14

Still waiting for Wandsworth state school places to be announced. It was supposed to come out at 5pm but still not arrived. So we can't even think about Grammar yet. Not helpful with school deadlines approaching fast.

MuMama25 · 01/03/2019 21:17

Log on to the website Smorgas

Original poster
enterparentone · 02/03/2019 11:19

Just wondering how everyone was doing? Feels like it was so intense up to the results day and now all quiet and September starts feel a long way off!

Has anyone decided to decline an offer because they got a State offer they'd be happy with?

Any other T 10+ parents on here? 👋

OP posts:
Nonie0509 · 02/03/2019 11:24

Hello enterparentone
We have accepted the place at Trinity for our son - 10+. :-)

Original poster
enterparentone · 02/03/2019 11:40

Oh hello Nonie! Are you local to the school?

OP posts:
Goingcrazymother · 02/03/2019 11:43

Hi enterparentone, We are 10 plus and have accepted W x

Motheroftw0 · 02/03/2019 20:11

We are 11 plus and will be declining Trinity full fee offer as received offer for our first choice in grammar school.

Original poster
enterparentone · 02/03/2019 20:30

Ah congrats MotherofTw0! Well done your DS!

OP posts:
Bondiboo74 · 02/03/2019 20:32

We are 11+ and have chosen Trinity. So happy!

Motheroftw0 · 02/03/2019 21:22

Thanks @enterparentone soo over the moon and very proud of DS.

user1485549700 · 02/03/2019 21:46

We are going to see W on Tuesday, taking DS so he can see it again. We didn't even do an open day, as thought it was just a trial run for 11+. I think given the stress it removes for next year we would be mad not to take the place, so hopefully Tuesday will help us make that final decision! Thanks everyone, I had no idea all this school chat went on, but it's been very helpful!!

walkingtheplank · 03/03/2019 00:33

I think you're right to accept the 10+ offer. I wish we'd applied last year. Would have been great to get the stress over and done with.