Trinity/Whitgift 2019 thread

[enterparentone]

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!

Motheroftw0 congrats to your son - we also have our first choice grammar offer but finding it v hard to choose between Whitgift and the grammar. We have a big scholarship offer from W and the facilities and school are so lovely, I’m not sure that DS will be as happy at the grammar now he’s seen all that W has to offer. Results are better at the grammar and obviously we would be financially better off. He’s also v musical and was looking forward to joining the numerous bands. Just wondering if you struggled or if it was an easy decision? Any advice/thoughts appreciated.

We have decided to decline a grammar place and accept a place at Trinity. It was a difficult decision but we feel it’s right for our son. It wasn’t really about the results or facilities of the school, it just feels a better fit and with a scholarship we can just about manage it. Good luck all

Just wondering whether W & T distinguish their scholars in any way so that could factor in decision-making?

@MuMama25
It was an easy decision to make for us as he only got a full fee offer at trinity and first choice offer at grammar! Our first choice was the school DS was dreaming to attend and did all the hard work the entire year towards it! He fell in love at thst grammar school since the open day he attended 2 years back. As the school was heavily subscribed I was preparing him for our second/third grammar school choices. But now that he got an offer from that school he always wanted to attend, it was an easy decision. If he had got a big scholarship then probably we would have definitely weighed the options but no scholarship kind of made our decision easy. We cannot afford a full fee place without having to cut back on a few things!

Thanks both that’s helpful to know. I’m going to write a big list of pros and cons today

@MuMamma We were in this position a few years ago. Older children attended T but DS3 was offered a place at T with a hefty scholarship and Wilsons.

We went for Wilsons (chosen by DS) and have never regretted it. It has been liberating not to have to pay a third set of fees, even with a generous scholarship, and DS has received an outstanding education with all of the opportunities his brothers experienced (in some areas, more opportunity). You have two excellent choices so don't be too taken in by all the smoke and mirrors.

Finally, at W there are incredible opportunities for involvement in music. This is something the school play down but it really enriches the educational experience IMO. DS had never picked up an orchestral instrument when he started. They taught ALL Y7 boys to play an orchestral instrument and perform an ensemble piece in one day. It was an incredible experience for my son and he has gone on to play 2 instruments and do music theory alongside his academic study.

You have two excellent choices. You will not go wrong either way.

@Popuppippa just wondering by W you means Wilson's your DS3 goes to and not Whitgift?

Yes, Wilson's School rather than Whitgift.

That's great @Popuppippa
If you don't mind may I ask you one more question in Wilson's? I am planning a holiday in August and found out that W has induction day n sports camp for year 7 starters in August.. I don't want DS to miss that as it would be the first opportunity for him to meet his fellow friends.. too early to check in that with the school as offered n accepted only on Friday!!!
Would we be written on that only closer to the time as I am booking my holiday now with things getting expensive during holiday season! Do you remember if there when was that for your DS and when did you know the dates for that?

Oh, we are in similar situation. DS got 1st choice grammar school and T full fee offer. We'd been through all hard stages for grammar and very proud of DS. Things have changed since DS visited T and fall in love with the school. We all think T is best fit for him. It's just so difficult to turn down an excellent grammar school that was once our dream school!

Thanks so much - v hard to do to absolutely- and all financial implications - really useful insights here thanks folks

@Motheroftw0 www.wilsonsschool.sutton.sch.uk/information/calendar/- it looks like there is one day in July but best to call the school and ask

@Motheroftw0 I don't recall a sports day but as AveEldon suggests, I'd just give them a call. You may find this is a busy week for them as offers have just gone out but I'm sure someone can confirm the date.

Thanks @AveEldon and @Popuppippa
I will check with the school tomorrow.

@AveEldon Wilson's calendar has July 1st as New Year 7 parents evening at 7 pm and July 3rd as the New Year 7 Induction day

Does anyone know how much the lake garda trip is?

Onwardsandupward I’m sure someone will be able to tell you what it cost last year, but the year before it was £135. This covers travel to and from Lake Garda, all excursions to Venice, Verona and sailing. The 4 star hotel which looks over the lake is beautiful and all meals included. My DS loved it, great way to bond but a good experience for most going abroad without parents for the 1st time. Absolute bargain!!!

Thanks Jige wish I could go!

Is your DS still loving W? Have you had any issues or regrets?

Onwardsandupward my DS got offers from both W & T back then. For my DS it was always W, and he loves it there. It’s hard work, but boys there soon grow-up and learn to take responsibility very quickly of organising themselves, ie homework, looking after their belongings and the day to day life at W. He’s become very independent. They do encourage them to try out the clubs and this also helps with having a long lunch break in years 6 & 7.
We have no regrets and haven’t had any issues. Most importantly he’s happy there and doing well 😄

Out of interest, has anyone declined a 10+ offer in favour of remaining at primary school for another year?

We did @pipandpop for DS3 at 10+ for Trinity. However, I was absolutely certain he would get an offer the following year. He was offered a generous scholarship at 11+ but full fee place at 10+ which made me think that 10+ may be slightly more competitive with fewer places to go around, and an increasing number of people opting to transition a year early.

One thing to factor into your decision making this year is the size of the cohort/birth year. In London especially, it has been reported that this is a high birth rate year with a sizeable number of children not offered any kind of state school at all. This will have a knock-on effect across all school places, state and independent.

Hi pipandpop , last year DS applied for W only and declined 10+ offer at W because he didn't want to leave school before year 6. However this year DS only goes for T and we are accepting an offer at T for 11+. We are all happy about this as we think T is best fit DS very well.

So the acceptance is in and we're excited for the next stage!

How far ahead is sensible to get uniform? Any current parents know when the next second hand sale is please? Will Trinity send a uniform list and other things to buy? Do they need pencil cases or other gear? Any rules on school bags? Dare I ask - how often are fees invoiced and when? Feeling all very real now!!

Of you go to Hewitt in Croydon they have a list of the uniform requirements . I would suggest going early. We went at Easter and avoided the summer rush and crush.

Thank you!