Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

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

As the Tiffin results day looms, a second 2019 SW London grammars and indies thread

559 replies

FlumePlume · 13/02/2019 20:14

A new thread to avoid the doomsday scenario of running out of posts as envelopes are opened on Friday, waiting lists move (or don’t) and e-mails are opened on 1 March.

OP posts:
Que0 · 27/02/2019 13:43

Congrats why Smile

Christopher - I can’t say I’ve ever heard of asking for a scholarship at this stage. I don’t know? I guess if you had a scholarship (or several) somewhere else, you could ask your head to phone and put this to them, phrasing it like, “Oh they loved your school and you were first choice, but, as it is, it’s hard to accept when they have other scholarship offers elsewhere.” Maybe if you just missed one, they might bump you up? No idea. But they’re only worth 5% anyway, quite often, so I’m not sure it’s worth the bother particularly.

Bool · 27/02/2019 13:58

@why amazing news!

whycantwegoonasthree · 27/02/2019 14:32

I know I was being unutterably pathetic fretting about it to the degree I was – but as soon as she said Putney, my instinct went "nooooo... KGS!!!". Dunno why, on paper Putney was the obvious choice, but KGS just felt right for her.

The 15 minute commute is no small thing either...

I feel for those of you still trying to make a decision or waiting on wait lists... So difficult to know what to do for the best. x

littlemisslucky2 · 27/02/2019 15:09

Well done for deciding. I think we’re nearly there after a positive open morning today. We have released one offer and will release the back up option tomorrow. Just not sure whether to wait for Friday.

Bool · 27/02/2019 18:08

@little where did you decide in the end?

littlemisslucky2 · 27/02/2019 18:42

LEH for us. It’s our nearest school and it seems fantastic. Good luck to those waiting for the lists to move and for the state school places on Friday.

PLD11 · 27/02/2019 20:16

@littlemisslucky2 We've also decided on LEH, academically I think most of these schools are pretty must the same. However the facilities at LEH are fantastic ... so it was today's tour that finalised our decision. G&L is a must easier journey for us, however out DD said she was happy to spend the morning and afternoon socialising on the coach ride 😊

littlemisslucky2 · 27/02/2019 21:05

PLD - LEH was looking particularly appealing on this beautiful, sunny day! I think it was you who told me about the open day today so thanks for the heads up as it definitely helped.

whycantwegoonasthree · 27/02/2019 21:11

I don't know how/why but we totally overlooked LEH... We didn't even go to an open day (and we went EVERYWHERE). No idea why!????

I think I read somewhere about the head dressing like she was going to a wedding, and for some reason subconsciously ruled it out on that basis...

I'm ridiculous... hey ho. Coulda been a contender... Never mind - five exams were enough, frankly!!

Bool · 27/02/2019 23:10

LEH was just that bit too far for DD. Five were indeed enough! Am in a pickle over PHS waitlist (if it indeed moves) or accepting KGS - KGS deadline happens to be Wed 6 which is fortunate as by then if there is going to be movement it should have happened. ExDH wants co-ed KGS. DS super happy there. DD wants PHS. She is adamant about it. A bit lost. Don’t know who is going to win this battle and whether my DD really knows what she wants. But how can you force them somewhere else. They will never forget.

Natalia175 · 27/02/2019 23:21

Have just seen this on another tread (from 4 pm today), reposting as someone was asking about it here.

'Anyone waiting for Wimbledon High? Just heard of a waitlist girl who has been offered so things starting to move.'

Thesunalwaysshines · 27/02/2019 23:38

Bool maybe she wants to go to a different school from her brother? That could be it. Asserting some independence. Or does she have friends going? Does she like gym, dance etc that are more likely in all girls' schools? Putney are string in gym. Lacrosse?? Personally didn't like PHS, nor did DD. Funny, isn't it

If she is adamant, and you as a family can manage logistics of two different schools, then not sure what else you can do but to send her there!

Thesunalwaysshines · 27/02/2019 23:40

But, please manage her expectations as Putney waitlist may not move . You haven't gut an offer yet. Do you know where you are and n the wait list?

Bool · 27/02/2019 23:44

It sounds as if WHS have had enough people decline already then to go to waitlist and sent the email out today to understand how many more will decline so they can catch the top of the waitlist as quickly as possible before they sign up to other schools. That’s my read anyway.

Glaciferous · 27/02/2019 23:44

Who on earth would actively want lacrosse?! It's the worst game in the world and definitely a downside for any school that plays it!! Having said that, I've never played hockey but can't imagine it can be anywhere near as awful as lacrosse which seems to be a game designed to be as difficult as humanly possible.

Bool · 27/02/2019 23:47

@Thesunalwaysshines - yes completely agree. She is totally aware it may not move. She would be happy with KGS but just prefers PHS. WHS for some reason she doesn’t want. PHS won’t tell you where you are but were clear she had passed the academic criteria and is just a question of numbers now. They are just starting building work so are cautious.

Bool · 27/02/2019 23:50

@Glaciferous. I played lacrosse. Was the weirdest game ever I agree! Yep have made this clear to her. I think @thesunalwaysshines has a point that she wants a different route from her brother. Maybe she likes purple Grin. Anyway is all theoretical at the moment - just that if we do get the call the decision would need to be made quick smart.

Bool · 27/02/2019 23:58

DD also plays a completely different sport outside school at county level and so isn’t fussed about hockey vs lacrosse anyway. She wants to keep the county sport outside school going in the evenings.

Glaciferous · 27/02/2019 23:59

For DD, lacrosse is definitely the worst half hour of her week!

Thesunalwaysshines · 28/02/2019 00:02

I know a few actively put off because of lacrosse over the years. Hockey more mainstream and growing in popularity. However, it's good there are things that put people off one school or another (there's always something!) otherwise it'd be even harder than it already is is this process!

Thesunalwaysshines · 28/02/2019 00:04

Good about it not putting your DD off, however Bool You can put that to one side. Let's us know when you hear any news!

Bool · 28/02/2019 00:13

Will do! It’s all rather exciting last minute stuff now (as if our nerves haven’t taken enough) - especially as KGS is definitely not disappointing. Would be very happy for her to go there and the logistics a damn sight easier

HandbrakeTurn · 28/02/2019 06:34

Thanks to Natalia and others for news on WHS list beginning to move; nail-biting stuff...

ananas2019 · 28/02/2019 07:28

Christhopher, that is unfair on the ones who were genuinely warded an scholarship. It diminishes their effort. I will investigate if this goes on in our school.

ananas2019 · 28/02/2019 07:29

I meant awarded.