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Secondary education

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Original poster

Offers at Putney High or Kingston Grammar - which to choose?

21 replies

whycantwegoonasthree · 15/02/2019 12:12

HI all - just wanted the benefit of your thinking on this – DD1 has been offered places at both Putney High School and Kingston Grammar - and we're completely torn.

(She has other offers – but we've narrowed it down to these two...)

Can anyone share their experience/thoughts/pros and cons with us please?

DD is bright, enthusiastic learner, social, sporty (and a bit nerdy, although she doesn't think so!). Bit of a tomboy and likes outdoorsy stuff. Currently at a small all-girls prep.

Super aware of the privilege of being in the position, BTW - in all the ways.

Thanks in advance!

OP posts:
TheExtraGuineaPig · 15/02/2019 12:23

Doesn't where you live make a difference? I always feel sorry for the kids who have a tricky or long commute. Play dates and socialising - although there will be some overlap some of the KGS kids will be right into Surrey and the PHS ones coming from London proper. Also if you need to attend events etc - that will be worth bearing in mind.

Bool · 15/02/2019 12:24

KGS does Hockey. PHS does Lacrosse. KGS obviously has boys. That’s as far as I can go I am afraid. But will be lurking!

Original poster
whycantwegoonasthree · 15/02/2019 12:48

TheExtraGuineaPig

DD lives between two houses, mine is SUPER close to KGS, although Putney is only half an hour on the bus. Her DD is about equidistant between them. So it doesn't make much difference really - not enough to be a factor, certainly.

Bool I probably shouldn't let me PTSD of high school Lacrosse make the decision for me...

I'm struggling with Co-ed a bit, I confess... Largely because my experience is single-sex which I loved. I've done a bit of work in schools and I think my concern is that the boys tend to push themselves forward, and the girls are inclined not to fight them for air time... Might just be the schools I was in though... Also I think I'm just a bit old-fashioned...

I'm a GDST alum, so I'm predisposed to think well of the schools in that group I guess, but if I'm honest for some reason I was more inspired by KGS. Can't put my finger on why though...

OP posts:
Bool · 15/02/2019 12:56

Just PM’d you!

TheExtraGuineaPig · 15/02/2019 13:30

We didn't look at PHS - only applied to the schools that are very close to us but there definitely was something special at KGS that we all thought when we visited. LEH was DDs first choice but not by much and both DH and I liked KGS best. Quite possibly there is bias on our part towards coed (both of us went to state comps) but also I thought it was particularly modern, progressive and thoughtful. As a teenager I would have loved to be in central kingston too and it seems that could be very good preparation for going away to university. Sometimes it's hard to put your finger on it but we all really liked the culture there.

IrrationalAnthem · 15/02/2019 14:59

The Head at KGS is fabulous! He makes it his business to really know the children. He teaches them all during their first year there. The head at PHS is, in my opinion, more removed. She’s lovely but a bit vague.

amidaiwas · 15/02/2019 15:32

DD is bright, enthusiastic learner, social, sporty (and a bit nerdy, although she doesn't think so!). Bit of a tomboy and likes outdoorsy stuff.
this describes about half the girls at KGS...

Testbunny · 15/02/2019 16:36

amidaiwas exactly, OP's DD sounds like a KGS girl! The decision will come down to co Ed versus all girls. It's all a matter of preference., experience etc
I think it's a bit old-fashioned to think girls won't push themselves forward in front of boys, however..

KGS is Lovely school, very happy, Sport is great and, as another said, lots opp to get involved no matter the level. Don't know PHS, but Can't be that many schools to play lacrosse against nowadays?

Go to offers days and go with where you can see your DD. Shut your eyes and imagine her there. Which one can you see her being happier at let

IrrationalAnthem · 15/02/2019 17:06

I have children in each school - and they’re both in exactly the right place. Go with your gut feel.

Original poster
whycantwegoonasthree · 15/02/2019 17:18

testbunny - good to hear... For some reason it makes me more excited than Putney... The offer day isn't until the bloody 27th though and frankly I don't want to wait that long to decide... Putney is currently DD1s favourite having enjoyed her offer afternoon - KGS lagging behind is such a pain...

OP posts:
littlemisslucky2 · 15/02/2019 17:27

LEH plays lacrosse. I wish LEH held an offer day as I’d like another look round to help decide. Is it the only school that doesn’t?

You’ve got 2 good schools to choose from. I like the head of Putney and the feel of the school. KGS I didn’t warm to so much but I know parents & children who are very happy there. Personally I prefer single sex schools - less distraction!

Testbunny · 15/02/2019 17:54

Yes, LEH plays hockey , but there must be far fewer matches (or, at least, fewer schools) to play against? Anyway, not important.

whycantwegoonasthree I've looked and the KGS offers day is Friday 1st March. I thought it normally goes into March. You have to get your acceptance in by 5th March

Original poster
whycantwegoonasthree · 15/02/2019 18:37

There's one on the 27th Feb and another on the 1st March. It all comes down to the wire a bit, as the deadline for accepting Putney is the 1st I think... Gah.

OP posts:
RachelTomlin · 15/02/2019 20:26

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Niquitic · 16/02/2019 00:38

With experience of both, I also feel that your DD would fit in at KGS beautifully. The big, unsung, advantage of co-ed is that you have twice as many opportunities open to you in Drama, netball etc as similar sized single sex schools.
Look at travel & trust your gut feel!

Bool · 16/02/2019 01:03

@Niquitic - how would you differentiate the two?

Testbunny · 16/02/2019 06:51

Oh, yes. I forgot to say drama and music is fantastic at KGS. I'm sure it is at Putney, too, but didn't want you to think KGS is just about sport.

I really like the house system. Encourages the kids get involved in lots of activities (academic and fun) , competitions etc, things they don't not normally do. I don't have thing to compare, but I've been very happy with the pastoral care.

Again, if journeys are similar, go with where you can see your DD more

Original poster
whycantwegoonasthree · 18/02/2019 14:18

Thanks for all your input – my gut says KGS for reasons I don't completely understand, and the commute is much better (from mine anyway, from her dad's there's nothing in it…)... Of course as is always the way, DD is now leaning towards Putney... Confused

I'm hoping an offers morning at KGS will redress the balance...

OP posts:
MumAtHomeMainly · 13/02/2021 08:35

Whycanteegoonasthree what did you decide in the end? We’re in exactly the same boat as you got school choice though DD lives at home with us all the time in SW19. But torn between KGS and PHS with less interest in other offers. Interested to hear your outcome!

Sohardtodecide · 27/02/2023 01:02

Hi! I was wondering what you decided in the end? Is your DD happy at their chosen school?
We are in the same situation, with DD adamant on PHS but we actually had a better gut feel about KGS when we visited, seemed very warm with a family-feel. Not sure how a quiet child that's not very sporty would fit in at PHS and no real feel for the pastoral care. Any insights on your experience would be much appreciated - as acceptance deadlines are next week! Thanks

CocoC · 09/02/2024 19:06

If anyone who went to PHS can add their feedback, having joined, would be much appreciated !
I get that PHS is very sporty, which is great, but somewhat alarmed that it seems to be sliding down the rankings? (And unclear on pastoral care).
many thanks!!

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