Sutton Grammar School / Wallington County Grammar School - query

[vaux777]

Hi,

Was wondering if someone would be kind enough to help me with a few questions on SGS and WCGS:

1. How is the music facilities compare at SGS and WCGS? My son has strong musical ability, (grade 5).

2. How is the approach to homework in SGS and WCGS? How good are the teachers in marking and giving feedback for work done?

3. Do both the schools provide good the support to students for Higher Education with regards to university application, personal statements, Oxbridge applications etc ( I have seen the schools websites for both schools in this respect but would like the actual perspective from someone who attends the school. )

4. Is the sports ground at SGS an easy commute from the school?

5. Have heard that concentration on Science and Maths is more in SGS, Is that the case in anyone's experience?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Many Thanks.

We applied to these schools a few years ago DS is now in yr 8 at Tiffin and he is very musical as well which is why we put that higher on our application form than SGS and WCGS. I liked both SGS and WCGS very much. Great ethos. If you are looking from a music prospective between SGS and WCGS I would choose SGS over WCGS. They seemed to have a better department at the time. Equally check what different groups musically they have for your son to get involved in based on his instrument. I know WCGS has a great battle of the bands so if your sone is playing guitar or drums or keys that might suit him.

Hopefully someone at the schools can answer the rest. Both schools are very good and I would look at the commute for you son when deciding which one is best. It makes a big difference to their happiness and school life.

Yes the commute is the only deciding factor. I wouldn't class a Grade 5 as significant as teenage boys often drop it like a stone anyway. Neither are that musical as the poster above says.

WCGS much stronger for sport but SGS has CCF.

It's all on the commute IMO.

Many thanks for your replies. Hoping someone could give me their opinion on few of the other questions too.

er ok - both schools you will get lots of homework, wallington they say an hour for year 7s though my son never did an hour.
3) Presumably - they are always sending emails out about post18 choices etc and apprenticeships.
4) yes
5) No - SGS has a reputation for nerdiness compared to Wallington just because it is less sporty and less streetwise but of course they both do very well at maths and sciences.

Honestly there isnt very much in it at all. SGS is more popular historically and easier to get to for lots of people. My ds preferrred Wallington though - I just let him choose.

Many thanks for your reply.