Maidstone Grammar school for Boys

[1maid]

Hello

I’m new to Maidstone. My son is in year 5 and I’m hoping to send him to Maidstone Grammar school for boys

Does anyone know much about it? Good or bad? Would love to hear from parents who send their boys there

Also, someone recommended Sutton Valence which is a private school and very expensive . Is it worth forking out private school fees if Maidstone Grammar is a good school as well?

Sorry I’m totally confused

Any guidance gratefully received

Xxxx

I wouldn’t bother paying for Sutton Valence if your son can get into MGS or Oakwood Park. The grammar schools will give just as good an education, so save the money!

My information about MGS is several years out of date, so I don’t know if this is still correct, but it used to be known as very strict. People tended to say that if a boy was very sporty, or musical, or excellent at one subject they would do well there. If they were more of an all rounder they would struggle. Oakwood, on the other hand (the other boys’ grammar in town) is more pastoral and nurturing. My brother went to Oakwood and would recommend it.

As I say, this is old info so things may have changed! But I definitely think the point about not needing to pay for an independent if you live in this area is true.

Thank you so much. I’m very grateful. Please do let me know if you know anyone who sends their son there at the moment and please do let me know if they give you any feedback

My thought mirror yours. Why pay private if the local grammar school are just as good :)

Thank you again x

I’ll have a think if I know anyone. Don’t worry too much though - you’re in a good area for schools.

Thank you x

Sutton Valance does very well with average ability dc. The facilities are very good and smaller classes help. A bright boy might be better off at the local grammars or one of the more selective independent schools.

Thank you timetest x

We also have a son in year 5 and looking into the grammars in Maidstone. I personally prefer Oakwood to MGS and feel they would be much more nurturing and supportive. Results wise both schools are very similar. Considering that about half of the current GSCE cohort at MGS would have had quite high scores at 11 plus (above 390 at that time, although this is lower now). They haven't really done any better than Oakwood. I think people look around both of the grammars and think because MGS has an older more traditional building then it must be more like a private school than Oakwood. I have friends with boys at MGS that are not totally happy with the school and some of the behaviour. There is a feeling that the school is holding on to its past glory. However, I've heard nothing but praise for Oakwood. Obviously, this is just my opinion and you will need look around and see what school would be best suited for your son.

Hello

Thank you for your message

May I ask what your friends are not happy about at MGS please? Is behaviour an issue? Crumbs... am wondering if Sutton valence is a better option - albeit more expensive

Many thanks

It all depends on DS. If he is more academic than I would say that you might as well go for the grammars. As an earlier poster said Sutton Valence would suit your average ability child who may benefit from smaller class sizes, better extra curricular & facilities etc. I believe both grammars are still good in terms of behaviour compared to the non-grammars in the area but when comparing the 2 boys grammars I would say Oakwood appears to run very well and deals with unruly behaviour when it does occur more effectively. Sutton Valence is also mixed rather than single sex which you may find would suit your DS.

Thank you

Son is academic and very sporty touch wood. We live nearer MGS - we are in that side of town..

It’s such a difficult decision. I don’t relish spending 21k a year on a private school if I can help it. My problem is that I haven’t spoken to (face to face with a parent who has a child at MGS). This forum has of course helped so I am grateful.

If anyone else has views then please post them. I am all ears! Xxx

Its so hard isn't it - so much can vary on year intake etc , particular teachers , etc etc. We looked at both these schools and slightly preferred MGS. I have a friend whose DD went to Sutton Valence - had originally gone to a non private school but didn't settle plus at time parents who had split both remarried and they ended up sending her to private school - she enjoyed it and certainly went to some exciting g places but grades wise didn't do so well.

Strongly, strongly recommend you avoid this school. Staff do not care for students, students who are victims of bullying are told it's due to "lack of resilience", rampant elitism from both staff and students. It's an awful institution that only cares for results which has led to the erosion of everything good about the school.

Interestingly, if you compare progress scores between maidstone grammar school and other schools, they do exceptionally poorly. Additionally, there are potential issues with the most recent Ofsted report, have a read of this article. I'm near certain there is some corruption occurring which led to an inflated report being published - they ignored pretty much everything bad about the school - alsmost as if the government wants to avoid giving a leading grammar school a bad name.

I'd rather not say how, but I am intimately familiar with Maidstone Grammar School on multiple levels, and I'd really urge you to send your children to Oakwood instead.