Latymer (grammar) or Highgate?

[Conundrum2020]

So, we will very soon have to make the decision between Latymer (the grammar school) and Highgate for DC. Highgate is closer and, of course, has much better premises (with those fees, they ought to have so that is normal). But I feel that Latymer is more diverse and, of course, it is free! I do understand that funding is an issue for all state schools, so we would have no problems contributing to the schools (it would be nothing like paying for an indie in any case).

We are not wealthy but have the money sorted for going to Highgate the next 7 years. But the money saved by going to Latymer could pay for an awful lot of "extras" (including a deposit for a flat for DC when that time comes).

What would you do? The naicer indie or the excellent grammar?

I've heard quite a bit about children starting Uni not knowing how to study independently and to me that is a shocker at that age. But, of course, if you've been spoon fed all your life, how would you know how to do that?

What utter rubbish. Children educated privately don’t know how to study independently?

@ApplyWithin I can only go with what friends and family teaching (or higher up) at Russell Group/Oxbridge have told me 🤷🏽‍♀️ Many have said that the most motivated students seem to come form underperforming schools in deprived areas - an A/A has required more effort from the individual compared to someone being spoonfed and coached at every step. I don't know why that would be so hard to believe. I think it's more about you taking it very* personally. 🤦🏽‍♀️

@TheyWentToSeaInASieve Okay, I see. As you referred to OP, I thought you meant me. We're only in Yr 7 so don't know how the remote learning was last spring but what we saw this year from January until school opened again in March was excellent. All classes on Team, work submitted via Google Classroom etc. My only role as a parents was to make sure internet wasn't down... School has since asked for the parents' feedback and summarised the outcome of that survey. But in all honesty, the comprehensives around us seem to all have handled it well this academic year.

Saying that I am impressed with the digital set up for the students at Latymer - the school intranet etc - and the communication from school. This was excellent before they started teaching remotely in January. A friend with children at City and Latymer has told me before that they see no difference in what the schools provide. Just a difference in the impact on the wallet...

That’s good to know. Thank you.