Trinity/Whitgift 2021 entry

[Onvacation]

I have found the previous threads for Trinity/Whitgift entry really helpful, and I don’t think there is a 2021 yet. My son will be trying for 10+, and for a sports scholarship. He is bright, and pleased to be back training for his sports, but he gets really stressed in exam situations and works slowly. He is only trying Trinity this year because he is not at all sure he wants to leave his primary school, but if he managed to get a scholarship I think he might decide to go.

I was hoping the activity on the exam day might help motivate him, but we got the email saying it wouldn’t be happening because of Covid. Can I ask if anyone had more success at 11+ than 10+? Do they ever offer academic and sports scholarships? I am assuming that we will more have the issue of him getting stressed in the exam, and not passing, than standing a chance of a scholarship, but just thinking of best possible scenario . Thanks!

I have 3 boys at Whitgift and no one is relegated to the playground at the back - there are enough pitches for all. No sports take place in a playground. Only last month the U12 E and F cricket teams played on the fabulous north field pitch.

I find on these threads that often comments like “others are relegated to the playground” are from parents with zero direct experience of the school. My son had never played rugby when he arrived and started in the Fs and has over the years moved up for the Bs so I have plenty of experience of lower teams and on many occasions the Ds and Es had matches in the amazing main pitch ...certainly never in the playground! Lots of opportunities for everyone to try all sports !

Hi all,
Had been watching these threads for years and now it is my turn. DS is trying for Trinity and we had not really considered Whitgift until recently but in their online open day it looked like a very welcoming and down to Earth school.

What sort of boy do they look for, esp compared to Trinity?
DS is a voracious reader, generally bright and in the top 10/15% at his prep. Not very sporty, plays an instrument but only for pleasure, not for exams.

@SuiGeneris there are similar boys at both schools. Trinity has fewer places so has been seen as harder to get in.

Thank you @AveEldon. I had the impression Whitgift was sportier and more alpha, and Trinity quirkier and perhaps kinder. Is that the case?

Also, is anyone doing Atom to prepare for the pre-test for these schools? What sort of scores are realistic?

@SuiGeneris My son isn't sporty at all but has been loving Whitgift so far. They do make them do tasters of all sorts but there's no huge pressure for boys like my son to be on teams and he is happy not to be so He has taken up a couple of new things though, which is good. I think it's a great place for sporty kids but that's not all they do at all.

They work them hard from pretty much day one and homework had been a real culture shock, coming from a very average state primary but they learn some great stuff. The language programme has been a revelation to us. The staff seem really lovely and supportive. I think you do need to be willing to make the most of it!

Thank you, really useful to read first hand experiences.

Whitgift have brought their 10+ forward to December- will trinity follow suit?

@Mayday1990 I have my fingers crossed that they don’t. I think my son will find it easier to focus at Trinity.

@SuiGeneris

Thank you *@AveEldon*. I had the impression Whitgift was sportier and more alpha, and Trinity quirkier and perhaps kinder. Is that the case?

@SuiGeneris Trinity is definitely a kind and friendly school, that accommodates a wide range of talent and characters. Lots of kids like their music, drama, art or less major sports ... There is definitely a special vibe to it. It has a reasonable size that allows teachers to look after pupils, so pastoral care is strong. Co-ed sixth 6th form balance things out.

@montlieu Exactly this! The academics are strong - the really bright kids fit in too.

@seeline oh yes those super bright have a place and are looked after ver well too.
It's cool to be a bright one at Trinity

Thank you all. It does sound like Trinity is a lovely school, where bright quirky boys find their place

The application is now fully submitted! Now we just need to see what the exam will be...and then hope that it will go well on the day...and then hope that he gets an interview...and that that goes well...and that the sports scholarship day goes well (or at least hope that it is happening and then hope that it goes well). Still, without the submission of the application none of the above is possible.

Best of luck!

Hi... rather new to this and Trinity is one of DH's aspirational choices for DS8 (despite him not being sporty at all...)
Can i ask, either ex, current or prospective parents here, are most children there from surrounding state primaries and preps, what's the mix? We are in Bromley.

@tewetehoo complete mix, lots of boys from Bromley.

Good luck everyone

thank you yey22.

@tewetehoo
I would think it's 50/50 state/prep school and then lots of local boys from Bromley/Beckenham/Croydon/Shirley

It is a community/local school for many, though they have boys from further away like Wandsworth area or Caterham etc

thank you montlieu! that's really good to know, well balanced and relatively local

Lots from the Bromley area.

And it really doesn't matter if he's not sporty. Lots of the boys aren't. And many of those who weren't discover something that they really enjoy.

Yea lots of boys from Bromley Croydon Streatham Wandsworth Wimbledon etc - some even further - mix of prep and state but seem to be slightly more state school boys.

I haven’t found a problem with socialising outside school - they seem to find a way - obviously not so much at the moment.

I have been so happy with the school for DS1 - he’s made some really nice friends - really down to earth boys - and the travel has really brought him out of himself.

@JustJuice187 thank you for your insight. From what you say, the balance of prep and state appears a good combination. Was this your DS1 first year? How do most boys travel to school? I’m safe groups walking?

Hi no he’s been there for a while. The boys travel by all means of transport - he comes by tram and train, some take the bus and some get dropped off although I’d say that’s the minority- I guess it depends on where you live.
I appreciate the travel must be a worry initially but honestly they take about a week to get used to it. They soon find friends going the same way.