Townley vs other Bexley grammars?

[Chocwocdoodah]

DD passed the 11+ and has all the Bexley grammars on her list (except BETHS obviously) but she is considering swapping the order. I really like Townley but I'm worried it's a particularly high pressure school - more so than other grammars. I know there will be more pressure at any grammar compared to a comp but I don't want her to be massively struggle.

She likes Chis & Sid but nothing particularly stands out about that for me. Bear in mind we've not been able to visit any of these schools this year so can only go by their online videos. Its really hard to make a decision based on a virtual tour of the school.

Any advice/experiences please?

The big difference of course is one is co-Ed and the other girls only. Chis n Sid has an earlier start than most schools so do check the logistics for your DD, I know one boy who went to Chis n Sod and got detention in his first week for being late as he couldn’t get on the bus, after trying ever earlier buses he now gets the train which involved going up the line and back out. He is otherwise happy at the school.

I know a few girls who went to Townley, one from an independent lasted half a term and went back to her old school, I don’t know the full reasons why, the others slotted right in and are happy.

You might find you get more specific, up-to-date insights from a local Facebook group or the 11+ forum website.

I've never heard that Townley is especially high pressure for the girls - it was only a few years ago that every applicant to the school was offered a place although I realise that's not the case currently. Is there a reason you're not considering BGS? That would be the one I'd choose and I know the parents of Y6s I've taught have always commented on how friendly and caring they felt the school to be on open evenings. Those that have gone there say the same.

@PettsWoodParadise I've read that quite a lot - about a boy getting detention for being late. Is that common, do you think? I mean, is it the same boy I've read about?!!

We live between the two schools so the journey isn't really an issue. And DD is not sure if she prefers single sex or mixed - neither am I!

@SE13Mummy BGS is on the list but DD is put off a bit by the heavy focus on languages - but I have heard what you've said, that its a lovely environment.

I've looked on our local FB group but it's not been that helpful. I will try the 11+ forums.

This is such a hard decision!

My DD is at Chis & Sid and travels in by train. On the few occasions she has been late, she's never received a detention (just a late mark like you'd expect), but she does email her form tutor to let them know.

My daughter preferred to go for mixed so we chose Chis & Sid over Townley, but it was also an easier journey. I would also add that the gender balance in Chis & Sid is not 50/50 and the boys definitely out number the girls.

Thanks @PLW2020 How is she getting on? Does she enjoy it?

My DD got into Townley grammar and chis n Sid.She is taking the subjects Physics, Chemistry and Maths for her A levels and I have absolutely no clue as to which school would be right for her and she is not particularly picky.Can you help us make the right decision?

Enrollment was last week so has she enrolled at both?

If she isn’t picky and didn’t pick up a vibe of any differences that are important to her then perhaps whichever is the easiest to get to.

Thank you for answering.She enrolled to both because she is still confused. We have heard mixed reviews about Townley and it is the easiest one to get to.If anyone can provide us any reviews about Townley's sixth form ?