From private prep to grammar school (Tiffin)

[Pigtastic]

Hello all, DD is currently in prep school and we would like to get some feedback from anyone whose daughter has transitioned from a private prep to a grammar school. We have spoken to parents of state primary school who were extremely positive about their DD experience but I would like to read more comparable experiences. Thank you so much for your insight in this overwhelming 11+ process

To make it more specific, DD has done well on the 11+ and received offers from LU, PH plus G&L WL and are hopeful for a place in Tiffin. However, now we don’t know how to decide between top independent private and top grammar school. We are worried about lack of roundedness in the grammar school and pressure on results and wonder if the investment in independent school gives more peace of mind. It would be really helpful to hear from any family that has had this dilemma coming from a private prep and transitioned to a grammar school

There's a big thread here re Tiffin- not sure how to do links!
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/secondary/4144763-Tiffin-v-WHS-v-KGS-v-Coombe-Girls

In terms of going from a private prep to Tiffin I don't think its hugely different from going from a state primary. It will be the same transitioning issues- much bigger, more clubs, more teachers etc.
Your DD certainly wouldn' t be the only one there who went to a prep school.

One of mine went from private primary to state - bigger classes, shabby buildings, lack of resources / textbooks, sports provision isn't the best

However I can buy a lot of textbooks and pay for external sport as I'm not paying fees
On the plus side she has found her people and the standard of education is good - she is still challenged

@Pigtastic

Hi my dd went from private prep to TGS and she seems to be coping fine. In fact her private prep was an all girls school, so I think it prepared her for an all girls school.

The extra clubs are good and the only thing she misses was the lunch time amazing food 😂

@AveEldon @blubell46 thank you so much for your reply! One of the items we are keen on is for the secondary school to inspire our DD and support her with independent thinking and find out what she is passionate about. In your experience would you say both public and private managed to do this?

@Pigtastic most definitely! The ownership is given to the child to grab the opportunities provided and there are plenty!

For us it was the right decision, she seems to have settled in well and is now in year 9. She slightly lazy by nature and has somehow managed to wing it but has now realised she still need to put some effort in if she wants to achieve what she wants.

She is currently in the rowing and netball team. There are a lot of sports to be involved in. She loves DT and has got involved in projects and entered competitions that she enjoys

They have had exposure to many talks for inspiration. The school is very much geared for the children to grab the opportunities they provide...often I am not aware of them since all emails are directed to the children and it is up to them to be involved.

Good luck with the results and hope you choose the right school for your child