Orpington/Bromley choices

[clarewithoutani]

Morning all, with just two weeks to school deadline application, I'm after some views and opinions on Charles Darwin, Ravens Wood and Bishop Justus. I have a bright kid who just missed out on Bexley test and would like a school that will nurture and push to reach potential.

Really impressed with CD and RW but think RW probably has the edge but unsure about all boy environment. BJ good but lacks a few sports we're after.

All comments appreciated!

I have a DD so all my knowledge is second hand but I have friends whose boys went to RW and loved it and thrived. They did have problems with staffing of some subjects.

DD is now in sixth form at Newstead and a number of RW boys have joined the grammar at that stage. Not because they didn’t want to stay at RW but more a combination of girls, subjects and locality.

@clarewithoutani I have nothing to offer on the 3 schools you mentioned, but if you are Orpington way you might consider Knole Academy? DS started there this September. We home schooled the last two years and hadn't taken the 11+, but Knole gives a test in the summer to set students and my son was placed in the Grammar stream. I believe any child who gets a place at Knole who passed or almost-passed the 11+ is guaranteed a place in the Grammar stream. We live near Bullers Wood but DS was adamant that he wouldn't atttend a single sex school. Due to distance we were only accepted to Knole through the Expressive Arts application. So far I have been impressed by Knole. The teachers in the grammar stream seem engaging and challenging, the facilities are great and they really encourage a lot of extra curricular activities, not just sport (which they also have loads of). My son is in the coding club, music club, debate club and drama clubs, and there are lots more. They also have a partnership with Sevenoaks School, which I think will have great benefits for the grammar pupils throughout secondary school. Good luck in your search!

I have also heard RW is very good if all boys is OK for you. As PP points out you are only really choosing single sex until GCSE- if they do well there is plenty of movement after to grammars and other sought after mixed schools.

Thanks everyone. Great to have your insights