Trinity/Whitgift/Dulwich College 10+/11+ 2021

[2morasmum]

Hello,

as mentioned countless times, I found the previous years' threads very useful, so it is now time to start this year's.

DS sat the 11+ reasoning test at DC yesterday. He'll sit the morning slot at trinity and we are awaiting confirmation of assessment date from Whitgift.

DS is remarkably relaxed so far. I, on the other hand, am a little apprehensive about the next few weeks.

How are everyone else's DSs feeling before "the storm"?

Got the letter from DC and offer is full fee. It's our local school so the scholarship would have made a decison easier. Getting a massive headache.

@northerngoldilocks well done for the academic sholarship at DC. I was still hoping when I received the letter but nope. We are 10 mins away, it would have been a deal breaker.
But coming from state and with no support I am so pround of my DS. Got an offer from Alleyns too, but that is full fee again. A massive financial strain.

Is anyone trying to choose between DC and T? It’s doing my head in!

In the scheme of costs the scholarships are never going to be the decider though. Bursaries can make a huge difference but not scholarships. I'm not sure what DC maximum is, know Alleyns is 4K per website, but against base fees of roughly 20 for both then it isn't the decider!

@PeachesF

It's a yes for 10+ from T, waiting for W So pleased!!

Hi, we are in exact same position! Got offers from T and City, but can’t decide. I loved Trinity facilities and City is an awful commute for us, especially in the morning. I am a bit worried about my son and have nightmares thinking about the morning rush hour travel. Such a hard choice to make! Are you going with T or C? Maybe our boys will end up in the same class!

Hi All, we got 11+ offer from Whitgift. Acceptance form signed, deposit paid . No messing around

We got a yes from T with a scholarship of 10%. So relieved and happy!!!

@SamanaMinx , check your letter doesn't say the scholarship % is confidential!

@Boarding23145 we did a few years back, we went with a Trinity as we felt it was a better fit for our son. They are all wonderful schools, does your son have a preference? Otherwise go with your gut. Nice dilemma to have x

We haven’t seen either school (except for the interviews)! Maybe I should do that first. Trinity I feel is more down to earth but Tonbridge/Dulwich more sporty and ‘assertive’. Not sure if am right though.

What is the language provision at T @Yey22? Are there compulsory languages?

That’s hard, yes I would look round if you can’t decide.

Trinity is very sporty, I don’t think people realise how good/how much sport they do. I would say more sporty then the college.

If sport isn’t your thing there is also so much on offer.

Have to do at least one language for GCSE, start in year 7 with two plus Latin

Yey, I hope you don't mind me asking, but do you know about how good the sen provision is at Trinity? And science?

Hi @Waitingforoffers1212 congrats to your DS. we have offers from T, W and City. So incredibly hard to decide, we fell in love with Trinity when we went for the exams and all the facilities they offer is a very great bonus, same as Whitgift.
The commute to city is easier for us and also DS friend also got an offer in City, which I think will sway him towards city.
They are all amazing schools and I am sure we would be happy with whatever we decide in the end.

Not sure re SEN sorry, science they tend to do triple, lots of clubs too

Thanks. It is so going to be so hard making a final decision. Good luck to everyone else.

We removed offers for Trinity, Whitgift, DC and RR. DS loves Whitgift. So difficult to decide. What are your impressions of Whitgift?

I meant received !!

I think it’s so hard to ask people opinions, as they are all brilliant schools, it come down to your gut feeling about your child. If you still can’t decide than cost/travel etc. Maybe narrow it doesn’t to two and then visit again.

Good advice. I think I will go round again with DS. Thanks

@mamajubba our DS also received W, DC and Emanuel. We were so convinced on W but now not sure… will go back for another visit. Good luck deciding!

Congratulations for everyone getting an offer/ offers. We are on the waiting list of W 11+, hope can get the good news soon.

Congrats to your boys!! Now the hard parenting decisions begin.. here are factors we considered making our own selection.

Revisit the school, take up offers day invites, walk around, your eyes will be open to the reality of decision and £££ commitment.

• Logistics - commute time & cost.

Expect to be out the door 7-7.20 am every morning. do you have a fast alternative to school transport should your child miss transport ?

Those with musical instruments/Sports kit -
How will your son manage carrying school bag/ duffle bag /+ musical instruments/ +sports
Equipment to school Daily.

Are there personal School Lockers Available?

Drive to the school as a family, what are bus stops / train stations like. Safety is paramount.

You will be at the School more often than you realise (Saturday sports, extra curricular activities, parent teacher functions, general family logistics if your child needs to be collected early).

Friendships : your sons will have new and old friends. Friendships change significantly at Senior school.

School Head & ethos, teaching staff.
Will the school foster and provide opportunities to all children or just those in team A/B or on scholarships.

• lunches are provided by school or additional?

• Scholarships: Are there academic, music or sporting thresholds to retain the scholarship each year?

Sixth form: Check the Sixth form Reapplication process? From experience T and W need high GCSE grade point average to qualify for your child’s place for 6th form.

DC selects the child on potential at the qualifying point of entry yr 7/13 & commits and educates to University entry.

Pastoral care - contact policy for school (pupil only or parental contact allowed) / class size 20
Or 28? / Form Intake / size of year group / year group class camp/ opportunities to broaden knowledge and try new activities/ residential.

@MrsHGWells thank you for all your points. I thought the worse was over but this decision seems to be the hardest bit.

Really struggling especially with the scholarship offers. Not only for the financial side ( a good help even if not massive )but also for the possibility of more opportunities/attention etc that come with being a scholar.
We wanted to stay local but Alleyns and DC ( 10 mins walk away) offers come with the full price tag, T and W - schools that love - have the scholarship option.
If feel irresponsible to throw away a scholarship( T us both academic and sports) but life for everyone will get harderd with earlier start and longer travel.
But is a it worth paying full fee and not being a scholar just to stay local?
Number one question for me.

On another note, I know that T offers a tour after half term, but it looks like is for families who have not visited yet and I would not want to take away a place from.someone who has not had that opportunity. Do the other schools offer more tours? I missed that.
Thanks and happy weekend!

When we were deciding. The head of sport offered to take my son around again, maybe worth asking.