Buckinghamshire grammar schools

[Diddlesquatter]

I’m moving to Oxfordshire/Bucks border for work. I expect that my children might end up qualifying for grammar school entry.

I was wondering if there is a difference in feeling/attitude/reputation between the grammars in Aylesbury vs High Wycombe.

Any advice would be warmly received.

I agree not all schools suit all kids. All I originally said was that grammars aren’t the be all and end all. Some parents move into grammar areas as they think they are, all I wanted the op to know is that not all children thrive there and all the happy smiley faces they will see on open days will be the kids who ‘fit’

@Littlemissprosecco
Why did you not heed your own advice? My DD got a grammar place (140 mark) but we chose elsewhere. I know others who did the same. I also know parents who refuse to accept DC are not suitable. They are like dogs with bones. Nothing good ever comes of it. I think parents need to think what truly is best for DC. You are not forced to take the 11 plus or keep trying for years.

Why are you getting personal?
my three kids are in three consecutive academic years, and were all happy until GCSEs, by then it was too late to move them! And as I have three years worth of close contact with many grammar parents, I know of many who had wished they’d moved their kids but were too scared to.All I ever said is that grammar education isn’t everything and doesn’t work for all.
Academically all mine were more than suitable, but they’re teenagers, family stuff happens( death of parent ), serious illness happened to one ( so 23% attendance) no support from schools whatsoever, as long as grades are kept high( which they were) they didn’t see any need for any real pastoral care.
basically my experience is that it’s fine if ever is fine. But you’re on your own if there are issues

Sorry, Everything!

I just wish people would be more honest about how things really are. That’s the only way our kids can be truly nurtured and supported

If someone had told me at the time I would have seriously considered Oxford options. But no one is honest, problems are glossed over.
so I’m just trying to say warn others that there are other schools out there that do things very differently

It’s not really personal to wonder why, if you dislike a school, you keep dc there. Too scared to move? Scared of what? Other peoples’ children? Ridicule? I don’t get that comment.

Im well aware schools can be poor in supporting DC. My Dsis was 15 when DF died 6 weeks before O levels. No one was remotely bothered. However most schools would have a different approach now. No one went to Oxbridge from my grammar. We were all considered non academic.

That should read: if you dislike a school, why keep DC there? Y7,8,9 is ok to move. 10,11 is obviously difficult.,

Let me assure you, the two grammars I have personal experience of have not got a different approach now! Both awful, and only a few years ago.
I think most would understand not wanting to move a child, where to? New friends need to be made, new everything. And you’re already in a grammar.
As with not moving in years 7 8 or 9, family life became too much, and moving the children ( according to the grammar school) would be to their detriment. Also there wasn’t really a problem until eldest was in year 10, by then the other two were in. Was given nothing but advice which ultimately was in the interest of the school. Said two staff have now left, but I understand nothing’s changed.
like I said they’re good school for the right kids if all’s going well. But if not it’s a different story.
No one said anything negative about the schools before I sent my children, yet people knew there were issues. I just feel honesty is best

You also can’t heed your own advice if it’s in hindsight!
prospective parents need to ask , how many pastoral support a school has on site at any one time, can be eye opening!
My poorly daughter was told by her favourite teacher ‘ you need to find another 6 th form, cos no one’s going to look after you here’

broke my heart.

I don’t see why parents would second guess your issues. I also take it as a kind suggestion that a 6th form might not be suitable. We took our own view that a particular 6th form wasn’t suitable for DD2. Hindsight is wonderful but few DC have issues that cannot be resolved. If they cannot be resolved, most people would move.

We’re going round in circles, I’m not asking anyone to second guess anything. But issues can only be resolved if people listen!

Not all issues can be resolved. Life isn’t that easy. We make decisions and if it doesn’t work out, we move on. You clearly wanted something the school could not give.

LIZS, many thanks for your response. Will start a new year thread as suggested.
DD is 11 already and she completed grade 5 here on IGCSE..anxious as only a couple of months for year 6 to start and we haven't started the admission enquiry yet..

@jayab If she is already 11 she would be year 7 in September so you have missed 11+ entry unfortunately. You need to ask LA which schools will have vacancies for a late applicant, but these will not be grammars.

My point was that the school I moved her to, went over and above what the grammar wouldn’t even discuss! Because she stopped being one one their high flyers and became a problem, they didn’t want her any more. We complained and won, they said things would change. I heard they haven’t.
I just don’t want others going into these schools thinking their children will be well looked after, because if things don’t go to plan, they won’t look after them at all

Dear TizerorFizz, I feel it’s really cruel of you to suggest I wanted something the school couldn’t give. The child became I’ll, they didn’t care. A complaint was upheld. I’m not sure why you’re so defensive? I never said they were bad schools, merely pointed out that there are issues which people know about not won’t speak about!
im done!

@jayab there is a process for 12 plus transfer in Bucks. [https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/schools-index/school-admissions/apply-for-a-late-transfer-grammar-school-test/] Some DC who miss the eleven plus sit again a year later. However, it might suit your specific circumstances.