Grammar vs Independent

[Happydaysandhappysmiles]

Would you choose a grammar 20 mins away or independent an hour away. Both are selective. Grammar is single sex, indie could be Co Ed or single sex. Independent in this case is not big public school type. Trying to work out whether it is worth the cash (which would be substantial, more than one child). I know it is hard without saying which schools etc but just interested in headline thoughts. Also looking ahead to university bias (or not). Thanks

Hi OP

I would go and visit both schools before making a decision one way or another. I don’t know either school (or where you are) - it’s too easy for me to say “Yes! Do the hour’s journey for an 80% chance at an A*!” or “No chance! The grammar every time!”.

It’s possible that the grammar is simply less selective than the independent (difficult to imagine but it’s possible that your area differs from mine) or that the independent gets great results by only allowing children who are almost certain to get an A/A* to do the A level.

This is one where it isn’t possible to decide solely on the results vs the journey.

Thanks very much. How would you know which is more selective? Providing that at the time we can afford it then we will look at both. Does anyone know whether league tables for GCSE's are worked out using 9-4 grades or 9-5 grades? Thanks

I only know about the schools near me - it’s possible that those in your area are different.

The selective state schools in my area (not technically grammar schools) are wildly oversubscribed. Partly because there are very few of them. Entry will be solely on the exam results - interviews are not allowed. It’s free to enter the exams so many people put their children in as a practice for the paid for independent exams.

The independent schools will have exams, interviews and request a reference from the head. How selective they are depends on the school. I suppose it is possible that a really famous independent school could be more selective than a grammar.

Re the league tables - yes, look at them but don’t make that all you look at. The previous headmaster for my children’s prep school once said that when you look at school rankings, there won’t be that much between schools that are in the top 100 or so. Pick the school that you and your child like the most.

When looking at A level results, please bear in mind that many schools have pupils join or leave. Boys’ schools that admit girls for sixth form often experience a boost in their results.

There is no way of being sure how selective independents are, unless they disclose it. Generally, they don't participate in the performance/league tables. They might publish data on how many applicants there were for places available, though? That might give you some knowledge.

The idea that unis unfairly favour kids from state-funded settings, is incorrect. Your child will in no way be disadvantaged by going to a fee paying school.

I think you just have to pick whatever school is best for your child and think about what they would prefer also. An hour commute each way is tricky; how will they meet up with friends outside school? Success and happiness in life is about more than marginal gains on A level grades. Grades are very important but they aren't the whole story by a long shot.

With my DD2 we did independent primary then grammar for secondary and it has totally exceeded our expectations. We were lucky that the grammar was voted the best secondary school in London at the time, and the results were amazing, as we would have sent her to independent secondary if not. We wanted to do single sex schools for DDs and mixed for DS.

I was in your positions a year and half ago and chose Grammar. Huge mistake!
I returned my son to his prep for the last year and planning to send him to a very selective independent school.
To me it depends on where your child is now and how they are academically.
When my DS joined the grammar the specialist teachers told him that he already knew everything that they were supposed to teach until y10, in some cases he was told already GCSE level. So he wasn't stretched at all. Very little work at school with many hours lost to cover teachers.
Additionally, a little bit of bullying and made my DS from someone wanted to go to school to someone who had physical symptoms and didn't want to go to school.
Would he be getting to a good uni from Grammar? Most likely yes. And I would have saved a lot of money!
Would he have learnt less than what he is learning now? Definitely yes.