Grey court vs Teddington vs TKA

[Turquoiseturtle3]

I’m sure this has been asked before. I was wondering for recent pros and cons for the above schools. I’ve spoken to a few local people but would like to know some deeper pros and cons that might not be obvious for most. Ie: the know GC stream for more subjects and have smaller class sizes for gcse core subjects. We are in catchment for all three so need to make a decision.

TIA

I have a DD at GC and she’s had a fantastic experience there. On target for great GCSEs and had loads of opportunities to represent school at sports and appear in drama productions. I like the fact that GC set for so many subjects - it meant she had great opportunity to get to know loads of students from start of Y7. Also means it is recognised that someone could be top set maths but second set English and third set Spanish. Am sure TKA and Teddington also good.

Thanks so much for your response. That’s great to hear. Do you mind letting me know exactly what subjects they set for? I understand class sizes are also smaller at gcse for the core subjects. A big concern is making friends as none from primary school will be going with him.

GC is the front runner but a bit worried about him not having any friends. I know he’ll make friends but it doesn’t feel the same as going with a little network around you. He’s not very confident so it is a bit of a concern.

Place-marking for later.

I wouldn’t pick a school on the basis others are going - there’ll be between 180 and 240 in a year so the chances of seeing primary friends is slim.

Teddington seems to have been very popular this year - TKA less so.

my Recollection is that they were set for maths, English, languages and sciences in y7. History, geography, re, drama, art, music etc were mixed ability. Lots of movement between sets so no worries about your child stuck in the wrong set. My DD did know a few other children when she joined but quickly made new friends as well. I think, as in most schools, the key is to encourage your child to join clubs/teams they are interested in as a way to find friends. I thought GC transition was great too - my DD attended a weeks course for “high achievers” in the summer holidays before starting - it was all about working together to launch a space ship! Meant she had new friends before starting.

My son joined GC, without knowing anyone there. He settled really well and made loads of friends really quickly. He joined in a covid year so there were less transition opportunities before he started but I believe in normal years those pupils who have come without peers from primary are given extra opportunities to make links with each other and are well looked after.

We are really happy with GC, it's a fantastic school.

That’s great to hear, thank you all so much for your comments. I love the sound of that transition week, that’s a really good idea. I do like that they have lots of streamed subjects and mixed. He is quite academic and I worry that some of the kids who aren’t interested in learning may make fun of the ones who are keen to learn. Or maybe that’s an unnecessary concern.

Teddington seems great also, it’s just further away with a harder journey.

We are very fortunate to have some good school options around us.

it has definitely not been my DD’s experience that anyone has made fun of her for wanting to learn. She’s on track for 8 or 9 grade 9s at GCSE and has other friends at similar levels. But equally she has very good friends who are on course for 5s and 6s and she knows that academic ability does not equate to being a better person. As you can tell, both I and my DD love the school. We chose it over Tiffin girls school which she got into but just didn’t feel she would have as well-rounded an education as at GC.

That’s really lovely feedback for the school. And what an amazing endorsement considering you had tiffin as an option. I don’t blame you for choosing GC over tiffin girls, sounds like it’s been what you had hoped. We didn’t consider tiffin boys for a similar reason. At the end of the day we just want our kids to have a happy time but also reach their potential.

The aspiration for learning and achievement is high, no matter what academic ability the child has. In my experience the school is inclusive and all achievement be it academic, sporting or performing arts is celebrated. I've never heard of children being made fun of for being academically able, that sort of behaviour isn't part of the school culture.

Definitely leaning towards Greycourt now.

Having a child with SEN we opted for TKA as they only initially set for Maths and English. They start to set more in year 9 onwards which has worked well for us. As confidence was definitely knocked at primary school as she was very aware of being at the bottom for everything. Also don't think it is true about smaller class sizes. The intake for TKA is smaller and this can be seen as an advantage - lots of mixing and the pupils get to know almost everyone in their year group. Also I was not impressed by the SEN at Grey Court. We are lucky though as both are excellent schools who have high aspirations for all - we preferred TKA but I am sure GC is just as good and probably easier to get into because it has a bigger intake.

The headteacher said at the open day a few months ago that for core subjects at gcse level, the class sizes are smaller. He specifically said the issue they have is rooms not teachers.

I’ve heard a mixed bag about the SEN provision for both. But interesting feedback on personal
experiences. I don’t think any school is perfect.

Good to hear that no one is made fun of etc.

I hear GC is strict so hopefully bad behaviour is stamped out quickly.

Absolute no school is perfect. TKA is very strict too.. sometimes I think too strict for example, detentions for forgetting a ruler which I think is too strict. But I guess schools have rules and have to enforce them etc. I think they all have slightly smaller classes during the GCSE years. One of my children is in year 9 and we understand just purely based on what pupils pick some classes are much smaller e.g., smaller classes for art. Don't always believe the spin from the head teachers either - noticed at the open events this year - I have another child so doing the rounds again - TKA really trying to big up their sports - but we all know GC is better for that.

Strict is good, I'd rather that than teenagers allowed to run riot.

I’d prefer strict as well. I mean, the ruler seems a bit harsh but there we go.

I wasn’t overly keen on the TKA open evening. They didn’t sell the sports at all or use of the hawker centre which is a big plus. The head comes across as quite frosty as well. I’m sure she runs a tight ship. But overall it’s clearly a great school. I like the stem focus also. Not so keen on the classroom/corridors but I guess it’s those space saving ideas which are needed on smaller grounds.

we are lucky to have good options.

Talking of sports, what are the girls sports like at Greycourt? There's loads of photos of boys doing sports on the website, which is great, except I have a DD!

we are lucky to have good options.

We are indeed. I can't imagine how stressful it'd be to have to choose between two shit schools.

They are great. My DD has represented school at football, netball, basketball, cross country, athletics and cricket.

Sounds great 👍

What about sport for kids who aren’t the best? I understand GC compete at a high level but are there teams for those who aren’t as naturally gifted?

I also wonder how far out the catchment will spread for GC. Hoping some of Ds’s friends might fall into the catchment.

Does anyone have any idea on how down the physical waiting list goes. I know distances but not waiting lists positions. Just a rough idea would be amazing. Ie: 50/100 - I have no idea.

Just wondering what she anyone is on the waiting list for any of the above? We are on the waiting list for grey court and wondering about movement…

No idea but I believe you can find out what number you are. From others I understand if you’re in the top 10 good chance of getting a place - still no guarantee. Worth find out - as if you’re 51 etc might as accept it probably won’t happen. Fingers crossed for you.