Trinity Vs Whitgift

[LoveBlueCheese]

I know this has been discussed in older threads but wanted more updated info. We are thinking of applying for the 10plus but don't want to make our DS do too many exams. DS is strong in English and Maths, does well for Science but it doesn't fascinate him (don't really see him going down STEM route). He is a cathedral chorister and also plays the flute so a strong music department is on our list. He plays hockey for our local club and likes cricket too - good sports facilities would be nice but not 100pc necessary as I can't see him spreading himself out across both music and sports in addition to the academic workload. Would really appreciate views if any of your DC attend etc

Anyone? Hopeful bump.

Trinity is traditionally more rounded and strong musical opportunities. We recently saw some T pupils perform at Glyndebourne, for example.

Trinity sounds like the better fit for your DC's interest in music. Both schools are sporty although Whitgift is more so and has a strong rep for turning out top-level athletes.

Both are great schools. I am personally biased as my boys go to whitgift. It took over as the top school for sport last year and was also the top school for IB.

From my memory trinity is more competitive as they have a smaller intake at yr 7.

Both are great schools and you would be best to visit and get a feel of both schools.

Trinity have a very strong choir with great performance opportunities and music department which sounds like a good fit for your son.

Thanks very much for replies. @rogueone , I'm not entirely familiar with the IB - does the IB better prepare for US universities?

And in terms of both schools, are the humanities departments strong? I don't particularly see DS venturing down the STEM route even though his maths is strong. He really doesn't seem too interested in Science (I ended up finishing his torch project ...)

@LoveBlueCheese I've had DC apply to both schools and have a DS at Whitgift currently. I think academically T and W are pretty similar, and Whitgift caters well for boys who are strong at humanities (history, English and theology and philosophy are especially strong.

Music is definitely a much higher standard at Trinity (one of the reasons my musical child applied to T but not W), and if your DS is a chorister there are fantastic opportuntites available via the Trinity Boys' Choir - opera roles, recordings for movie soundtracks, performing at the Proms, etc.

I think sport is stronger at Whitgift (or maybe W is just more fanatical about it!). W has a very good reputation for hockey and their teams regularly win national titles.

I don't think you can go far wrong with either school, but for a musical boy (especially a singer) I'd tend towards Trinity.

Agree for a musical child Trinity would be my choice.

Trinity is better academically - or at least has a more selective intake because it is smaller. Not sure if the actual teaching is better. I dont think you can get value added scores.

Whitgift has choristers at the Minster. Very good at hockey - IIRC most year groups are national champions this year. These points might not be important to you though.

It's worth visiting. We had a strong favourite between the two and had offers for both - and surprisingly took the other school's offer as the entrance process helped us clarify what would be best.

I have two at W. They keep them very busy, especially in the early years when they have extra timetable space, so your son will 100% be encouraged to do all his sports and music as much as he is able - and all the other clubs too!

They are known as a very sporty school but music is huge there. Eldest is musical and has absolutely thrived. Younger is sporty but also does piano and trumpet. Endless ensembles, concerts, etc.

Mine are probably both STEM kids but eldest got a lot out of the humanities. The teachers are all very enthusiastic and good at spotting the kids strengths and bringing them on.

I have friends at Trinity who are very happy there and it's a good school too so not a bad choice to have. Good luck with your choice!

Sorry to hijack. Can I ask what other options parents look to in the area alongside Trinity for DS currently in Y5.

I feel like Trinity may be a bit too academic and musical for DS? We will go for 11+ not 10+. He is strong in maths and logic (argues how wrong model comprehension answers are...) and enjoys cricket, running. Plays football but being small in stature isn't great at sports like rugby apart from being valued for his running pace. He would love a chance to play though. Does not enjoy hockey, music, art, drama, hates doing all humanities-type projects (sounds like a brute, i know). Decent enough writer but very lazy one - can't be bothered with spellings - possibly mild dyslexic.

I have another in a Dulwich school. DS is familiar cos of his sibling/friends and does NOT want to try for DC or Alleyns.

So far I have on list to visit:
Caterham
St Dunstan's
Colfe's

Ruled out Whitgift & Eltham for various reasons.

Royal Russell?

your DS would get a chance to play rugby at Trinity as they run teams all the way down to D (and possibly E!) plus a team for those who don't want to play other than for fun called the "colours". At least they used to. The teams get fewer the further up the school you go but certainly at the start there re chances for players of all abilities who need to grow or learn how to play etc.

Glitterdash Sounds like he would suit St Dunstan's. The school has done very very well in recent years. Has a great stem building and a broad range of sports too. The school won the Oscars of schools last year and exam results have improved every year. My DD was there when the current headmaster started and he has made a huge difference. The school is very sought after now and we are considering it for our 4th even though my two boys went to Whitgift which I love.

There is also City School for Boys and Emmanuel. I am not a fan of Royal Russell but that is just my personal opinion

I know 3 of the schools you mention: T , W and D. Agree with everyone that T sounds better fit for your son.

yes, the range of sport at T is not as all-encompassing as at W but they do the same core sports and the quality is still very high. W music dept is a bit ‘other’ to the rest of the school, imo. The music dept at T is in a league of its own.

There is a persistent rumour that T is highly academic - not so; and stronger than W academically - may have been the case a few years ago but no longer since W’s new head tightened up their admissions. Now they are about the same. W is stricter, higher standards of behaviour, manners.

I would ignore the IB question as although it is an option at W you can also choose to sit A-levels and if you don’t already have a strong preference it’s too early for this to be a factor at this point.

D is between the two in terms of music and sport, and is a bit stronger academically. As is Alleyn’s where standard of music is so high it has become inaccessible to many children, although they have just got an inspirational new head of music who will sort that out.

A is co-ed, D and W boys only, T has girls in the 6th form so a different atmosphere which permeates down the whole school. If D and W would get with the programme and do the same they would be more appealing.

Something else to really consider is location and therefore commute time and stress for your son, and also for you taking him to Saturday sports, attending events at the school. The easier this is for you all, the less tired your son will be and the more invested you will all be, and get a lot more out of the school. We looked at St Dunstan’s and Epsom, but quickly decided too far away. There is also St Paul’s, Emanuel, Caterham. And don’t rule out good state school options, if you have them.