Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys - thoughts?

[rosie560]

Can anyone share their experience at TWGSB, good and bad at both the Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks sites? Thank you, would really help with deciding what to do for secondary schools next year.

My DS1 was offered a place but in the end went to one of the other grammars as that’s the school that suited him/personality type. DS2 on the other hand is probably better suited to TWGSB. We would have been happy for DS1 to go to TWGSB, I think it’s a great school. Some think it’s the poor relation to Judd and Skinners but that depends on whether you’re drawn by only results. I think people forget in their scramble to secure a place at a “super selective” that TWGSB is also a selective school and so filled with academically motivated boys too. I think TWGSB offers a solid all rounder education and is especially good with preparing joys with real world skills… new food tech rooms, large DT department (TW Campus). One caveat, the headteacher is a bit marmite!

Bump! Any more thoughts on TWGSB? Particularly the Sevenoaks site and how much sport they get/ sports teams. would love any insight from current parents. Thank you

Hi, my son goes there and currently his in yr 9. There is a lot of bullying there which they try to cover up well by praising how wonderful there school is. Kids are not happy and they don't do enough sports like they mentions before we started that was the main reason why he chose that school. Skinner and Judd are far better. Unfortunately, not enough space. I'm thinking of taking him out and sending him out. My other son goes to Leigh Academy and his never had any problems there.

Testing name change

My son is in year 8 and I have another son due to start in September. I only have positive things to say about the school (and haven’t been aware of any bullying at all). They are great at encouraging all round excellence - pastoral care has been excellent (plus great emotional support, therapy dog etc). Sports facilities and opportunities are great. Opportunities at Sevenoaks are the same as at TW campus. My son and his friends all seem very happy and are doing well. Communication seems good (for secondary!). Quite strict but not unfairly so. We liked Skinners too but really weren’t impressed by Judd (seemed like an exam factory) and know quite a few who got the scores for Judd but chose TWGSB or Skinners instead.

My ds is currently at TWGSB in Year 11. I can only comment on the TWells campus. On the whole, it has been a very positive experience for him. The 3 grammar schools in West Kent for boys are all very different and suit different types of boys. I do think it is unfair to compare TWGSB with Skinners and Judd as it is not a super selective.

My ds was v worried about bullying before he started due to experiences at primary school. But he has been genuinely very happy and has made many friends. Some of the teachers can be a bit hit or miss but the vast majority have been v good. Like all schools, it does struggle to appoint excellent teachers in the STEM subjects - but this is a national problem.

Throughout his time there, I have been very impressed with the SLT and the headteacher. She is a bit marmite as she doesn’t pander to the sharp elbowed parents - a very good quality IMO. It is worth noting that the new Headteacher of Leigh Academy in Tonbridge was in fact the Deputy Head at TWGSB. I

But no one school is perfect for all and what has worked well for mine, will not work well for others. but my experience as a parent (and the experiences of many of my friends) has been very positive.

Hi, just came across this. Lived in TW all my life - the 3 boys grammar schools are all good in their own way. What you generally put in is what you get out but they do have their nuances. I would say if your son is crazy for rugby choose Skinners or Judd. If he likes different sports or design tech, TWGSB might suit better as they do well in football, badminton, table tennis etc. If he’s super academic might prefer Judd or Skinners. I’m not so up on judd tbh.

I know people my age who went to all - mixed reviews and mixed outcomes but it’s not all down to the school as other factors play but most went in to achieve v well - and know lots of local friends with boys at all - generally all like their chosen school and get on ok.

My two chose TWGSB - yr 11 (loves maths, design tech is keen on architecture - and likes cooking too) and yr 8 (probably more english, science and IT, also likes cooking) respectively. We didn’t influence. Both made friends instantly and enjoy it. It’s got boys coming in from further afield unlike skinners with a tight catchment - so more indicative of society imho but means they might be travelling further for sleepovers when younger. They’ve achieved well throughout and are happy. First few weeks always ‘new’ and different to primary school but mostly all good. They have changed walking around the school to one way systems so less jostling as that was a problem. Toilets are designed differently to ensure safer.

They were great in lockdown with lessons online, support for parents and pastoral care is excellent. Use Satchel and My Ed for comms and you can contact the school via these. Totally transparent on your son’s attendance/ punctuality etc.

Most teachers I can speak highly of. Who liked all their teachers anyway?? As a parent mentioned - Stem subjects struggle to recruit across all the schools. maths has been tricky for some classes more than others depending on timetabling. But they push on these areas - we have chosen to support in some keys areas but for a different reason. Kids are constantly sign posted to resources to help learning.

Boys are stretched academically with a great system of feedback and repeat. I really like the Headmistress but that’s my personal preference. I think she is genuine in her ethos and is good for the school. Boys seeing a strong female lead is also great imho. She has come down hard on bullying but I guess some children will no matter what as not all kids are happy or from happy backgrounds. It’s definitely not like another nearby school!

School has full time life coach (and 3 counsellors) who is amazing - for all issues teenagers face. Some older boys can help support younger years in helping w subjects for gcse. Boys have a good support system for GCSEs this year - timetabled until May half term. Some private schools in the area do not offer this.

School has improved facilities in last couple of years which it has to fund and raise money for, and premises are on one site. Not as extensive as Judd playing fields. Skinners has fields up the road from the main site. Sports clubs are after school, my boys haven’t bothered even though sporty but they do external rugby and football stuff in TW. Friends who do enjoy it and compete with other schools - football, basketball, drama. Not as selective schools as Skinners and Judd compete against.

were both pleased they go there and they are happy there. It suits their personality. When they both independently viewed the 4 local schools to us (2 x grammar and 2 x comp) they both felt happy going here. And if they weren’t, we would move them. I feel for kids that are bullied as it must be hellish. If it happens, looking for a new school is likely the best idea.

(Back note: my hubby went to judd and hated it as his parents wanted it for him, he wanted to go to skinners with friends. his brother moved to Twgsb from judd and got on ok. My brother went to skinners and enjoyed it as back then he was great at sport on offer (rugby, athletics and cricket) but never felt he fitted in on a social economic standing back then - my mum wanted him to go to Twgsb but they took advice from a primary teacher. I loved Bennett as back then all girls and chose it over twggs, my sis in law hated twggs - it wasn’t for her. Other friends I know from her year loved it). It really is what you or your son instinctively feel and think they would do well at. We all have our own experiences but it shouldn’t really influence your decision. They are all schools offering grammar education after all.

@rosie560 - hi there, just wondering if your DS started at TWGSB? How has the experience been so far is he did?

@Mumzlife has things improved for your DS at the school?

We went to open days at both Judd and TWGSB (both campuses) and found TWGSB to be more of a fit for DS but of course he has to pass his Kent test. We found the TW site to be more vibrant, maybe it was just on the day, rhe sevenoaks campus was quiter.