Comprehensive vs Private or Grammar in SE3

[Uninem]

It’s a very divisive topic, but with upcoming elections and possible changes in fees in private schools I would love to hear some views on how to approach secondary education. Aside of the fees, there are other arguments for sending my daughter to a comprehensive school, including exposing her to a larger demographic and shorter distance to school (and not having to worry about 11+ exams).

I would be very appreciative of feedback from parents who have considered/are about to consider grammar or private routes (such as Colfe’s and Blackheath high) but have instead decided for a comprehensive school choosing in particular Thomas Tallis - are you happy with the choice?

From other posts I’ve read, seems Tallis is also a very divisive school, although from the outside it doesn’t look that bad and from the parents I know who sent their kids there, I only hear positive feedback. Thanks in advance for your input into this!

I wanted to share our family's experience with private schooling and how we've navigated some challenging times to ultimately find the best environment for our son.

Our son started at a local private prep school when he was just three and a half years old. In Year 5, we decided to move him to a larger private school with the hope that he could continue there until sixth form. Unfortunately, this transition turned out to be a disastrous experience for us. The environment at the new school was so distressing that it left our entire family traumatized, and our son needed counseling to recover from the experience. This ordeal taught us that not all private schools are as wonderful and supportive as they might seem.

Recognizing the need for a change, we decided to enroll our son in a fantastic comprehensive school near our home. The difference has been remarkable. Our son is now happier than ever, thriving both socially and academically. We feel incredibly blessed to have found such a positive environment for him.

We've also reallocated the money we would have spent on private school fees to hire the best tutors we could find. This has allowed our son to receive exceptional academic support in the comfort of our home, without the intense pressure often associated with grammar schools. The relaxed atmosphere and personalized tutoring have been instrumental in his success.

After a difficult journey, we are grateful to have finally found what works best for our child. While we have friends with children at Colfe’s who are doing well, they too are concerned about the rising fees. Blackheath High is part of GDST group of schools also great school. I don’t know much about Thomas Tallis.

Whatever decision you make I hope it works for the best for your daughter.

I have friends who have DC in all these schools. A few friends of mine have chosen John Roan/Eltham Hill/Tallis over private or grammar. Some of the reasons are personal (not supporting selective education system), some practical (long journey times). I'm trying to think if any have ever said they regretted their choice. I don't think so.

These parents though as in a position to pay for tutors to help with any 'gaps' in teaching, which they have had to do. The realities of secondary state education is that there are often teacher shortages. One DC I know has had 3 science teachers in a year.

The advantage of being able to walk home in 15minutes though is a big advantage. It means DC are able to do more extra curricular activities, are home when it's still light, have local friends, aren't so tired etc.

Tallis is a very Marmite school. Some people love the ethos, others hate it. It is a very large school though (around 2,000 including sixth form).
It does have a strong arts focus and great facilities. It offers dance, drama, photography GCSEs.

Have you thought about Eltham Hill? I know parents with DD who are very happy with it. Leigh Academy Blackheath has a good local reputation too.

Have you checked on the Greenwich council website to see what secondary schools your DD might be in the catchment for? I know Tallis, Eltham Hill and Leigh all have quite small catchments. Although your DD will be in a low birth year so you may get 'lucky'.

How academic is your DD? Is she a self-motivated learner? If so, she will probably be fine where ever she goes - especially with supportive parents. There is a lot of pressure at grammar schools and it can be too much for some DC. I know of several DC who have achieved almost all grade 9s at GCSE at some Greenwich secondaries. I also know of at least two DC who have left Greenwich private schools with no GCSES and have gone completely off the rails.

My friend's child goes to Tallis and my friend really rates it. Eltham Hill seems good too. You're not far from Bexley if you wanted your child to try for the 11+.

My DD goes to Eltham Hill, we could afford private in theory but didn't consider it as a viable option. 11+ was an option but my DD is quite anxious and we weren't sure that was the best environment for her after talking to people with kids at the Bexley grammars.

Absolutely zero regrets at opting for state at this point. She is in Y9. Eltham Hill is a fantastic school. Great teaching, caring staff, pastoral support has been brilliant. The curriculum may not be as broad as private or grammar but I wouldn't want to overload her anyway. Never had any real issues with behaviour. Obviously the single sex environment isn't for everyone, but she's very happy with it. I know a lot of people with kids at Townley and Chis & Sids and I don't feel like she'd be gaining much more from having gone to grammar.

I'm afraid I don't know much about Tallis as where I am isn't in the usual catchment for it so although I know people who tried for a place, nobody actually got one.

My eldest is at Tallis, just finishing year 8 and having a really positive experience.Teachers mostly seem great, good clubs and extra curricular, nice friends, some extra stretch opportunities. We couldn't afford private and wanted a local school plus don't really agree with grammars. Also got friends witb girls at Eltham Hill who also are having a great experience.

Thanks so much for the great insights. And yes I’ve thought about Eltham Hill also. We went to an open day and found it quite good, we could be on catchment, but all things considered Tallis is located closer to us so logistically speaking I would chose Tallis, unless Eltham Hill is far superior? I would not be looking at exam results only, I am keen in a school with focus on mental wellbeing, critical thinking and inspiring confidence to students and this is also why I’m afraid Grammar might not work for my daughter. She is doing really well in primary, but not sure she will thrive in a pushy environment. Leigh Academy might be an option too, I’ve heard it’s very strict and facilities not amazing but I will have to visit to have a proper idea of the school.

You'd certainly get the focus on mental wellbeing and everything else at Eltham Hill. But I can't compare it directly to Tallis. Have you visited Tallis? If you liked it when you visited and got a good feeling from it I think that counts for a lot. I'd always recommend going to the open mornings that happen in the daytime as well as open evenings. You get a better feel for a school when it's got actual lessons going on.

@Toomanyminifigs
is a very large school though (around 2,000 including sixth form).

For London it is around average

Leigh Academy, John Roan and Eltham Hill have much smaller intakes than Tallis, which is what I was comparing it to. Those schools have between 400 to 600 fewer students that Tallis.
Tallis and Plumstead Manor have the largest number of students in the borough, I believe. Even then I think Tallis may have the largest intake with a 9-form entry.

Actually, I've just checked and there are a couple of other secondaries in Greenwich borough with the same 270 Yr7 admissions as Tallis, so I stand corrected there. I think Tallis may still be the biggest if you include their sixth form but don't hold me to that!