Has anyone got experience of their DS going from a mixed primary to a boys secondary? How did they find the transition to single sex? Whose choice was it to go to a boys-only school?
The reason I ask is that our y5 DS is at a mixed primary, has always played with girls as well as boys, and he would like to go to a mixed secondary. However, our nearest mixed school is massive and well-known for very mixed opinions on poor behaviour and the SEN support available (DS is waiting for a dyspraxia assessment, does affect some academic concerns). This school does well academically, excellent facilities and clubs etc on offer, and is a 10-minute walk away. The size and student behaviour is a big concern for us (I know all schools have behaviour issues but this one is notorious).
The other two mixed secondaries are a ‘no’ for various reasons. Which leaves the Boys secondary, which I also happen to work at (non-teaching, no contact with students). The glimpses I see of students, particularly the younger ones, are loud and boisterous behaviour which is absolutely not DS at all- he’s quiet and quite sensitive (obviously he’s younger and can change!). The school is half the size of our nearest mixed and is under-subscribed, facilities are good and clubs excellent. Behaviour is greatly improving under new Head, would be a 45 min walk or train/walk in 15 mins.
Anyway, I guess I’m just looking for the advantages/disadvantages of people’s actual experiences of their DS going from mixed to boys and was it the right thing to do.
We are visiting all the schools again this year and DS will get the final say but I’m torn on what’s best.