LAE or local High School?

[PrincessOfPreschool]

DS has a conditional offer from LAE, but he's not sure about it (and neither am I). His current school are extremely supportive, know him well and really want him to stay on, bending over backwards for him. Unfortunately they don't offer his favourite subject at A level. They have offered to timetable it into mock exams/ predicted grades etc if he is taught externally. He is already quite advanced in the subject and I think could manage learning online.

LAE might push him more, but will be much less nurturing, and he'll be just one of many talented kids. It will push him more in some ways but may also dent his confidence. There is also about 45 min to 1 hour travel time if you include walking to station from our house.

Just to complicate matters, his twin is staying at current school and I think it may benefit her if he's not around as, even if they do different subjects, she can compare and feel a bit 'second class'. If he wasn't around, it may be better for her self confidence.

Can anyone offer any thoughts or wisdom on any aspects if you've been through any of these issues, or know someone who has?

The travel time is each way.

Which LAE? Its not just about being amongst talented kids. Lots of kids are talented at GCSE, that doesn't always translate well at A Levels. We went to the open evening at LAET and my DD has friends there. I would say it's the perfect place for a very smart child from a disadvantaged background. They are very very well aware of how big the jump is to A Levels and how very clever kids function and what mental health support they might need. They do lots of fun things as well, a lot of time with Highgate pupils. It really surprised me how much I liked it. I wouldn't worry about the distance, that's a normal journey for 6th form and most kids at LAE will be travelling that far. They do have priority for local schools without 6th forms but it's about 400 kids a year so it's not like it's all the spaces. Even the local schools are all spread out and it would easily take 45mins to travel to LAET even from wood green.

What's the subject he wants to do but isn't offered at LAE? LAET or Stratford? Where will he be commuting from?

LAE Stratford. Subject is Spanish. They have a Spanish teacher at current school but not enough students to offer it. Also wants Maths, Chem, Geog.

Live in Loughton but not near station, good 20 min walk. (Also can get bus, but not allowed zip card after 17, which he'll be turning in Oct, so there's also travel costs). He's genuinely pretty clever, I think, but being relaxed (less travel), happy (with friends), self confident (teachers know and rate you highly) is important to how well you function. I know uni will be another step change but it's 2 years at least further on.

I had same problem when I did my A-levels - not enough people to offer Spanish. It's so frustrating.
I think the Zip card gives them free bus travel throughout 6th form. https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/free-and-discounted-travel/16-plus-zip-oyster-photocard#on-this-page-0

My DD moved to a different 6th form in neighbouring borough because nowhere offered her subjects in the borough. It was a big change, getting used to getting the train in the morning and making new friends, but she's coped well and is happy with her choice.

Have you looked at Woodbridge? I think my friend's son did Spanish there and loved it. Might be an easier journey than Stratford.

Thanks. I believe you can only get the older zip card if you live in a London Borough. We are on the tube but not within a London Borough (though or actually goes miles further in other directions).

We have thought about Woodbridge but we didn't apply there as he loves current school and we were under the impression they would offer Spanish. We haven't even looked round Woodbridge. Would it be too late? We would have to just go there on results day, hope for the best and make some very quick decisions.

If he has good grades you should be able to turn up at Woodbridge on results day. Worth calling them up first thing on results day. It says they offer Spanish A-level on the website.

Thanks. Yeah, most schools say they offer it but depends if enough kids want to take it. I think Woodbridge is a bit 6th form so might have more hope.

I think you can get the 16+ zip card if you live or go to school in a London borough. I don't know anything about LAE Stratford but I wouldn't be doing a level Spanish outside of school. You need a classroom environment for the conversation practice. Almost all schools that offer it take them to Spain too which is invaluable practice.

Thank you. Yes, definitely worried about the conversation element. Will look into the school in London Borough, thanks for that.