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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

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Original poster

10+ entry for secondary schools 2026

107 replies

Ready0rNot · 07/08/2025 23:48

Hi, starting a new thread for those with children who are sitting for the 10+ exams this year.

Has anyone started prep yet and if so how is it going along with mock tests and reading habits etc. Keen to hear from others and share tips here!

Our target schools are Trinity and Whitgift.

OP posts:

Original poster

Ready0rNot · 27/02/2026 11:38

Rayo2025 · 26/02/2026 10:43

Good luck to all who have to make the tough decision between schools 🤞

Has anyone got any thoughts on Whitgift? Even though our DS was only offered a place there and not Trinity- we want to make sure we are also making the right decision. We are seeing the school tomorrow for an offer tour so hopefully we will get a better sense after that.

Are both schools world's apart?

good luck to you too!

I wouldn’t say there is much difference we know boys happy equally at both schools but personally I found them quite different and know our DS would be ultimately be more suited to Trinity.

OP posts:

Dee334455 · 27/02/2026 19:16

Tolibot25 · 26/02/2026 00:35

If it helps, we have been really impressed with Trinity so far. Although works have started within the school our DS hasnt experienced any disruptions at all and actually the new areas look impressive! Our son is academically strong, quite reserved, likes his sports and music enough to be involved but its not his main focus. The pastoral care is great and there is a feeling that the school genuinely care about the boy's wellbeing as well as results! I know boys who have just joined Whitgift in 2025 that are not experiencing the same with it providing more of an 'alpha male' sports driven environment but appreciate everyone's experience may be different!

This is absolute nonsense! And I think it’s actually a dangerous thing to use words like alpha male in these environments. I have experience of both schools so I think you should be more aware before making such statements. The school is number one for sports in the UK and has earnt it through nurturing talent. My son didn’t even play sports and has found things he loved. So please use facts not hearsay and gossip when advising others.

Findvia · 27/02/2026 19:19

Seekinginfolady · 18/02/2026 23:49

That's brilliant. Congrats!

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20%! We asked for more

Offtheygo · 27/02/2026 20:38

Rockinboppin · 25/02/2026 21:03

It does feel though that Trinity is at a point of transition, whereas Whitgift seems stable. Will Mr Kennedy stay at Trinity long term after so many years of talking so strongly about his belief in the strength of a boys only education? 🤷🏽‍♀️👍Will the addition of girls throughout change the feeling of the school? Undoubtedly. I’m sure not for the worse, but nonetheless, it’s an unknown. Also will the school be in slight disarray during the building works? It’s these aspects of change and uncertainly that are making the decision difficult for me.

Trinity has had girls in the sixth form for over 10 years now, with success!
They know what they are doing, and they have been preparing for this for several years now.

Offtheygo · 27/02/2026 20:43

MunchkinJ · 25/02/2026 16:25

Hi all, hope you’re well and narrowing in on a decision! Needed some advice re: Trinity. Our prep school is steering us away from it a bit, suggesting that they’re going co-ed because they’re potentially struggling with applications dropping, and not filling all their places? Has anyone heard anything around this? My understanding was they were growing the school rather than having the same number of pupils with an even girl/boy split, so I didn’t think applicant lists was the driver…?

Trinity is a totally oversubscribed school (parent there).
Drivers are the closure of Old Palace, the increasing demand for coed education, the general trend ... Just have a look at the many top selective boys' schools going coed at the moment? KCS, Westminster...

Findvia · 27/02/2026 21:15

It’s about money and securing themselves financially for future! Many selective schools are closing in the UK because of overall demand. These schools aren’t stupid. Those that have to will need to open the doors to both to secure the financial futures. Also the demands for grammar schools rocketed this year and last.

All this, my schools over subscribed and look what others are doing is it really that relevant? Surely it’s about the school that caters best for your child unless it’s about keeping up with others 🙄. Co-ed, boys, girls, grammar, SEN, state. You’ve looked around and done the test do what you think is best for you. I’m coming off this forum now because it’s getting a bit much now. Some of the parents with sons at Trinity are all a bit intense 🤪. See you in September!

Tolibot25 · 27/02/2026 22:31

As I said, I am speaking from the experience of those that I know who joined in 2025, they are a few boys within a large cohort, so again, as I said, I appreciate everyone's experience is different. I am not talking out of gossip or hearsay, this is a real life current experience. I am glad to hear you have experienced different and I am absolutely sure that most boys will thrive there.
Ultimately it depends on the child and best fit.

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