Withington girls vs AGGS

[Bubblegummers]

My daughter has received an offer of place from Withington, but also passed the Trafford 11+ exams last year. Our first preference school on the CAF is AGGS, we're literally on its doorstep so hoping that she will get a place.

Would anybody be able to offer any advice on how these two schools compare? Would love to hear from someone who's had to choose between the schools, and how they made the decision.

To clarify, the fees aren't a consideration- we're more keen to understand whether one school offers a uniquely better academic and pastoral experience that should help sway us in that direction.

Both highly academic and suit confident girls. Withington has a better sports profile if you dd is that way inclined.

It’s more possible to start at state grammar and switch to private than the other way round. Plus it’s better for uni applications to have come from state.

We didn’t choose either in the end as heard both had poor pastoral reputations, but know of people who are happy and those who are unhappy at both.

I’d go for Alti Girls. It’s a great school - my DD really thrived there. It was a bit intense when she first started some years ago but there was a change of Head Teacher which made a huge difference. You’ve said that you live nearby so your DD’s friends will be more local.

Plus, check Withington’s accounts carefully. Alderley Edge Girls School has just announced that it is closing. You don’t want to risk being left high and dry.

Thank you both for your replies and insights, much appreciated! It's a difficult choice, and we are more mindful I suppose of the downstream impact on her overall mental wellbeing, and being a state vs private school applicant for uni.

Withington are doing a hard(er) sell this year from what I've gathered- invitations to 1-1 meetings to discuss state v independent choices, which probably comes down to the pressures that all the schools are facing at the moment.

if you're on the doorstep i think AGGS is a no brainer, it'll make life so much easier and it's a great school

I went to WGS a long time ago. I would say opt for AGGS. The journey to school will be simpler for a start. Friends will more likely be closer by.