How to choose between these grammar schools and nearby family areas?

[L186]

According to your experience and knowledge, how will/did you choose from the following grammar schools if your DS qualified for them? also considering if the surrounding areas are safe, convenient and nice to live for families. Moving nearby to the school is one of the idea in the near future; it’s also one of the important elements to result the final decision. I’m sure all the schools are fantastic in different criteria. The matter is down to which one fits the child and family the best.

Offering OOC places with enough scores:

• Dartford Grammar school,
• The Judd School,
• Sutton Grammar School,
• Wallington county grammar school,
• Colchester Royal Grammar school,
• Westcliff high school for boys,

Need to move into their designated areas:

• The Latymer school,
• King Edward VI grammar school Chelmsford,

Any thoughts, facts, experiences and opinions are welcome.

Bloody hell, trying to follow the OP posts is like the worst sort of Common Entrance comprehension question. Thank God I don’t have to ever do that again. My brain hurst so much I have nothing else to add, sorry!

Hi everyone,

I'm hoping someone who has been through the secondary transfer process can help, as I'm finding it quite confusing!

My daughter will be applying for Year 7 (entry September 2027) and these are the state schools she'd like to put on her CAF by October 2026, in order of preference:

Latymer School (Enfield)
Henrietta Barnett School
South West Herts Consortium schools (Either parmiters, Watford girls grammar or queens)
Presdales
Broxbourne School
Chancellor's School
We're currently planning to move before 7 January 2027 to the area of whichever school she is offered, so we're trying to understand how best to complete the CAF.

She is also sitting the 11+ entrance exams for Highgate School and Haberdashers Girls School, but I believe these applications are made directly to the schools and don't form part of the CAF. Is that correct?

I have a few questions:

When will we have a good idea whether she's likely to receive an offer from Latymer or Henrietta Barnett?

Do they tell you your ranking or whether you're likely to get a place before the CAF deadline?

If she's hoping for Latymer or HBS, do they need to be listed first and second on the CAF, or does the equal preference system mean it doesn't matter where you rank them, as long as they're above the schools she'd prefer less?

We live in Hertfordshire. Do we get six choices on the CAF, or does that depend on the local authority?

Given that we intend to move before January 2027, is there anything else we should be aware of when completing the CAF? I am aware we need to provide proof of address for Latymer before 7th January.

I'd really appreciate any advice from parents who have been through the Latymer, HBS or South West Herts admissions process. Thank you!

You are better to start your own post

@snowymarbles thanks, I have just created a new post.

You've got a great set of options, so I don't think there's a single right answer.
One thing to consider is how your son would fit into each school's environment rather than just comparing academic results. Visiting the schools, attending open days, and speaking to current parents can give you a much better feel for the culture.
Since you're thinking of moving, it's also worth spending some time in the surrounding areas. Look at things like the daily commute, transport links, local amenities, parks, and the overall feel of the neighbourhood. A school might be excellent academically, but family life outside school is just as important.
As all of the schools on your list have strong academic reputations, the decision may come down to which school and area best suit your family's lifestyle and your son's personality.

I have a few friends with dc in the Sutton grammars, they live in Carshalton Beeches, Worcester Park & near New Malden. Some areas have priority postcodes. The areas are all safe, with green space.

I would think about teens and easy access to public transport so you don’t have to ferry them about.

In your position I’d do the following:

1. accept the place you do have
2. get on the WL for ALL the other school you’ve qualified for
3. depending on the WL position you’ll see what your chances are
4. there is no urgency to move. Your DS can start school from your current home and you can move in Oct when you are 100% certain of your choice

there is no point in discussing hypotheticals. Your offers and WL positions determine your decision.