Independent vs Grammar

[Pop1ns]

We have a place at KGS but preparing for Tiffin.We are fully aware on how difficult it is to win a place at Tiffin and are not presuming he will get one.We can just about afford the fees but a free education would be nice.Ds is bright but not a boffin.We hear reports that T is full on,high pressure etc. and competitive.KGS seems relaxed , still academic and co-ed.The question is do we take the indie or go for grammar IF he passes?All comments and posts welcomed especially those with knowledge of both schools.

[chickydoo]

My DS got a place at Tiffin a few years ago, we opted for KGS.
DS has made fabulous friends & really enjoyed KGS. His best friend stayed with Tiffin. Financially it is not doing well, cutting back in all areas.
Needs updating in every dpt. Kgs has the funds to keep up with technology etc. ( amazing new sports facilities being built over the summer)
Tiffin is an academic hot house...socially not so great. & struggling financially.
(Only what I've been told)

[Pop1ns]

Thanks Chickydoo very enlightening.All the parents of KGS pupils say good things about the school.I am leaning towards it.However I would also like to hear from Tiffin parents and their side of the story and if the atmosphere is conducive to DS.All comments welcome and would like to hear from Ladymuck and Tiffinboys.I am asking these questions so that I send DS to the right school.

[FamiliesShareGerms]

I wouldn't say that KGS is "relaxed " - perhaps in comparison to the Tiffin hothouse, but not in relation to most other local schools

[Pop1ns]

Thanks FSG I am sure KGS makes them work hard too.I am growing in realisation that the schools choose the pupils and not the other way around.

[FamiliesShareGerms]

That's a really good way to put it, Pop, slightly depressing as that is

[RabbitOfNegativeEuphoria]

I would be a bit about any claims from people who don't have children at a school that it's a hothouse. People with no children at my DDs' school say that it's a 'hothouse'. It's not. It's significantly more laid back than my DS's comp. It is however very true that many state grammar schools in non grammar areas are facing significant funding challenges. In fact, many state schools of any stripe, certainly those that have sixth forms, are in this situation. :(

[MLP]

We have close friends who have two kids at KGS (DD 16 and DS 14). They are well rounded academically and sporty (rowing) and musical. They love the school and work hard but it doesn't appear to be a hot house. The only hassle they have had is the sports fields are a little further away from the school.

Tiffin girls seems more of a hot house than the boys school but I have only limited data points for the latter.

[Pop1ns]

Thanks RNE and MLP.I would like to hear from Tiffin parents to say what it is really like.

[SonorousBip]

An observation about Tiffin is that of course - as you can see from some other threads - is that it has a very wide catchment, which may have implications for friendships. If you are in Y7/8/9 and your best mate lives a long long way away, realistically you are not going to see much of them out of school, at least during term time.

It may or may not matter to you - or you may be lucky that your dc befriends the person who lives nearby (mine NEVER do anything that convenient!)

My own view is that having friendships that are not facilitated by parents is a pretty important part of secondary school.

[Pop1ns]

Thanks SB.You have made a good point.Am I naive in thinking he could go to Tiffin with 3/4 classmates?