Postby workingmum62 » Tue Feb 15, 2022 3:05 pm
Just wanted to respond re Whitgift and its sporty reputation. I was initially put off Whitgift because a) too sporty and b) single sex. I changed my mind on both these facts and now have a son there who is thriving more than I could have ever hoped.
While it is strong on sports, if you are not interested or any good then there are so many opportunities. My son plays rugby and hockey in the Ds and loves them both, and never is made to feel sub-standard. He has also taken up archery and fencing which he is really enjoying. I think there are 58 sports to try in total, so lots of opportunities. The music and drama is amazing. There are orchestras, choirs, ensembles if you're musical - all year 7 boys get the option of free tuition in an orchestral instrument if they want to try. The drama is AMAZING. I've just been to the lower school play which frankly was of professional standard. The whole school musical this year is Billy Elliot and there is a wide range of boys in it from seasoned pro's to boys who have never been in a play before. So please be aware that sports is only one thing it is great at, the others are just less well publicised!!
On my second point, everyone has their own personal view. My son does the bare minimum and needs pushed to fulfil his potential. Whitgift know how to teach boys and they are very good at getting the best out of them. I am a believer that boys and girls are wired differently and I do think teaching should reflect this. That said I do have friends who's sons are at mixed schools and they are doing well but they are much more pro-active and want to learn! Also, while Whitgift may seem big, the benefit of having so many boys is that you will find your tribe. The year group is hugely diverse in all respects so every boy is sure to find friends.
On the commuting, it does depend where you are. We are in Tooting and my son is out the door on a bus at 7.10am, but he gets there at 8am and quite often has breakfast at school - who can resist waffles and pancakes? If he legs it after school and manages to get on the direct train, he can be walking through the door in the afternoon at 4.30pm. Although generally he does a club at school and gets the bus home so home around 6pm. Personally I'm much happier with him on the school bus or train to Balham than walking across Wandsworth Common!
I think Whitgift have done marginally better than Emanuel in recent league tables but frankly they are both amazing schools so I wouldn't read too much into that. As others have said I think the main decision you need to make is single sex vs. co-ed.
Good luck with your decision - a great one to have!!
