Choosing the right High School
By Verity99 | Monday, August 30, 2010, 10:47
I can hardly believe that my baby is going to be starting high school this term. Time has flown by so quickly and choosing the school that we thought would be right for her was a huge responsibility.
For those of you who have children starting year 6, then this is a dilemma that you, I am sure, are facing now. Applications for schools will be due by the end of October and it does seem a short time in which to make such an important decision.
Below, I have detailed some information about 6 of our local schools, which I hope you find helpful.
This is a Church of England funded school and does have quite strict entry requirements regarding religion and church attendance. However, applications are extremely high as this is a leading edge school which has attained an ‘Outstanding’ report from OFSTED. The school is mixed and has approximately 1400 pupils on role. The school has specialist status in Technology and has also received an Artsmark award for drama and performing arts. It has excellent academic achievement and the league table show that 85% of pupils attained over 5 GCSEs at grade A*- C.
The school has a sixth form, so pupils are able to stay on for A-levels.
Chichester High School for Girls
This all girl’s school has approximately 1500 pupils on role and has achieved a ‘Satisfactory’ report from OFSTED. The school has specialist status in Arts and Science and have been proud to achieve the gold Artsmark award for drama and performing arts. The league tables show that 68% of pupils attained over 5GCSEs at grade A* - C. This school has a sixth form which is mixed with the High School for Boys, so pupils can stay on for A-Levels.
Chichester High School for Boys
The all boys High School has approximately 1290 pupils on role and has specialist status as a business and enterprise college. The school has been awarded a ‘Satisfactory’ report from OFSTED and has shown significant improvement in academic achievement in the last year. League tables show that 70% of pupils have attained over 5 GCSEs at grade A* - C, which the school are extremely proud of as this shows the extent of hard work and dedication by pupils and teachers. The school has a sixth form which is mixed with the High School for Girls, so pupils can remain on for A-levels
This mixed school has approximately 730 pupils on role and has proudly gained specialist status in Visual and Performing arts. It has recently used the funding from this to create a performance centre and auditorium. This school has also seen strong improvement since the arrival of a new head master and has received a ‘Satisfactory’ report from OFSTED. Academic achievement is also improving with league tables showing that 60% of pupils attained over 5 GCSEs at A* - C grade. This school does not have a sixth form, so pupils would need to move to one of the other schools of colleges for A-Levels.
This beautiful school is privately funded and has only 160 pupils on role so each child is given a high amount of dedicated time and attention. The school takes girls only, and enrols from age 3 to 18. Boarding is available at the school for girls once they reach 8 years old.
Fees are calculated on a daily basis and a full day including lunch would cost £37.00.
League tables show that 70% of pupils attained over 5 GCSEs at grade A* - C
This mixed school has a specialist status as a Science College and received an OFSTED report of ‘Good with Outstanding features’. There are approximately 624 pupils on role and the school are the proud owners of Artsmark and Activemark awards. The academic achievement is slightly lower than average with league tables showing that 46% of pupils attained over 5 GCSEs at grade A* - C, but they are working hard to improve these results. The school does not currently have a sixth form, but plans are in place to create one in the near future.
You will of course be provided with a pack of information on each school and a timetable of open days and evenings which I highly recommend that you attend as this is a great way to asses the atmosphere and ethos of each school. My daughter and I knew the minute that we walked in to her chosen school that it was the right one for her and my advice is just to go with your instinct. Everybody has their own opinions on the best schools, but you know your child and what is best for them. Good Luck!
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