Hi!
So I’m currently a Year 11 and really cannot decide whether to move or stay for my A-levels next year. Everyone I know in person is pretty biased (advising me to go to their school/stay etc.). This has really been bugging me because i’m very indecisive but I really want to get the decision making out of the way before the new year so I have a clearer goal.
Option 1) I currently go to an all girls state school in south London, it doesn't have the best grades/facilities but personally I don't think the teaching is too bad and I could get good grades here but it’s risky because 3/4 of my A-level choices are Sciences and my school has a terrible Science dept. so i'll most likely only get good grades by self-teaching tbh.
PROS: - established friendship groups/ relationships with teachers
- going to state sixth form will make me eligible to apply to Sutton Trust trips/ UNIQ/ K+
- easier transition since I'm familiar to it
- co-ed sixthform, there are some boys.
CONS:- bad stats/facilities
- slightly bored of the same faces if i'm honest
- pretty gross
- most of the boys are the annoying/distracting kind (LADbible type ew)
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Option 2) I’m also considering applying for a bursary to a local GDST private girls school. It is a really really tiny school in comparison to my current state school that has 1000 or so students. The statistics are alot better (50% A/A etc) but I’m assuming that’s because of how few students there are.
PROS:- just as close if not closer to my house than my current school
- small homely school, i really like the vibe
- new faces & a fresh start
- all girls
- better stats
- offer better UCAS/general support
CONS:- apparently private schoolers are boring/bland???
- ive got to establish new friendships etc
- can’t go on programmes such as Sutton Trust etc
- it may (according to my school mentor) decrease my chances of getting into a Russell group uni because I won't 'stand out' as much if everyone's grades are good ???
- there are no boys
- i have to take entrance exams
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Is there a point in going on such programmes any way? I went to a summer school this year and it was great experience and it would be awesome to get such an opportunity again. There’s a really cool trip to Yale in Year 12 but I have to go to a state school to be eligible.
All opinions are appreciated Thanks! x