Hi, I just started YR12 at Brampton Manor Academy taking maths, further maths, physics and economics and a future Maths & Computer science applicant
Lotta things to say here:
-Firstly, even if you dont get a place at one of these selective sixth forms, dont worry, a good hard working student will succeed at any school
-Make sure you get the grades, dont apply and waste time, I'd say if you want a 80+% chance of getting in, aim for a grade 9 in all subjects you will be studying at A level and a 7 and above as your average grade
-Brampton Manor Academy, out of these three, is the hardest to get into (perhaps harder than NCS too if your interested in that), this year over 2500 applications were given in, 1400 met the requirements yet only 350-400 (Include myself luckily) got an offer
-LAE is fantastic, however statistically, BMA is better, although there may be other reasons for you to apply, e.g. location, friends etc. and I definitely think you should apply there (I should of as a backup to Brampton but I didn't think about it)
-KMS is great especially for being a pure maths school , however my main reason I never thought about it (other than location of course) is because it is a maths only school, there will be a lack of diversity in some aspects, so it will be a bunch of 16+ maths students, which at times may be boring, however if you dont mind it, go for it, and you should definitely apply even if you choose not a accept (BTW they post maths challenges every week, I've spoken to a teacher there via email as I sent in some proofs to a complex number theory question, you should have a look)
-KMS do have an entrance exam, however I'm not an expert on it, I just heard it is grade 8/9 content that you are assessed in, but in harder style (more competitive maths style, look at the Intermediate Maths Challenge, its a good preparation technique)
-BMA have become famous due to their Oxbridge record, whilst this is nice, do note that most of these Oxbridge offer holders are doing Humanities subjects, which in comparison to STEM, is far less competitive, so if you go BMA, dont automatically expect a place at Oxbridge, because statistically speaking, and my assuming your taking maths subjects like myself and therefore studying a mathematical subject at degree level, you would essentially need to secure A*A*A* in their preferred subjects + a banging personal statement + mad interview skills, so although it is possible, oxbridge should not be everyones goal, in fact some universities are better in different aspects, e.g: computer science at Imperial is fantastic employment wise due to their better facilities, modern teaching, STEM specialisation, and of course, in the city of London where employment opportunities is far greater, so to summarise, just because BMA got a nice Oxbridge record, dont look at it as your no1 goal
To conclude, apply to all of these, get the grades and choose later. I suggest BMA (however ofc since I go there now I may be biased), but either one is good. If you do end up going BMA next year, I look forward to seeing you
. Good luck!