sixth form help?? grammar vs state etc. PLEASE HELP

(Original post by sixthformissue)
Hi guys! I just created an account for this since I'm really conflicted on picking where to study for my A-Levels. I currently go to one of the leading girls grammar schools in Essex and am in Y11 (because of corona I can't even visit any other schools to see them). My issue is that I don't know whether to leave or not. Most people from my school are either going to stay here or go to the boys grammar just down the road (like 5 mins walking distance), so my clear option at the beginning was to stay here, especially considering it's quite a renowned school and while I haven't received my predicted grades yet, I'm confident that I'll get 9-7s in all of my subjects... However it's a lot of travelling involved for me to get there, which made me consider whether or not to go to a school in East London or not. The teachers at my school are not the strongest however not bad either (but I don't know how they are at other schools to be honest) and also I really really hate the exam boards my school uses for my ideal subjects: (By the way I still haven't decided fully on my subjects but I intend to pick 4 of these, and bio, chem and maths are a definite yes for me.)
Biology (OCR)
Chemistry (AQA)
Maths (Edexcel)
Physics (OCR)
Psychology (AQA)
French (Edexcel)
These are the schools I'm conflicted between:
- Chelmsford County High for Girls (current school - essex)
- Brampton Manor (east ldn)
- Westcliff Boys (essex)
- KEGS (essex, down the road from CCHS)
- Seven Kings (east ldn)
- LAE (east ldn)
- NCS (east ldn)
- City and Islington (north ldn)
- Beal (east ldn)
All of the Essex schools are a long distance away, as well as City & Islington. Also, all of the East London schools are state schools - I was wondering if it would be a bad move to transfer from a grammar school to a state school since my school is already fairly good. I'm heavily leaning against KEGS and Westcliff since KEGS doesn't offer psych and they both give me bad vibes if I'm honest. I'm not sure whether Beal is great or not however it's very close to me... I've heard great things about Brampton Manor but many also say it's very very strict, which really doesn't appeal to me since I'm not exactly the BEST rule follower and my current school is quite excusable on things such as lateness and talking in lessons etc. (which is quite important for me, being able to talk frequently, stupid, ik). I also have a cousin who went to Seven Kings and she is now at a Russell University and got fab A Level grades - it's also nearby. LAE and NCS are schools I don't know much about but have heard that they're decent. Not to sound like a prick, but I think I will potentially be able to get into any of these schools, so grades is not an issue for me - that's why I was wondering whether it would be worth it to go from CCHS to an East London state school? Also, I fit in very well at my current school, and I have a lot of friends who I'm very attached too and the atmosphere and community in my school is brilliant, I have a feeling like I can't leave them as I love everyone so so much, and most people aren't moving from CCHS, except going KEGS which is fine since I'll still see them everyday. I'm so confused right now honestly... I have some questions for anyone who goes to any of the schools on this list who's in sixth form.
1) How are the teachers? Especially in the subjects I mentioned above.
2) What are the exam boards for the subjects I mentioned above?
3) Are you allowed out at lunch/free periods?
4) Do they kick you out if your grades aren't adequate?
5) Are they pressuring?
6) How much is the cost of resources (books etc.)
7) Are there many Oxbridge/Russell Uni offers?
8) Start and end times?
9) What is the general atmosphere like?
10) What is the uniform like?
11) Are there a lot of tests?
12) Do they allow 4 A Levels?
13) Are the students nice (are there cliques, bullying etc. - this shouldn't be an issue for me since I get along well with people but stillllll)
14) Are the rules really strict? (more specifically lateness, chewing gum, uniform, being loud/talking in class)
15) Is there good places to study (library etc.), well equipped classrooms and lots of materials?)

So so sorry for this ultra long post, my brains a bit all over the place. If anyone could answer any questions/give me advice on sixth forms from an outsider perspective that would be fab xxx

(Original post by ZR2002)
heya- i go to LAE stratford and am currently studying bio chem maths and further maths. I am really enjoying LAE and i think its a great school- especially if you intend to push yourself and have a good work ethic. the teachers are really nice- a lot of them are oxbridge graduates and they're really passionate about their subjects. I have two teachers for each subject. for my subjects one of my teachers is Doctor in Resident which is so amazing especially for further maths. i know we study edexcel for maths with applied and pure and OCR for sciences. we are allowed out at break and lunch as well as free periods which is very nice because we are literally five miutes away from Westfields. LAE do nottttt kick you out if you do bad in your exams but they do require you to go to intervention more to help you then anything else ( i know brampton and ncs have kicked out students at the end of year 12) . LAE is not pressuring- obviously there is a lot of work and you are expected to stay on top of it but if you do what you're required there is not pressure- LAE places heavy emphasis on mental health and pastoral care. we get out textbooks for free on loan and if you require money for resources you can apply for discretionary bursaries which is awesome. if you want more info on uni offers check the webiste but im pretty sure 36 people got into oxbridge( off topic but don't always look at numbers- because a school may say 100 oxbrudge offers but that may be a small percentage and may not be in the subject you want to study at uni!!). we start at 8:20 adn end at 13:15 as due to COVID we do all our afternoon extra curriculars off site or online via teams.
I really like the atmosphere, everyone is super nice and there is friendly competition which is good. everyone is like minded so there is not a lot of drama as most people want to focus on school and just chill. we dont have uniform but we have dress code (see the website) its not too strict tho so dw. we have Half termly assessments as well as february and end of year mocks but its not that bad as long as you formulate revision materials as you go along. LAE require you to start yr 12 with four a levels but i wuld suggest thoroughly researching your choices as i know a lot of people who take subjects because they were good at them or like the ound of them then change over before the first half term. i think most of the students are nice but like you know you'll attract nice people to you if you give off good vibes s dont worry about that. the rules are not 'strict' but there is a certain expected level of behaviour becuase you're doing A levels so there is not much room for immaturity if you want the top grades. we can talk in class but honestly you would be hindering yourself if you took it too far- as long as you focus and have a good work ethic you'll be fine. there is the library and canteen (agora) to study and they are great places if you want a bit of quiet tho i recommend the library .
I was in a similar position to you when picking a college- i had no idea what to pick and i had expected grades of all 9s so schools were a bit harder to choose from. i chose LAE in the end over WCHS which is a top grammar school and honestly i have not regretted it for a second. i think picking to stay at your school is fine, everyone is different but if you want to go to a place where you are constantly challenged but also supported, LAE is the place for you. however, if you do want to just chat in lessons i dont think that is the correct mindset to go into a top sixth form in the counrt( i may have misinterpreted what you are saying tho) - if you have any mroe questions lmk- hope this was helpful !!

(Original post by phoebebe96)
If you’re in east London have you considered coopers? It’s a good state school and would be closer to commute. I went to westcliff boys sixth form.
1) teachers were a mixture. Some very great. Others had favourites. Standard teaching I would say. A lot of DRs.
2)biology was aqa, Chem was Edexcel. Maths Edexcel. Unsure on others
3) allowed out at lunch but not frees
4) not generally unless you’re getting 3 E’s or something.
5) they are pressuring in making you apply for unis yes otherwise no
6) £0 they give you everything you need
7) yes I’d say 80% of my year were Russel groups/ top unis
8) 8:45-3:35 with 1-2 hours of frees in the day
9) cocky posh boys lol
10) standard navy blue
11) not massively, I never felt like there were
12) yes people did up to 5
13) some are nice but the boys can be nasty, girls generally quite nice.

I went 5 years ago so a lot may have changed.

(Original post by sixthformissue)
Thank you so much - that was really really helpful! About the talking in lessons thing - I don't mean attending the lessons just to chat just if you're able to have a bit of banter/not a dead silent classroom since I feel like school would be quite boring otherwise. I do consider myself well behaved, just a bit more talkative than others (however of course I'm going to pay attention and I do put in lots of effort to do well and respect my teachers). LAE sounds amazing honestly and it's in such a nice location also - my school currently does not allow students out in frees, and you are not allowed to come in later if lesson 1 is a free/leave early etc. which is quite disappointing tbh. Thank you so muchhhh it was so helpful x

(Original post by upomm1)
I think probably staying at your school wouldn't be a bad idea considering it's a grammar school which a lot of the time is noticed by unis and also you're used to the atmosphere and are doing well there too.

The other schools are the some of the best state schools that I've known so it doesn't really matter imo that they're state

(Original post by sixthformissue)
Hi guys! I just created an account for this since I'm really conflicted on picking where to study for my A-Levels. I currently go to one of the leading girls grammar schools in Essex and am in Y11 (because of corona I can't even visit any other schools to see them). My issue is that I don't know whether to leave or not. Most people from my school are either going to stay here or go to the boys grammar just down the road (like 5 mins walking distance), so my clear option at the beginning was to stay here, especially considering it's quite a renowned school and while I haven't received my predicted grades yet, I'm confident that I'll get 9-7s in all of my subjects... However it's a lot of travelling involved for me to get there, which made me consider whether or not to go to a school in East London or not. The teachers at my school are not the strongest however not bad either (but I don't know how they are at other schools to be honest) and also I really really hate the exam boards my school uses for my ideal subjects: (By the way I still haven't decided fully on my subjects but I intend to pick 4 of these, and bio, chem and maths are a definite yes for me.)

(Original post by sixthformissue)
Thanks so much! I actually haven't heard of coopers - I'll have a look. I know people who go to WHSB and they seem nice enough but imo it just gives me bad vibes (no idea why ahaha) but I know it's a good school. That was so helpful though, although I probably won't end up going I will apply. Also wow the Russell uni percentage is massive tysmm xx

(Original post by sixthformissue)
Hi guys! I just created an account for this since I'm really conflicted on picking where to study for my A-Levels. I currently go to one of the leading girls grammar schools in Essex and am in Y11 (because of corona I can't even visit any other schools to see them). My issue is that I don't know whether to leave or not. Most people from my school are either going to stay here or go to the boys grammar just down the road (like 5 mins walking distance), so my clear option at the beginning was to stay here, especially considering it's quite a renowned school and while I haven't received my predicted grades yet, I'm confident that I'll get 9-7s in all of my subjects... However it's a lot of travelling involved for me to get there, which made me consider whether or not to go to a school in East London or not. The teachers at my school are not the strongest however not bad either (but I don't know how they are at other schools to be honest) and also I really really hate the exam boards my school uses for my ideal subjects: (By the way I still haven't decided fully on my subjects but I intend to pick 4 of these, and bio, chem and maths are a definite yes for me.)
Biology (OCR)
Chemistry (AQA)
Maths (Edexcel)
Physics (OCR)
Psychology (AQA)
French (Edexcel)
These are the schools I'm conflicted between:
- Chelmsford County High for Girls (current school - essex)
- Brampton Manor (east ldn)
- Westcliff Boys (essex)
- KEGS (essex, down the road from CCHS)
- Seven Kings (east ldn)
- LAE (east ldn)
- NCS (east ldn)
- City and Islington (north ldn)
- Beal (east ldn)
All of the Essex schools are a long distance away, as well as City & Islington. Also, all of the East London schools are state schools - I was wondering if it would be a bad move to transfer from a grammar school to a state school since my school is already fairly good. I'm heavily leaning against KEGS and Westcliff since KEGS doesn't offer psych and they both give me bad vibes if I'm honest. I'm not sure whether Beal is great or not however it's very close to me... I've heard great things about Brampton Manor but many also say it's very very strict, which really doesn't appeal to me since I'm not exactly the BEST rule follower and my current school is quite excusable on things such as lateness and talking in lessons etc. (which is quite important for me, being able to talk frequently, stupid, ik). I also have a cousin who went to Seven Kings and she is now at a Russell University and got fab A Level grades - it's also nearby. LAE and NCS are schools I don't know much about but have heard that they're decent. Not to sound like a prick, but I think I will potentially be able to get into any of these schools, so grades is not an issue for me - that's why I was wondering whether it would be worth it to go from CCHS to an East London state school? Also, I fit in very well at my current school, and I have a lot of friends who I'm very attached too and the atmosphere and community in my school is brilliant, I have a feeling like I can't leave them as I love everyone so so much, and most people aren't moving from CCHS, except going KEGS which is fine since I'll still see them everyday. I'm so confused right now honestly... I have some questions for anyone who goes to any of the schools on this list who's in sixth form.
1) How are the teachers? Especially in the subjects I mentioned above.
2) What are the exam boards for the subjects I mentioned above?
3) Are you allowed out at lunch/free periods?
4) Do they kick you out if your grades aren't adequate?
5) Are they pressuring?
6) How much is the cost of resources (books etc.)
7) Are there many Oxbridge/Russell Uni offers?
8) Start and end times?
9) What is the general atmosphere like?
10) What is the uniform like?
11) Are there a lot of tests?
12) Do they allow 4 A Levels?
13) Are the students nice (are there cliques, bullying etc. - this shouldn't be an issue for me since I get along well with people but stillllll)
14) Are the rules really strict? (more specifically lateness, chewing gum, uniform, being loud/talking in class)
15) Is there good places to study (library etc.), well equipped classrooms and lots of materials?)

So so sorry for this ultra long post, my brains a bit all over the place. If anyone could answer any questions/give me advice on sixth forms from an outsider perspective that would be fab xxx

(Original post by Muttley79)
Grammar schools are state schools

I would suggest somewhere nearer home.

(Original post by ZR2002)
that's cool- i was just checking because LAE is a serious school but the vibes in lesson are great- most of the teachers are quite cool and everyone talks and stuff- i know there is a virtual open day on the 25th of november- definitley check it out! Is there any thing else i can help with? i have a few friends who go to NCS and Brampton or if you have any questions about LAE feel free to ask

(Original post by IntegrationLord)
All the content is in the textbook. LOL. DEPENDS if you can be bothered to learn it.

(Original post by phoebebe96)
Coopers has been top state school in Havering for basically the whole time I’ve known it!

However, CCHS is probably looking your best bet at the moment and I wouldn’t move from CCHS to another Essex grammar school as the commute will be much further for the same sort of school. Not really worth it is it?

(Original post by sixthformissue)
Hi guys! I just created an account for this since I'm really conflicted on picking where to study for my A-Levels. I currently go to one of the leading girls grammar schools in Essex and am in Y11 (because of corona I can't even visit any other schools to see them). My issue is that I don't know whether to leave or not. Most people from my school are either going to stay here or go to the boys grammar just down the road (like 5 mins walking distance), so my clear option at the beginning was to stay here, especially considering it's quite a renowned school and while I haven't received my predicted grades yet, I'm confident that I'll get 9-7s in all of my subjects... However it's a lot of travelling involved for me to get there, which made me consider whether or not to go to a school in East London or not. The teachers at my school are not the strongest however not bad either (but I don't know how they are at other schools to be honest) and also I really really hate the exam boards my school uses for my ideal subjects: (By the way I still haven't decided fully on my subjects but I intend to pick 4 of these, and bio, chem and maths are a definite yes for me.)
Biology (OCR)
Chemistry (AQA)
Maths (Edexcel)
Physics (OCR)
Psychology (AQA)
French (Edexcel)
These are the schools I'm conflicted between:
- Chelmsford County High for Girls (current school - essex)
- Brampton Manor (east ldn)
- Westcliff Boys (essex)
- KEGS (essex, down the road from CCHS)
- Seven Kings (east ldn)
- LAE (east ldn)
- NCS (east ldn)
- City and Islington (north ldn)
- Beal (east ldn)
All of the Essex schools are a long distance away, as well as City & Islington. Also, all of the East London schools are state schools - I was wondering if it would be a bad move to transfer from a grammar school to a state school since my school is already fairly good. I'm heavily leaning against KEGS and Westcliff since KEGS doesn't offer psych and they both give me bad vibes if I'm honest. I'm not sure whether Beal is great or not however it's very close to me... I've heard great things about Brampton Manor but many also say it's very very strict, which really doesn't appeal to me since I'm not exactly the BEST rule follower and my current school is quite excusable on things such as lateness and talking in lessons etc. (which is quite important for me, being able to talk frequently, stupid, ik). I also have a cousin who went to Seven Kings and she is now at a Russell University and got fab A Level grades - it's also nearby. LAE and NCS are schools I don't know much about but have heard that they're decent. Not to sound like a prick, but I think I will potentially be able to get into any of these schools, so grades is not an issue for me - that's why I was wondering whether it would be worth it to go from CCHS to an East London state school? Also, I fit in very well at my current school, and I have a lot of friends who I'm very attached too and the atmosphere and community in my school is brilliant, I have a feeling like I can't leave them as I love everyone so so much, and most people aren't moving from CCHS, except going KEGS which is fine since I'll still see them everyday. I'm so confused right now honestly... I have some questions for anyone who goes to any of the schools on this list who's in sixth form.
1) How are the teachers? Especially in the subjects I mentioned above.
2) What are the exam boards for the subjects I mentioned above?
3) Are you allowed out at lunch/free periods?
4) Do they kick you out if your grades aren't adequate?
5) Are they pressuring?
6) How much is the cost of resources (books etc.)
7) Are there many Oxbridge/Russell Uni offers?
8) Start and end times?
9) What is the general atmosphere like?
10) What is the uniform like?
11) Are there a lot of tests?
12) Do they allow 4 A Levels?
13) Are the students nice (are there cliques, bullying etc. - this shouldn't be an issue for me since I get along well with people but stillllll)
14) Are the rules really strict? (more specifically lateness, chewing gum, uniform, being loud/talking in class)
15) Is there good places to study (library etc.), well equipped classrooms and lots of materials?)

So so sorry for this ultra long post, my brains a bit all over the place. If anyone could answer any questions/give me advice on sixth forms from an outsider perspective that would be fab xxx