SPGS, westminster, or KCS (16+)

Hi everyone :smile:

Recently I've received offers from St Paul Girls' School, westminster, and KCS for 16+ entry.

I'm struggling to make my own decision because they are all very good schools and are extremely close in academics. I've been to all of their open days, and really enjoyed them.

Personally, I am sort of leaning towards spgs because the offer is unconditional (King's is unconditional as well but it's not as good academically as spgs, and Westminster requires 8 As for GCSE and 4A*s for the subjects that I want to study at A level).

I've been to Westminster open day and I love its history, its location (next to the houses of the parliament), and its brilliant alumni... I sort of feel like I'll be missing a lot by rejecting it :frown:

So I still don't know what to do because I actually don't want to reject any of these schools :frown:

Also I have some questions from pupils that are going to these schools:

How'd you find the teachers there?

Is it easy to make new friends (is the environment inclusive)?

Would you leave your school to go to any of the other two in my list?

A huge thanks in advance to anyone who's willing to answer my questions!

Reply 1

sbeke10

Omg girl how did you get into all of these schools cos I’m applying next year? How much did you revise? What subjects did you take? What were the entrance exams and interviews like? Congrats though xx

Reply 2

chaesoo

Original post

by sbeke10

Sorry for this late reply since I've been doing my mocks recently😮*💨

I took double maths, biology, and Chemistry, and I did do quite a bit of revision. Entrance exams were relatively easy -- the questions were fine but you were just not given enough time to finish all of them. (but it's okay since I only did 7.5 questions out of 9 for spgs maths and 9/10 for westminster maths; and I know people who only did 6 out of 9 for spgs maths and still got in). They were like IMC/pink kangaroo level of difficulty (or easier) so you should be fine by practicing those past paper questions. Chemistry was very easy for all the schools I've applied to, if you are on target for a 9 in gcse Chemistry then you wouldn't find it too hard.

The interviews were too long ago but I find most of them pretty chill. We got asked general questions in the subject interviews like "Why do you like this subject", etc. Also, we had to answer couple questions on the spot like DNA transcription, translation (for bio); bonds for Chem; and really really really hard questions for maths like some circle geometry (I only managed to do 2 questions for westminster interview, but that was enough; and I really struggled for the spgs maths interview since the teacher had to give me hints and drew on my diagram☹️ -- but everyone finds it hard so my personal tip would be to stay calm and vocalise all your thinking processes).

Anyways good luck for your 16+ entry! I'm sure it'll be fine because before I started the exams and interviews I thought it would be really bad but it turned out just fine (it's really not as hard as what some people think it is).

(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 3

Ncndbdbdndkdvdb

Original post

by chaesoo

Hi everyone :smile:

Recently I've received offers from St Paul Girls' School, westminster, and KCS for 16+ entry.
I'm struggling to make my own decision because they are all very good schools and are extremely close in academics. I've been to all of their open days, and really enjoyed them.
Personally, I am sort of leaning towards spgs because the offer is unconditional (King's is unconditional as well but it's not as good academically as spgs, and Westminster requires 8 As for GCSE and 4A*s for the subjects that I want to study at A level).
I've been to Westminster open day and I love its history, its location (next to the houses of the parliament), and its brilliant alumni... I sort of feel like I'll be missing a lot by rejecting it :frown:

So I still don't know what to do because I actually don't want to reject any of these schools :frown:

Also I have some questions from pupils that are going to these schools:
How'd you find the teachers there?
Is it easy to make new friends (is the environment inclusive)?
Would you leave your school to go to any of the other two in my list?
A huge thanks in advance to anyone who's willing to answer my questions!

Hii, I'm actually in a similar position and i cant choose between SPGS and Westminster. I made a list of the pros and cons for both and came to the conclusion that SPGS is better academically but Westminster would mean id have a better last two years of school. What would be your main reasons for choosing either?

Reply 4

chaesoo

Original post

by Ncndbdbdndkdvdb

Hi and sorry for the late reply since I’ve been quite busy lately.

I chose spgs over Westminster and it was a hard decision because obviously Westminster was harder to get into (I know other girls who got into spgs but did not get into Westminster).

My reason for choosing spgs would be that the offer is completely unconditional. Westminster’s offer is conditional, but it’s not like I can’t meet the conditions… It was just I didn’t want to focus on getting 8s in subjects that I don’t really like (and those that I don’t want to take for a-levels like geography). I want to spend more time doing my a-level subjects instead and not “waste” my time on subjects I know I don’t enjoy and know I will not need in the future but will have to since it’s the requirement. Also, spgs has very good uni destinations for my future career pathway (so much better than Westminster that it became the deciding factor). I guess you could go onto both of their websites and check?… Last, I just really liked the vibe of the school and people I met at the offer holder evening seemed nice. (btw, Westminster seemed kind of cold and the email giving me the offer was quite formal and there was no offer holder evening event at all, so my mom quite disliked Westminster🤣)

It’s really just up to you because I don’t think the last two years of high school would be great either way. You’ll have to prepare for A-levels, find work experience, do uni application — so it’s really all just studying and working hard no matter which school you decide to go to😮*💨 I guess I didn’t give much constructive advice, everything was quite generic and didn’t make much sense since it’s been like three four months ago, but feel free to ask any more questions you have.

Reply 5

Adam_jar

Hey chaesoo, congrats on the offers, that’s amazing! Honestly, all three schools are fantastic, so it’s no wonder you’re torn. SPGS seems to really stand out for you, especially with the unconditional offer and its academic rep. But I totally get the pull of Westminster, it’s got that incredible history and location vibe that’s hard to ignore.
For your questions:

•

Teachers: Both SPGS and Westminster have great teachers who really care. Maybe check out student forums or chat with current pupils to get a feel.

•

Friends: SPGS might feel a bit more close-knit, which could make settling in easier.

•

Switching schools: Most students seem happy where they are, but it’d be cool to hear from someone who’s experienced both.

Reply 6

JettisonTheS

Current kcs 16+ entry yr13, kcs is very strong on stem. Any questions do reply and Ill get back. Apologies if you have already made a choice!

Reply 7

eemu.png

Original post

by chaesoo

Hi and sorry for the late reply since I’ve been quite busy lately.
I chose spgs over Westminster and it was a hard decision because obviously Westminster was harder to get into (I know other girls who got into spgs but did not get into Westminster).
My reason for choosing spgs would be that the offer is completely unconditional. Westminster’s offer is conditional, but it’s not like I can’t meet the conditions… It was just I didn’t want to focus on getting 8s in subjects that I don’t really like (and those that I don’t want to take for a-levels like geography). I want to spend more time doing my a-level subjects instead and not “waste” my time on subjects I know I don’t enjoy and know I will not need in the future but will have to since it’s the requirement. Also, spgs has very good uni destinations for my future career pathway (so much better than Westminster that it became the deciding factor). I guess you could go onto both of their websites and check?… Last, I just really liked the vibe of the school and people I met at the offer holder evening seemed nice. (btw, Westminster seemed kind of cold and the email giving me the offer was quite formal and there was no offer holder evening event at all, so my mom quite disliked Westminster🤣)
It’s really just up to you because I don’t think the last two years of high school would be great either way. You’ll have to prepare for A-levels, find work experience, do uni application — so it’s really all just studying and working hard no matter which school you decide to go to😮*💨 I guess I didn’t give much constructive advice, everything was quite generic and didn’t make much sense since it’s been like three four months ago, but feel free to ask any more questions you have.

stop oh my gosh i go to spgs and im curious now WHO ARE U!

Reply 8

stevemarkovick

Choosing between SPGS, Westminster, and KCS really depends on what environment you want. Westminster is intense and academic, with lots of independence. SPGS has a strong reputation for nurturing ambitious students, especially in the arts and humanities. KCS feels more balanced, with solid academics and community spirit. I’d look at where you’d feel most supported day-to-day—it makes all the difference at 16+.

Reply 9

chaesoo

Original post

by eemu.png

stop oh my gosh i go to spgs and im curious now WHO ARE U!

Honestly what are the chances lol
(And you will never know who i am it is top secret🤫)

Reply 10

jsshwhq

Original post

by JettisonTheS

Current kcs 16+ entry yr13, kcs is very strong on stem. Any questions do reply and Ill get back. Apologies if you have already made a choice!

Hii what were the exams like ? How did you do to prepare ? And any tips for interview ? Thank you so much!!

Reply 11

Nisooooo

Original post

by JettisonTheS

Current kcs 16+ entry yr13, kcs is very strong on stem. Any questions do reply and Ill get back. Apologies if you have already made a choice!

hello, how was the entry test like?

Reply 12

jsshwhq

Original post

by JettisonTheS

Current kcs 16+ entry yr13, kcs is very strong on stem. Any questions do reply and Ill get back. Apologies if you have already made a choice!

Hii I’m confused on whether to pick between a grammar school and kings since I have got an offer from kings. Is it was to adjust and make friends ? Is there good support for university applications and CV building? And are the teachers good at explaining concepts and willing to help if you don’t understand something ?

Reply 13

Emmarobert

Original post

by jsshwhq

Hi, i can help! Which grammar school? I think there should be offer holder events so you should definitely go to both keeping an open mind because Kings is an amazing school

Reply 14

jsshwhq

Original post

by Emmarobert

Hi, i can help! Which grammar school? I think there should be offer holder events so you should definitely go to both keeping an open mind because Kings is an amazing school