I moved from a comprehensive to a grammar and personally for me it's so different. The thing I found hardest was being surrounded by people who were all my level and higher. Being a small fish in a big pond basically. I've found that really hard, from being at the top of classes to feeling like im at the bottom. Also i found the environment more stressful as i see who I'm competitive with nationally. But I am happy I moved, it is better academically, I've met amazing people and have gained more experiences. Again these schools are in completely different areas so this won't be the same for everyone but this is my experience :)
yep their is only advice to pick your options for psot 16 eduction they don't give you much advice they just say in year 10 look around a college and they give you no help with what to pick and you need to have an option b so I have just one option and not really knowing what to do and not having the best grades and then being in such a time crunch and not being sure and I just felt stressed and not being sure what to do and having to just have my parents pick a course because their were no options
I went to a grammar school for secondary, and moved to college despite everyone's advice. It really was a good decision and acedemically I really don't see a drop in the quality of the teaching, the drive of my classmates or the grades I've been getting. The only diffence is that there's a lot less pressure on you at college and there's WAY more extracurricular activities that I wouldn't had been selected for if I stayed at my high school. It's nice being feeling appreciated by teachers, rather than teaching screaming at you for getting a B. Loved this video Jade
totally agree, i had the same experience of moving to a sixth form college and personally, the teaching massively improved there and the support system was so much better! best decision i ever made!
As I say, this was just my (very indecisive!) experience! Although I moved back from the grammar school I went to, it doesn't mean that you won't absolutely LOVE moving to one if you're at a comprehensive school currently! Every school and situation is different, but my biggest advice would be to consider all your options, be open-minded and ultimately go with your gut! 💖 being happy about where you are is so so important, and I'm certain you'll make the right decision in the end... (even if it takes going back on your first decision like me haha!) x P.S I realised I used "state" school when I meant comprehensive! I always refer to my school as a state school, so in my head I guess it became synonymous with comprehensive, even though technically grammar schools are also state-funded. So yeah, the school I currently attend is a non-private comprehensive all-girls school haha (hope that cleared things up...!) ✨ x
Awh thank you! You give such great advice, I love your videos and they are so helpful! You’re and idol to me and you should NEVER let anyone change you because I love the way you are!❤️ Ly and I really appreciate all the support you give to us (your supporters and fans). Much loved by many, Mae!😘💞💛💫xxx
can you do a video explaining the school system? im from australia, and we just have quite a simple system. Our system is split into public/government schools and private schools. Some public schools are either fully or partially selective, meaning that at the end of year 6 (primary school) you can take a test that determines if you get into the academically selective schools. You can also transfer into either a selective stream or selective school at any time (if your application is good enough!)
Hi, so I go to the grammar school you were talking about (I've seen your brother around a couple times) and Of course I realise that you can have your own opinion of my school but I don't think you gave a just representation, especially as for maths we have support 4 times a week at lunches for sixth form, and I understand it being a big change but I just think you could have presented it a bit better than you did, as in some ways you made it sound like a bad school, which it 100% isn't. This is in no way a criticism, it's just that in some ways my friends and I felt like this was a bit unjust. Thank You for reading this, My friends and I just thought we wanted to say something Xx
Hey, I also moved to a grammar school from a comprehensive school last September. I watched this video last night and I thought it was interesting. See if I had watched this a few months back I know I would still be at my comprehensive school. I wouldn't have moved. I know your only sharing your own personal opinion but the thing is it influences a lot. For people in the same situation you were it will influence their decision even though I know your intention was pure. I love your channel but I do feel this video won't make those on the more introverted side want to give it a go. I moved because I knew how introvert I was an I wanted to push myself to be in an atmosphere I didn't like and make new friends. I knew if I stayed I would have always wondered how my life would have been different. I can guarantee you that I hated my first week a lot, I went back home in tears. A month in I was seriously considering moving back. If I had seen this video then I would definitely still not be at this grammar school. There are people who will watch this video just as I would have and used it as the reason to move back. Jade did it so it is fine to. Grammar school are a massive change and I feel with everything being new and different we look for reasons to go back, to justify the move back to the protective familiarity of our old schools. I do completely understand that you have repeated constantly that it is your own decision and it shouldn't influence your viewers but it will. That shy kid considering moving may decide that it's no longer something they want to do. If you had structured this video in more of a style of what options are available for post 16 it could be less influential and even with references to your own experiences it wouldn't have had much of an impact. I really am not trying to be cruel because I know I love your videos and will continue to watch them. Your are really brave to start your own UA-cam channel and I know I will never. But I thought I'd just let you know how I feel about this. I'm in the second term of year 12 and up until I watched this last night I had no doubts about whether or not it was the right decision I made to move. You can read this and take on what I've said as advice or choose to ignore it. I really don't mind. But if anyone else is reading this please don't let it influence your decisions. And once again I really don't mean to sound cruel or mean in this its just my honest review.
Naeemah Kola grammar schools are great. Fast pace, yes! Not for everyone, yes. In year 8 we study algebra for year 9 in comprehensive schools. We see GCSE questions like in all subjects since year 7. We are not rulled by grades but by detailed written feedback on how to improve. Do we have support? Yes. They will assign a mentor for those who are struggling. They will treat you like a kid who needs to be guided by the hand at first sign of struggle? No! No Teaching Assistants either. Much bigger class?? I don't get that. How many students has Jade got in her class? I have seen comprehensive schools with 5 students for chemistry at A level because nobody else wanted to study chemistry. At grammars though it is likely that you won't escape triple scince. Grammar schools are about growing up faster, learning independently and feeling capable of finding success in weaknesses. We read a lot of books on growth mindset x fixed mindset. People with fixed mindset don't embrace challenges and quit.
This is SO accurate. I detest having regrets but I can't help from shifting the fact that moving schools after yr 11 has been a life-changing regret. I had to repeat year 12 and I could've started uni this academic year. Sorry that was too deep but the 1 piece of advice I'd give someone is to not make decisions based on what adults tell you to do; do what makes you feel comfortable.
My school doesnt have a sixthform or college attatched so in my area we have no choice really. Theres a sixthform and technology college in our area, a sixthform attatched to a private school and some in towns like jalf an hour away- another sixthform and another technical college but we all have to move so its just deciding which of the new colleges best suits you
I found this so interesting, I’ve been to a girls’ grammar school since year seven and never considered leaving. Staying in a single sex school was definitely my comfort zone and apparently generally speaking girls benefit from that? The reason why most girls stay for sixth form is because of the support from teachers is absolutely outstanding. I’m so shocked to hear the maths teacher’s response to you asking for help, that’s awful! That never would’ve happened at the school I went to and the teachers actually encouraged you to see them at break/lunch. Sounds like you made the right decision!
I've been at a grammar school since Year 7 and I'm in Year 12 now and I absolutely love it there. Although there is a competitive atmosphere and teachers are in some way less supportive, I personally feel very comfortable there. But, with most grammar schools, almost all of the students stay into sixth form (purely because it's difficult to get into in the first place, with the 11+ exams) and I feel like that's why many new external students find it difficult to integrate with friends very easily, because the friendship groups have been solid since Year 7. With the rest of the differences, like the extra-curriculars and class sizes, they are normal to grammar school students and so the people that go there are used to them. But yeah, for anyone thinking if they should try it, I'd give it a go or at least go to the sixth form open evenings to find out more :)
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I completely agree with everything you've said, especially the balance between external students and current students, as it did make it feel a little cliquey. ❤️ Regardless, I think it's definitely important to be open-minded towards moving and grammar schools in general, as I know so many people who enjoy it! Lots of love xx
I moved from one grammar school to another, girls to boys school basically as they were mixed sixth forms, and it was such a scary desicion. I knew it was right when i got my GCSE results and cried with happiness that i was leaving my old school. Change is always a good thing and although I didnt start with the right people, I am now in a lovely big group and im so happy with such nice people. Best desicion I ever made as I always need a new challenge. Love you're videos Jade, aspire to be like you every day.
I am currently in year 12 and I went through almost exactly the same experience as you at the start of this year. I decided to stay at my state school, and I have to say it was one of the hardest decisions I've ever made, but I definitely made the right choice. The advice you've given couldn't be more relevant 💕
I moved from a mixed grammar school to a different all boys grammar school with a mixed sixth form (one that is much more private school like). For me there were more opportunities for growth and extra curricular activities. At first the move was difficult and I was unsure if I’d made the right decision, but as time went on it got much better. All the boys are so easy to get along with and I have such good teachers. Like Jade, there was nothing wrong with my current school but this one just seemed better and now I feel like I totally made the right choice. So if you’re thinking about moving, do it! I was unsure for a long time but secretly I think I’d made a decision a long time ago.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I completely agree - everyone should be open-minded towards the options of schools in their area. I'm so glad I made the effort to move, and if anything it made me appreciate my current school even more. x
I did the exact same thing (for some of the same reasons as you!) and It’s comforting to know you were able to do so well for yourself :’) the intangible feeling you spoke of... YEsyesyes.
That's really cool to hear! I don't know many people who moved back actually 💘 I honestly believe that how you do is always down to work ethic and never just the school! Lots of love x
This is soooooo good. You're definitely right about the fact that it's everyone's own experience. For me personally I've loved going to a grammar school and am going to go there for sixth form for others going to college might be best for them. I feel everyone should consider all possible options. I love you so much!!😃😃
Until u go to a grammar school you don’t realise how amazing they are, and once your in you don’t realise how fortunate you are, and the confidence you get for getting into the school, the confidence helps so much
I moved from an all-girls' grammar to a mixed grammar for sixth form and honestly, it was the best decision I made. I am so glad this worked for you, but I think moving can be a very beneficial thing too. I feel less anxious (being forced into socialising with strangers everyday), I have made GOOD friends because there are no 'cliques' at this school, I got away from toxic people, realised who my real friends are, my teachers are LOADS better and I feel really prepared for uni now. As in, I will be confident in an unfamiliar environment. Just wanted to give my opinion. (And you find that people in grammar schools don't want to do work too a lot of the time js js. :3 )
This is so interesting, thank you so much for sharing your experience! I'm SO glad that the new school offered you so much, and I 100% think that everyone should be open-minded towards moving because there are so many potential benefits! (& hahah I quickly found out that everyone didn't just want to do work, definitely! stereotypes are so annoying haha!). Lots of love 💜 x
This was really soothing to watch in the background whilst making notes! 😂 I really struggled last year choosing whether to stay at my current state school or move to a private school. Everyone I spoke to really pushed towards the private school route... I received my GCSE results and I was even more torn because they were exceptional and I was so, so proud of myself. After a lot of deliberation, I decided to stay at my current state school. I don’t think attending a state school holds you back at all. At the end of the day, it’s your own work ethic that leads to your success. Despite attending a state school, I still intend to apply to Oxbridge and my a level predicted grades of A*A*A*A doesn’t mean any less that a grammar/private school student predicted the same grades ❤️
Love your videos Jade! Great advice! I feel you on the 'playing down that you were more academic' I feel that I enjoy lots of aspects of school whereas a lot of my friends absolutely do not! X
I really needed this! I'm in year 11 and I didn't know whether I should stay on at sixth form or move to another sixth form ( for new experiences etc) but now I'm made up and I think I should stay and I really related to this! Thank you xx
Leila Zara hey I was in the same situation as you just last year, don't let this influence your decision that much. I'm such an introverted person but once I got that conditional offer from a new school, I just wasn't able to sit and imagine what life could be like if I moved. Give it a go. Seriously, I absolutely hated my new sixth form for months but then I realised its not that I hate the sixth form it's just I hated moving away from the known protective bubble at my old school. If I saw this video last year, like you I would have not moved. Please make the decision for yourself and not anyone else. Don't let me influence you to move if you don't want to or this video to influence you to stay if you don't want to. Do what's best for you xx
I'm thinking just the same as +Naeemah Kola ! I went to a state school and then moved for sixth form to a grammar school. I absolutely loved it and found that it did help me to grow so much, and my final uni choices etc were very positively influenced as I learnt so much more about myself. It was definitely the best decision for me! However, there were two students from my year who moved back to their state schools in the first week, and that's totally okay too. Its just so important to give it a go, I think! If you're good enough to get into grammar then your state school will be more than happy to have you back if things dont work out. My advice is to take the opportunity and have an adventure!
I fully understand jades expierence and respect it, I’ve got to say my expierence is similar... but, the outcome was different. I went to As school that was in special measures and managed to get good enough grades to go to a really good secondary... I hated it at first and most of the first year I really struggled and wanted to leave, but now I think I made the right choice and i have grown a lot academically, great video again Jade!
Oh wow, thank you so much for sharing your experience! That's really cool to hear how you've grown academically, and I really respect how difficult it can be moving to a new place 💘 sometimes it's just worth being open-minded to these things in order to find out what's best! x
And like you said, I agree in terms of senior roles, they were a-lot harder to achieve but somehow I’ve managed to achieve head boy role of a house, as well as a head librarian although many challenged the idea that I’d apply for such roles without being in the school from y7 .
UnJaded Jade thank you!! And you’re videos have really changed the way I revise etc .. The pomodoro technique I use everyday now, although I’ve only recently discovered it due to your video, thanks again for all your tips, and I’ve subscribed since 100 subs, so grtz on all the success!!
It's so interesting to hear this from the other side, because I go to the Grammar school you're talking about (don't know if you remember me!) and I've been there since year 7 and never really considered leaving it. I see now that it's very stressful and not what i expected so I feel that I should have moved but I do have so many friends here and I think it would be difficult to leave. But this was so interesting to hear! especially what the "pros/cons of the grammar school"
Holly!! 💙 of course I remember you! I definitely think that if you're there from Year 7, it's a lot easier to stay on for sixth form (as you say, you don't really know any different!). People like you made my experience socially really enjoyable, so thank you for being so welcoming! Good luck for this year 💫 xx
Haha well Hello again! Yeah it was very much a case of I never even considered leaving, and I couldn't imagine it because I felt so rooted there. Thank you for your kind words! It was so lovely to have you in my chemistry class for a while and you've been missed ever since! Good luck to you too! xx
Holly Harris lets not forget that even a state school will have the pressure to keep at the top of the league. The reason why grammars are generally above is because they selected the top 25%students through the 11/13 plus . Stress is something you will find in an outstanding state school who is aiming to keep that way.
Actually so helpful tysm! The two different schools almost completely matched what my current school and the one I'm thinking about going to are like. Just reinforced what I was thinking and make me more assured that I can still achieve amazing results at my current (supportive) school!!! Thanks a lot xxx
Take the opportunity if you can, from my experience, I attended an appallingly rated inadequate state school and from the advice of my teachers and tutors I applied for a scholarship at the prestigious and internationally renowned, Harrow School. Being awarded a 98% scholarship and it has truly been a life changing and momentous experience
Wow, that is absolutely AMAZING!! Congratulations on such an amazing achievement! 🎉 I completely agree in that it's important to be open-minded towards change, especially when it can be so amazing for your personal development. Good luck with your future! x
for any year 11s who were stuck, this video is absolutely amazing but based on personal preference I moved from an all girls state school to a mixed state sixth form (feels very much like a private school though) and I signed up to a leadership role before enrolment day and was able to get it, so don't let the fact that you're a new person intimidate you; put in a good application and go in with a positive attitude and you'll be destined for greatness!! best of luck xxx
That's AMAZING!! Thank you so much for sharing your experience 💘 I think it's really important that people hear from other people (not just me!!) about moving sixth forms! I agree that success in sixth form is mainly down to do who you are as a person! 💫 lots of love, and congrats on getting into the leadership role! x
UnJaded Jade ahhhh thankyou so much for responding and the well wishes and congratulations, it means a lot!!! i watched your videos prior to and your positive and optimistic attitude really did help so thankyou so so much!!💗💗
I did my GCSE’s in state school and moved to private/boarding school for A levels and it was AMAZING! I was in a very similar situation however my friendship group in state school was slightly toxic, so I guess that made me want to move more. However I found the teacher support to be so much better (one of my teachers literally rewrote my reference 4 times bcos I kept changing what uni course to study lmao) but I met the best friends here and boarding with them was like a party every night! I achieved much better grades and my work ethic went from a 6 to a 10. Plus they have more clubs, and the alumni community is so tight knit everyone is always going back to visit. Loved the video thanks for sharing your experience! Xx
Did that medium give you her telepathic powers? You have completely read my mind, took the words right out of my mouth, down to the gut feeling dilemma. ( I’m a year 11 torn between my mixed state school and an all-girls grammar school). Thanks for weeding out some of my problems!
I'm so happy someone finally made a video on this! I went to an all girls state school up until year 12, and decided to move to a grammar school in the same town. I went through a period of being very indecisive about where I wanted to move to, however I couldn't do all the A levels I wanted if I stayed at my current school. I had friends at both schools however I've made more from being at this new school. I managed to get the gcse grades to get into the grammar school, I'm now halfway through year 12 and I absolutely love it. Although I changed my mind so many times on whether to move, I'm so glad I did. Thank you so much Jade for making this video, and honestly its different for everyone's situation about sixth form, but at the end of the day you need to go with what you feel is better, to anyone who is questioning whether or not to move :)
I cannot express how greatfull I am, I went to a state school for my whole of secondary and after being accepted and getting the grades to, I went to Harris Westminster, a very reputable sixthform, I'm am now in the process of deciding whether to come back to my old school or staying at the grammar one and my heart has always been back at my old school. Your video cemented to me the decision I need to make. Thank you so so much
UnJaded Jade Thank you! I’m currently in year 11 so I think it’s amazing to have somebody like you to share your personal experiences! Hope year 13 is going well for you xx
I go to a grammar school, and I have been since year 7. But I completely agree. Grammar sounds better, so if I had an opportunity to go there over a state school, I'd obviously choose grammar. The atmosphere in grammar is difficult, and everyone is quite competitive which is something I dislike. And, you also get less support than in a state school. Because you're deemed as 'clever' they expect you to do well on your own, this is something I didn't expect. I feel like the classes in state schools (where I live) are almost the same as grammar school. Thank you for this video Jade, it really helped :)
It’s so personal to everyone, I wouldn’t want to push my views but if anyone’s interested here’s my two cents: I had a negative school experience. Hated the majority of people, teachers and its structure. I wanted more freedom and independence. College is the best place for me 100000%. You have to get to know new teachers and people but other than that it was such an easy switch. I actually enjoy my education now, even though I don’t like some of my subjects it’s a longer commute but I don’t care at all. The only worry I had was i might get ‘lost’ among the college. How wrong I was. All my teachers have been willing to talk whenever I’ve needed them and been able to help with issues I’ve had. Like I said, this is just my experience and only can be based off mine but college suits me so much better than school ever did. AT the end of the day wherever you will do your best is worth it. Anyone in year 11 try not to worry too much, wherever you end up doesn’t matter as long as you are able to get the job done and do your best.
Omg i did exactly the same thing you've done. I moved from a state school to Grammar school Sixth form then I couldn't cope with the amount of stress, found it difficult to make new friends and don't think I did get as much as support in the lesson.... I decided to move back to a state school which I think it was a right decision to make. I am very pleased with my status :) thanks for sharing xxx
I moved from a state school to a grammar school and the friends I've made are incredible. The standard is so much higher but it's nice to be challenged and there are times when I feel less smart than others but I know I've earnt my place there. I get what you're saying about it being harder to get leadership roles because you haven't been there but it is possible. It's not for everyone but I love it
Thank you so much! This has really helped me in thinking about all my options. I've only got 2 weeks left till the final decision and I've been really torn between 3 schools: the one I'm at, a sixth form of another school, and a college. Thank you for this. I think I'm going to write a list of pros and cons. Also thank you so much for your videos in revision and everything else. They helped me get through GCSEs. I totally love you channel!
I go to an all girls grammar school, I’ve been there since year 7 and I‘m now in year 13. There’s about 10-12 people in each class at sixth form. There’s definitely an “academic culture” (don’t know how else to word it) - everyone encourages working and not being lazy but not in an overly pushy way. There’s also a good social life, parties every week etc. There’s a lot of support for everyone at my school, teachers will always make time for you and will support with things like university applications etc. It’s definitely very personal though and depends on the particular schools around you!
I moved sixth forms to a grammar school! However that’s only because my old school (worst school in my area - most people failed in my school in their gcse’s but I loved it so much) didn’t offer chemistry for sixth form and I really wanted to do chemistry so I had to move in the end to the grammar school and my teachers told me to move because it’s a better school (ngl any school is better than my old school) however, now that I’m here I really miss my old school because my friends in my old school may not be the smartest but they were the most genuine, nicest, open minded people and here I feel so different mainly because most people that moved to this school was because they didn’t get the grades to stay at their own better grammar schools and they’re all very smart or get private tuition etc whilst I can’t afford that and all of your positives and negatives I agree with because I feel like that too but I can’t leave the school I have that feeling too and I don’t know what it is I feel like I’m not going to school I feel like I’m on holiday because I haven’t been to my old school is so long
This was exactly what happened to me. I got my GCSE's and I got into my 'dream sixth form'. Ironically, I moved from a mixed state school to an all-girls state school that was very highly regarded. Some of my friends were moving and I had friends there already so I made the move... And I really didn't like it. I had huge amounts of anxiety and I too felt unknown and unsupported. Luckily, my amazing boyfriend was going to the sixth form at my previous school, he saw how upset I was and inquired if I could come back. There was a lot of questions and I had to change a subject I was taking, but I honestly wouldn't have wanted it any other way. I'm glad that everything worked out for you and know that it wasn't just a one off because the exact same thing and emotions behind it happened to me!
Wow. You don't understand how much I needed this. While I'm not even experiencing anything close, as I'm not British, I do have to choose between two schools by tonight!! Ahh. This was so eyeopening, and I feel ready to make a final decision. Thank you so much once again, loved this video soso much!!
Hi! I'm considering moving from a prestigious grammar school (in the area) to an even more prestigious and renowned private school for sixth form and wanted to know your thoughts on moving. Is there anything I should consider in my decision?
I moved from a comprehensive school to college and I am so glad. I originally wanted to move because I feel like I didn't have many good friends at my school and a lot of my friends who were good friends were leaving. A lot of the people from my other school were not very nice at all, they used to make fun of me for being different etc. As well as that, I couldn't study what I wanted to study. The funny thing is is that when I was younger I had always envisioned myself going to my sixth form but once year 11 ended I had enough. My school was big and had more than 1,600 students in a tiny building - it is only meant to hold around 700. The best things about my school were my teachers and the supportive environment - I have always been a teacher's pet haha. At college, the exact same support is there from your lecturers. Mental health support etc is also there but you have to look for it. Right now I am studying French, Spanish and Maths at A Level and I have the same support. I knew that I had to leave my other school, it didn't feel right anymore. I grew tired of it and needed a change. I am so glad I did because I didn't realise that true friends existed. My other school was just too jam-packed for me
Thank you so much for sharing your experience Adrienne! 💙 my best friend moved to college and she absolutely LOVES it! I think it's important to be open-minded to all the options available, definitely x
i'm in year 11 and i've been in a grammar school since year 7 and one thing i've definitely noticed from what my friends from state school tell me is the fact that in a grammar school you're expected to be more independent with your learning. like in year 7, we had this programme called building better learners (BBL for short) and we had to fill out these sheets which shows how much time we spent doing independent learning each night for the different subjects. in that time we could do some revision activities or re read notes from that day or even searching up the concepts or notes we don't understand. this would literally be our homework every week for the whole of year 7 and they'd make parents sign the sheet to prove we've done it. they kinda taught us this habit of learning independently and gave us resources for when we need help so i'm so used to finding my own help online that i rarely ever ask the teacher when i need help and i've become scared of the idea of asking for help as well. the teachers at my school are mostly supportive and will be comfortable explaining things again if needed and some even have support "clubs" at lunch times (maths was definitely very good at this) also another thing with grammar schools is that the expectations are quite high and even if it is a difficult topic the teachers will just be like it's hard but you guys can do it. i kinda hate this because i struggle with understanding stuff most of the time and it always takes me a while to grasp what's being taught so when my teacher goes you can do it, it's really simple stuff, it's quite pressurising cos most people in the class would understand it whereas i wouldn't. i was considering moving to a state school for sixth form next year but i really like the subjects they offer at my school which i haven't seen in other local schools and i'm also quite used to the challenging atmosphere of a grammar school i'm not sure i would really benefit from moving to a different school. the only thing is though i have to get a bus for 45 minutes to go to school and my mum would prefer me coming home sooner cos i always get so tired from travelling for nearly an hour and a half every day. also me being introverted i would prefer staying with my friends at this school cos i'm pretty sure all of them are gonna stay. i don't even know why i ranted on for so long but anyway if you got to the end of this then thank you for being patient
I moved from a mainstream school to a selective school 1 year ago and I definitely felt like I was much less supported especially at first. I also found that the work felt harder and more stressful. All I thought about was going back to the old school and all the amazing times and moments I had. For me, it wasn't until I focused more on how amazing my new school was and how I actually had a hard year because I was only focusing on the people and teachers I got on with and not at all on the people who were not as nice. I eventually decided to stay for 1 term at least to see if it was just the feeling of moving and the change. After 1 term I still missed all my old friends and my old life but I ended up staying to see if it could get better in term 2. I was not coping in maths but my term 2 report showed I was high up in all the other subjects. I told my self that "everyone here is equally s smart. We are all at the same school" and I ended up staying. Now, I'm about to begin term 1 again of a new year, or my 5th term at this school and I wouldn't change a thing. I would recommend staying for a while like I did so you can grow a bit more on the school. Ahah just my experience though :) PS. I love ur videos jade defiantly wish this one was here for me when I was changing.
Thank you SO much for sharing your experience! I definitely think it's important to go into a new school being completely open-minded, and I'm so glad that it all worked out well for you in the end 💖 lots of love xx
This was so helpful, I feel like I am exactly the same as you! I've been stuck recently and cannot decide whether to move to a grammar school or not. My pro and cons list were almost identical to yours and this has made it so much clearer. Thank you so much Xxx
Im in year 13 as well and had a similar situation to you. I looked at so many 6th forms and eventually decided to go to a 6th form college, which meant I was moving away from the school I had gone to for 5 years (a state school). After a week attending the college I decided it wasn't for me, the classes were like 20 people and the support was not great. I moved back to my state school and I realised how great of a 6th form my state school actually was. Now im so comfortable in my original school, my classes are max 9 people and I love the support I get from all of my teachers (without one of them I'm not sure what I'd be doing right now). In the long run I dont regret going to the 6th form college, it was a good experience and helped me to realise how good my current school is, the atmosphere is lovely here. So yeh, I related to this video so much, I was in the exact same situation for so long.
yes, yes YES this is literally me haha! I'm so glad that it all worked out well for you in the end, and I completely agree in that I'm so glad I got to experience the other school and that I was brave enough to branch out! Thank you for sharing your experience! x
Thank you for uploading this! About to watch this as I am going to sixth form next year, thank you for always posting such helpful and wonderful videos 💕
That's really cool! 💘 my brother goes to one too, and I think if I had been in catchment for them back in Year 7, I would have had a better look! At the end of the day, how you do is never down to just the school, but mainly to you and your work ethic 😉 good luck for the rest of your time there! x
This has helped me so much! I could have gone to the grammar school near me but I decided not to and have kinda beaten myself up about it since. This has showed me that the grass is not always greener and maybe I did actually make the right decision. Thanks Jade x
I went to the same state school as you - then also went to grammar school for 6th form and ended up moving back to your state school. Totally agree on the support aspect - I found that the teachers were amazing and nothing beat their help and dedication. The maths department in particular was great a few years back when I was there so I'm sure you are benefitting lots from it x
Your videos are amazing jade you inspire me so much! I go to a grammar school and its honestly not crazy different from a state school! Anyways, thank you for being such a lovely and such a down to earth human being! Love ya xoxo
I have always gone to a grammar school, and am in Year 13 also. From my point of view, there is a definite different dynamic between teachers and students at a grammar school in comparison to state schools. Teachers at my school expect the work to come from the students and try to teach self-motivation in order for us to be more prepared for university life etc. Also, I completely understand what you mean about feeling intimidated/stupid as even in my first year of secondary school I was so close to moving schools as was used to being at the top of primary school and now was at the bottom. :) x
I am in 2 grade at university, and have nothing to do with this kind of school system, as it is very different in my country, but i cant stop watching your videos 😂😍 it is just so relaxing listening to you ❤ i am honestly in love with your channel
I went to a state school my whole life and decided to go to a grammar, very elitist sixth form which has resulted in me moving back to a different state school after completing a half term at the grammar, stick with your gut! Don't listen to what anyone tells you!
As somebody who changed school for sixth form to the mentioned grammar school [quick google search out of curiosity, not a stalker promise], it sounds like you made the right decision for you. It was very relaxed and I think many of the teachers had the (largely correct) assumption that the students care enough about doing well that you're given a lot of responsibility for your learning, especially in maths. e.g. I missed 2 months of school before my A levels for medical reasons and emailed all my teachers asking how I should catch up etc and got very little back as I guess it was assumed I would work it out for myself. I'm sure some people love that amount of independence and absence of support but it's certainly not for everyone!
I'm in year 12 and my high school didn't have a sixth form so most people just went to the local college. I decided to go to another college further away that's more academic than the local one, and I only knew one other person going there. At first I was apprehensive and worried I'd be intimidated by the other people or unable to make friends, but now I'm so glad I made that choice. I think a lot of the friends I had in high school would just hold me back now, and it's nice to be with a whole new group that I fit into way better than I ever did before.
I’m in grammar school. (Not in the UK) I really like it. I don’t experience competition or anything at all. Everyone tries to do their best, but sometimes people fail and that doesn’t really matter. Everyone is just motivated and we help each other really well. No one is being made fun of because of school results. It’s quite a small school and everyone knows each other and every teacher knows us. It’s near my home. I go there by bike. The societies and clubs are so much fun. You can quit them whenever you want in case it’s too much work, but nobody does actually. Everyone wants to go to uni, it’s not even a question. I feel like grammar school is way different in my country and I kinda feel lucky. There isn’t much support from teachers, though, that’s true. You need to pay for extra help which is kinda stupid. But I don’t need that much help so searching on the internet and asking peers works just fine.
I was wondering whether to move from my grammar school to a more highly pressured grammar school and I really relate to this video, thank you jade you've really helped me , Bhamini xx
“There was something that just made it not feel right.” -I am at a grammar school now and I couldn’t agree more there is something that just doesn’t seem the same as state school and I agree that everything goes at a very fast pace ESPECIALLY IN MATHS! Personally I feel like moving from a grammar school but it is just such a hard decision. I am only in y7 going into y8 in September I just feel stressed when I don’t know where to go for academic support right now. The whole situation is complicated. But honestly Jade I understand where your mind is with the concept of a grammar school... they kind of pick out people with naturally good grades and set a high barrier that they know those students will achieve so it will reflect back on them and look good. DO NOT MISTAKE THIS AS A NEGATIVE COMMENT TOWARDS THR DECISION OF GOING TO A GRAMMAR SCHOOL. It may be great for you but it doesn’t feel right for me and by the sound of it not for Jade either.
@unjadedjade I was so scared to watch this video...because I moved schools for sixth form and found myself so incredibly lonely...I didn't know if I could manage to watch a video where you would talk about why one should stay at one's own school. But actually, I loved that you were really talking about the pros and cons and you reminded me why it was that I moved away from my old school. I still don't know if I want to move back (I'm pretty sure it's too late by now!) but thanks for the video, it was very helpful. 😉
I went to a girls grammar school from 11-18 years old and I can say from experience that grammar school definitely focuses more on academics (which could be a good thing depending on what you prefer), and less on being an all-rounded person. They do care a lot about how the school performs in league tables, and this turned very nasty in my school. They erased everyone out of the A-Level certificate ceremony programmes who either hadn't got into uni or weren't going at all, and even restricted the amount of extra-curricular activities that could take place because the number of people getting a certain amount of As and A*s was slightly dropping. I also went from being a high achiever in primary school to having very low confidence in secondary school, which resulted in me getting grades that were lower than what I could have achieved. I can't say whether I wish I'd gone to a different school, because I did have lots of good memories, but I do think grammar schools should be less about the % of people getting A*s and more about supporting struggling students and encouraging extra-curriculars. Thanks for this video :)
People should read the ethos of the school. Many grammar schools aim all rounded students. Besides there is a trend now among grammar schools that they are aiming students to have a growth mindset rather than a fixed mindset. So challenges and failures are a good thing. There are many books on growth mindset.
I had the exact same process as you! I was stuck between college and sixth form, I went to college and I just couldn’t see myself there for another year, so the next day I applied to my sixth form and it was the best decision I’ve ever made👍🏼
This was very helpful! I'm currently debating whether to move to a grammar school because they offer a subject that I really want to do that my current (state) school doesn't. However, I'm kind of the opposite to you in that I really dislike meeting new people and change, so I basically have no idea what I'm doing
I'm in Year 10 but the pressure is definitely piling on already, especially since I'm taking my French this year. Our school doesn't have a sixth form and our feeder college is currently on requires improvement and every ex student from our school truly despises it there. I'm thinking about where I want to go and there is a grammar school option that seems perfect. I know it's a long way away to make the decision but this is great advice, Jade! Always try out your opportunities but go with your gut feeling at the end of the day xxx
Oh my gosh this could not have come at a more perfect time as I am at a state school and am in y11 trying to decide to stay or go to my local grammar school! Thankyou so so so much because I'm so stressed at the moment ❤️ Xxxx
Hey, it’s the start of September now and I’ve moved to the grammar school, but I’ve been considering moving back and I remembered you made a video on it( I don’t remembering commenting this though aha) but like you were talking about I have a gut feeling about wanting to go back and I have a very similar pros and cons list... I’m just feeling very confused and overwhelmed atm but this video is once again very reassuring and helpful- thankyou jade 💓 xx
I also switched to another sixth form but stayed on, despite not liking it. I definitely would say I moved based on academic reasons, essentially because I wanted to be more challenged. The new school was a really good and manageable academic challenge but I was then faced with the prospect of making new friends. I found it incredibly hard even though I am sociable and have not had a problem with making friends in the past. I guess this new school is very cliquey and most girls have been there from a very young age. But fast forward, I'm now U6, it's still hard socially but I've learnt to deal with it. I think there is definitely one thing I wish I knew though: it's ok to go back!! I just thought I could overcome my problem and didn't want to give up hope just yet but then it got a bit too late... You'll get a feel within the first 2 weeks...don't hold back from going back if you think that's right :)
Thank you SO much for sharing your experience!! ❤️ glad it all worked out well for you in the end! As you said, follow the decision that you feel is right, and even if it starts off difficult, you'll likely benefit in the long term x
Had the same experience,but the the difference is i moved from a chinese state school(yes i have been educated in china until i was 15) to uk state school and now in a grammar school in london. Definitely agree with what Jade said, I have been through the same things, with the addition of culture difference, it was and still now a struggle. Lost of the familiar environment, new teachers, culture difference....It made me depressed in a while but things get better as your mind get more muture. And talking about moving schools, my reason was because of the state school quality. If you school is a bit disorganised like the state school i went to, you SHOULD MOVE!! But if you are sure the teaching quality is what you want and the teacher you like WOULD NOT LEAVE, then i don't think moving to a grammar school might benefit much as you thought. Just a pieces of advice.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience, especially from such a unique perspective having moved from China! I really respect how brave you were in coming here and sticking it out 💖 I think everyone should be open-minded towards the options they have available to them, particularly if you feel your school is unsupportive and disorganised as you say! x
I moved from my high school to a local sixth form college that is seriously high up in the league tables overall, and it was the best decision of my life. I was really unhappy at my high school, moving was a fresh start for me, something I needed in my life, and I've had the best time there.
It’s crazy how my life story is almost identical to yours😂. I’m in the process of choosing my sixth forms now and being a person who has always been predicted all A*s, I keep asking myself the same question you mentioned as to whether I would be able to achieve the same in my A Levels. I was really struggling between choosing to move sixth forms and staying at my school’s one but this video helped so much!❤️ Sometimes we are pressured into doing what others want us to do and that can be helpful to get a different point of view, but trust me you should never listen to anything except your gut. And please for your own good, don’t sacrifice a good sixth form experience just so that you can go to a place with a good reputation, it’s not worth it. ❤️
OMG! I know exactly what you are talking about regarding the whole girls school thing. I grew up studying in a all girls school as well and it was just much more comfortable. I don't know how to explain it either, but it was always just nicer in my all girls school.
Nice to hear your experience. I know people who are successful going to both state/grammar and private school! To be honest success is all down to the individual!
this was really helpful thank you, I'm currently unsure about what to do for sixth form so you talking about this was really helpful and I've thought about grammar schools before too but I don't think it would be for me
I'm so glad to hear it helped!! 💖 it's such a difficult decision, but just know that wherever you do end up, it's never down to the school as to whether or not you'll succeed! I'm certain you'll do well wherever you are! Good luck x
I’m going into sixth form in a couple of days to a brand new school. I’ve struggled a lot with anxiety around school and I’m starting to get super worried. I don’t know anyone at all, stressed about being isolated
Watch Me Do hey, I get anxiety about being isolated too. I’m planning on going to a new school in September. If you see this, how did you get on at your new school? Was it easy to make friends ?
becca ponsford hello!! Thank you for replying! School has been going well the last couple of months, I have lots of acquaintances there though I wish I had more friends. Of course, everyone already has friendship groups and I’ve found it hard to settle in between them. However, I’m loving my subjects and I adore all my teachers. It’s scary but it’s worth it :) take care!!
I love your videos! I’m in my first year at sixth form but I do all BTEC so although your videos mainly target a levels, I still love watching them because you are such a lovely, positive individual!
This is soooooo helpful. I am in basically the same position that you were in, I have written out a pros and cons list and everything! I know the exact feeling u r describing, being torn between two different 6th forms. I now know what is holding me back so I’m going to move and see what it is like and u never know I might end up moving back. So happy I just found this little jem of a video I have been watching you for ages and I didn’t even know it existed. Thank u so much Jade, keep doing what ur doing u r amazing 😉♥️
Anyone who's considering college: I moved to quite a large (selective) state sixth form college in a city from a big state (comprehensive) secondary school in a small town - with a tiny sixth form - and I would 100% recommend it !! even though the journey is 1 and a half hours each way it's completely worth it. 1) Having big classes is amazing imo bc you get to hear so many different views (I do english lit, politics and classics and class discussion has enriched my study of those sO much) and it's much easier to do group work and share the workload - it's also great in terms of making friends! compared to classes of 2 in my secondary's sixth form i think i would really prefer it! 2) my teachers are incredible, so experienced and so supportive, and although they have loads of classes i built relationships with them really quickly. 3) also the support at my college is amazing - i'd heard horrible rumours about it but they really weren't true, i've been supported so much more here than i ever was at secondary. 4) also there are so many resources (the library !!!!) and places to work and the environment there is just a perfect balance between working hard but also enjoying your spare time! Obviously this is completely my own experience and it depends on the college (and the person) but mine is pretty much perfect and i'm so glad I took a chance on applying. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be enjoying a levels anywhere near as much - especially since two of my subjects weren't offered at my secondary's sixth form :( I also probably wouldn't have the university offers I have atm (the careers dept. is incredible) and I wouldn't have met some great people ! So my advice would be to really consider your options and get a feel for the different places! But if you have the chance I would recommend moving to a college if you think it's right for you! (Sorry this is so long/don't know if anyone's going to read it but oh well!)
I wish I’d have been able to watch this video this time last year as I can relate so so much and moved away from my state school to a grammar and thoroughly regret the choice now xxx
This is really interesting, I moved from an all girls grammar to an all boys one with a mixed sixth form and I really loved the change, The girls at the boys school are so much more bitchy though, and half way through year 12 i had the biggest feeling of regret moving. I'm not complaining about my new school being that bad, because I loved it so much and all the new experiences it brought, but I miss my girls school pride, with the clubs I did and the friends I had and its so sad when I see my old school friends and they tell me they miss me from school. My new school is a bit more casual than my old school, and there's so much more teacher banter, but its less pressurising, and feels more or less like a good state school than a grammar school. I just regret moving even though there's 6 months left.
I moved from a comprehensive to a grammar and personally for me it's so different. The thing I found hardest was being surrounded by people who were all my level and higher. Being a small fish in a big pond basically. I've found that really hard, from being at the top of classes to feeling like im at the bottom. Also i found the environment more stressful as i see who I'm competitive with nationally. But I am happy I moved, it is better academically, I've met amazing people and have gained more experiences. Again these schools are in completely different areas so this won't be the same for everyone but this is my experience :)
Also it's funny how I came from a mixed school into an all girls school and my grammar school has smaller classes. Opposite experiences ahah.
my favourite statement from this whole video was ‘You can’t beat support with reputation and stats’ - I feel like I needed this so much❤️
Nobody really talks about this, nice one
Thank you so much! I wish a video on the topic had existed when I was back in Year 11 x
yep their is only advice to pick your options for psot 16 eduction they don't give you much advice they just say in year 10 look around a college and they give you no help with what to pick and you need to have an option b so I have just one option and not really knowing what to do and not having the best grades and then being in such a time crunch and not being sure and I just felt stressed and not being sure what to do and having to just have my parents pick a course because their were no options
@Aryan Azeem well they tryes but their was not enough suitable college courses I had a helpful head of year
I went to a grammar school for secondary, and moved to college despite everyone's advice. It really was a good decision and acedemically I really don't see a drop in the quality of the teaching, the drive of my classmates or the grades I've been getting. The only diffence is that there's a lot less pressure on you at college and there's WAY more extracurricular activities that I wouldn't had been selected for if I stayed at my high school. It's nice being feeling appreciated by teachers, rather than teaching screaming at you for getting a B. Loved this video Jade
totally agree, i had the same experience of moving to a sixth form college and personally, the teaching massively improved there and the support system was so much better! best decision i ever made!
Ah giving me hope, I’m doing that in September hopefully it will go well 🤞🏻
rhianne I go to grammar school and I don't know what to do
do you think i should do that, my parents don't want me to but personally I hate it here lol, idk
Tricia Kim do it for real the experience is so nice
As I say, this was just my (very indecisive!) experience! Although I moved back from the grammar school I went to, it doesn't mean that you won't absolutely LOVE moving to one if you're at a comprehensive school currently! Every school and situation is different, but my biggest advice would be to consider all your options, be open-minded and ultimately go with your gut! 💖 being happy about where you are is so so important, and I'm certain you'll make the right decision in the end... (even if it takes going back on your first decision like me haha!) x
P.S I realised I used "state" school when I meant comprehensive! I always refer to my school as a state school, so in my head I guess it became synonymous with comprehensive, even though technically grammar schools are also state-funded. So yeah, the school I currently attend is a non-private comprehensive all-girls school haha (hope that cleared things up...!) ✨ x
Awh thank you! You give such great advice, I love your videos and they are so helpful! You’re and idol to me and you should NEVER let anyone change you because I love the way you are!❤️ Ly and I really appreciate all the support you give to us (your supporters and fans). Much loved by many, Mae!😘💞💛💫xxx
can you do a video explaining the school system? im from australia, and we just have quite a simple system. Our system is split into public/government schools and private schools. Some public schools are either fully or partially selective, meaning that at the end of year 6 (primary school) you can take a test that determines if you get into the academically selective schools. You can also transfer into either a selective stream or selective school at any time (if your application is good enough!)
Hi, so I go to the grammar school you were talking about (I've seen your brother around a couple times) and Of course I realise that you can have your own opinion of my school but I don't think you gave a just representation, especially as for maths we have support 4 times a week at lunches for sixth form, and I understand it being a big change but I just think you could have presented it a bit better than you did, as in some ways you made it sound like a bad school, which it 100% isn't. This is in no way a criticism, it's just that in some ways my friends and I felt like this was a bit unjust. Thank You for reading this, My friends and I just thought we wanted to say something Xx
Hey, I also moved to a grammar school from a comprehensive school last September. I watched this video last night and I thought it was interesting. See if I had watched this a few months back I know I would still be at my comprehensive school. I wouldn't have moved. I know your only sharing your own personal opinion but the thing is it influences a lot. For people in the same situation you were it will influence their decision even though I know your intention was pure. I love your channel but I do feel this video won't make those on the more introverted side want to give it a go. I moved because I knew how introvert I was an I wanted to push myself to be in an atmosphere I didn't like and make new friends. I knew if I stayed I would have always wondered how my life would have been different. I can guarantee you that I hated my first week a lot, I went back home in tears. A month in I was seriously considering moving back. If I had seen this video then I would definitely still not be at this grammar school. There are people who will watch this video just as I would have and used it as the reason to move back. Jade did it so it is fine to. Grammar school are a massive change and I feel with everything being new and different we look for reasons to go back, to justify the move back to the protective familiarity of our old schools. I do completely understand that you have repeated constantly that it is your own decision and it shouldn't influence your viewers but it will. That shy kid considering moving may decide that it's no longer something they want to do. If you had structured this video in more of a style of what options are available for post 16 it could be less influential and even with references to your own experiences it wouldn't have had much of an impact. I really am not trying to be cruel because I know I love your videos and will continue to watch them. Your are really brave to start your own UA-cam channel and I know I will never. But I thought I'd just let you know how I feel about this. I'm in the second term of year 12 and up until I watched this last night I had no doubts about whether or not it was the right decision I made to move. You can read this and take on what I've said as advice or choose to ignore it. I really don't mind. But if anyone else is reading this please don't let it influence your decisions. And once again I really don't mean to sound cruel or mean in this its just my honest review.
Naeemah Kola grammar schools are great. Fast pace, yes! Not for everyone, yes. In year 8 we study algebra for year 9 in comprehensive schools. We see GCSE questions like in all subjects since year 7. We are not rulled by grades but by detailed written feedback on how to improve. Do we have support? Yes. They will assign a mentor for those who are struggling. They will treat you like a kid who needs to be guided by the hand at first sign of struggle? No! No Teaching Assistants either. Much bigger class?? I don't get that. How many students has Jade got in her class? I have seen comprehensive schools with 5 students for chemistry at A level because nobody else wanted to study chemistry. At grammars though it is likely that you won't escape triple scince. Grammar schools are about growing up faster, learning independently and feeling capable of finding success in weaknesses. We read a lot of books on growth mindset x fixed mindset. People with fixed mindset don't embrace challenges and quit.
This is SO accurate. I detest having regrets but I can't help from shifting the fact that moving schools after yr 11 has been a life-changing regret. I had to repeat year 12 and I could've started uni this academic year.
Sorry that was too deep but the 1 piece of advice I'd give someone is to not make decisions based on what adults tell you to do; do what makes you feel comfortable.
OMG SAME! I left my original school at the end of my GCSEs, moved to another school and ended up having to repeat Lower 6th
My school doesnt have a sixthform or college attatched so in my area we have no choice really. Theres a sixthform and technology college in our area, a sixthform attatched to a private school and some in towns like jalf an hour away- another sixthform and another technical college but we all have to move so its just deciding which of the new colleges best suits you
Why is it just soo easy to watch so many of your videos??
I found this so interesting, I’ve been to a girls’ grammar school since year seven and never considered leaving. Staying in a single sex school was definitely my comfort zone and apparently generally speaking girls benefit from that? The reason why most girls stay for sixth form is because of the support from teachers is absolutely outstanding. I’m so shocked to hear the maths teacher’s response to you asking for help, that’s awful! That never would’ve happened at the school I went to and the teachers actually encouraged you to see them at break/lunch. Sounds like you made the right decision!
I've been at a grammar school since Year 7 and I'm in Year 12 now and I absolutely love it there. Although there is a competitive atmosphere and teachers are in some way less supportive, I personally feel very comfortable there. But, with most grammar schools, almost all of the students stay into sixth form (purely because it's difficult to get into in the first place, with the 11+ exams) and I feel like that's why many new external students find it difficult to integrate with friends very easily, because the friendship groups have been solid since Year 7. With the rest of the differences, like the extra-curriculars and class sizes, they are normal to grammar school students and so the people that go there are used to them. But yeah, for anyone thinking if they should try it, I'd give it a go or at least go to the sixth form open evenings to find out more :)
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I completely agree with everything you've said, especially the balance between external students and current students, as it did make it feel a little cliquey. ❤️ Regardless, I think it's definitely important to be open-minded towards moving and grammar schools in general, as I know so many people who enjoy it! Lots of love xx
This has been bothering my mind for the longest, whether to leave my state school for a grammar. Thanks for the video!! xx
Such a touch decision to make! I hope this helped in some way 💜 lots of love x
This was so helpful! I would definitely love a part 2 x
Thank you so much!! I really appreciate you sharing your opinion ❤️ I'd love to make another video on this soon! xx
Megan Cadwalladr I love Louis too 😂
I moved from one grammar school to another, girls to boys school basically as they were mixed sixth forms, and it was such a scary desicion. I knew it was right when i got my GCSE results and cried with happiness that i was leaving my old school. Change is always a good thing and although I didnt start with the right people, I am now in a lovely big group and im so happy with such nice people. Best desicion I ever made as I always need a new challenge. Love you're videos Jade, aspire to be like you every day.
I am currently in year 12 and I went through almost exactly the same experience as you at the start of this year. I decided to stay at my state school, and I have to say it was one of the hardest decisions I've ever made, but I definitely made the right choice. The advice you've given couldn't be more relevant 💕
I moved from a mixed grammar school to a different all boys grammar school with a mixed sixth form (one that is much more private school like). For me there were more opportunities for growth and extra curricular activities. At first the move was difficult and I was unsure if I’d made the right decision, but as time went on it got much better. All the boys are so easy to get along with and I have such good teachers. Like Jade, there was nothing wrong with my current school but this one just seemed better and now I feel like I totally made the right choice. So if you’re thinking about moving, do it! I was unsure for a long time but secretly I think I’d made a decision a long time ago.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I completely agree - everyone should be open-minded towards the options of schools in their area. I'm so glad I made the effort to move, and if anything it made me appreciate my current school even more. x
I did the exact same thing (for some of the same reasons as you!) and It’s comforting to know you were able to do so well for yourself :’) the intangible feeling you spoke of... YEsyesyes.
That's really cool to hear! I don't know many people who moved back actually 💘 I honestly believe that how you do is always down to work ethic and never just the school! Lots of love x
This is soooooo good. You're definitely right about the fact that it's everyone's own experience. For me personally I've loved going to a grammar school and am going to go there for sixth form for others going to college might be best for them. I feel everyone should consider all possible options. I love you so much!!😃😃
Until u go to a grammar school you don’t realise how amazing they are, and once your in you don’t realise how fortunate you are, and the confidence you get for getting into the school, the confidence helps so much
I moved from an all-girls' grammar to a mixed grammar for sixth form and honestly, it was the best decision I made. I am so glad this worked for you, but I think moving can be a very beneficial thing too. I feel less anxious (being forced into socialising with strangers everyday), I have made GOOD friends because there are no 'cliques' at this school, I got away from toxic people, realised who my real friends are, my teachers are LOADS better and I feel really prepared for uni now. As in, I will be confident in an unfamiliar environment. Just wanted to give my opinion. (And you find that people in grammar schools don't want to do work too a lot of the time js js. :3 )
This is so interesting, thank you so much for sharing your experience! I'm SO glad that the new school offered you so much, and I 100% think that everyone should be open-minded towards moving because there are so many potential benefits! (& hahah I quickly found out that everyone didn't just want to do work, definitely! stereotypes are so annoying haha!). Lots of love 💜 x
This was really soothing to watch in the background whilst making notes! 😂 I really struggled last year choosing whether to stay at my current state school or move to a private school. Everyone I spoke to really pushed towards the private school route... I received my GCSE results and I was even more torn because they were exceptional and I was so, so proud of myself. After a lot of deliberation, I decided to stay at my current state school. I don’t think attending a state school holds you back at all. At the end of the day, it’s your own work ethic that leads to your success. Despite attending a state school, I still intend to apply to Oxbridge and my a level predicted grades of A*A*A*A doesn’t mean any less that a grammar/private school student predicted the same grades ❤️
Love your videos Jade! Great advice! I feel you on the 'playing down that you were more academic' I feel that I enjoy lots of aspects of school whereas a lot of my friends absolutely do not!
X
I really needed this! I'm in year 11 and I didn't know whether I should stay on at sixth form or move to another sixth form ( for new experiences etc) but now I'm made up and I think I should stay and I really related to this! Thank you xx
Leila Zara hey I was in the same situation as you just last year, don't let this influence your decision that much. I'm such an introverted person but once I got that conditional offer from a new school, I just wasn't able to sit and imagine what life could be like if I moved. Give it a go. Seriously, I absolutely hated my new sixth form for months but then I realised its not that I hate the sixth form it's just I hated moving away from the known protective bubble at my old school. If I saw this video last year, like you I would have not moved. Please make the decision for yourself and not anyone else. Don't let me influence you to move if you don't want to or this video to influence you to stay if you don't want to. Do what's best for you xx
Naeemah Kola thanks for that! Xx
I'm thinking just the same as +Naeemah Kola ! I went to a state school and then moved for sixth form to a grammar school. I absolutely loved it and found that it did help me to grow so much, and my final uni choices etc were very positively influenced as I learnt so much more about myself. It was definitely the best decision for me! However, there were two students from my year who moved back to their state schools in the first week, and that's totally okay too. Its just so important to give it a go, I think! If you're good enough to get into grammar then your state school will be more than happy to have you back if things dont work out. My advice is to take the opportunity and have an adventure!
I fully understand jades expierence and respect it, I’ve got to say my expierence is similar... but, the outcome was different. I went to As school that was in special measures and managed to get good enough grades to go to a really good secondary... I hated it at first and most of the first year I really struggled and wanted to leave, but now I think I made the right choice and i have grown a lot academically, great video again Jade!
Oh wow, thank you so much for sharing your experience! That's really cool to hear how you've grown academically, and I really respect how difficult it can be moving to a new place 💘 sometimes it's just worth being open-minded to these things in order to find out what's best! x
And like you said, I agree in terms of senior roles, they were a-lot harder to achieve but somehow I’ve managed to achieve head boy role of a house, as well as a head librarian although many challenged the idea that I’d apply for such roles without being in the school from y7 .
UnJaded Jade thank you!! And you’re videos have really changed the way I revise etc .. The pomodoro technique I use everyday now, although I’ve only recently discovered it due to your video, thanks again for all your tips, and I’ve subscribed since 100 subs, so grtz on all the success!!
You’ve grown sooo much, 122K 👏🏻 love that optimism + positivism 😊
Awhh thank you so much!! 💖🙈 I really appreciate your support! x
It's so interesting to hear this from the other side, because I go to the Grammar school you're talking about (don't know if you remember me!) and I've been there since year 7 and never really considered leaving it. I see now that it's very stressful and not what i expected so I feel that I should have moved but I do have so many friends here and I think it would be difficult to leave. But this was so interesting to hear! especially what the "pros/cons of the grammar school"
Holly!! 💙 of course I remember you! I definitely think that if you're there from Year 7, it's a lot easier to stay on for sixth form (as you say, you don't really know any different!). People like you made my experience socially really enjoyable, so thank you for being so welcoming! Good luck for this year 💫 xx
Haha well Hello again! Yeah it was very much a case of I never even considered leaving, and I couldn't imagine it because I felt so rooted there. Thank you for your kind words! It was so lovely to have you in my chemistry class for a while and you've been missed ever since! Good luck to you too! xx
Holly Harris lets not forget that even a state school will have the pressure to keep at the top of the league. The reason why grammars are generally above is because they selected the top 25%students through the 11/13 plus . Stress is something you will find in an outstanding state school who is aiming to keep that way.
Actually so helpful tysm! The two different schools almost completely matched what my current school and the one I'm thinking about going to are like. Just reinforced what I was thinking and make me more assured that I can still achieve amazing results at my current (supportive) school!!! Thanks a lot xxx
Take the opportunity if you can, from my experience, I attended an appallingly rated inadequate state school and from the advice of my teachers and tutors I applied for a scholarship at the prestigious and internationally renowned, Harrow School. Being awarded a 98% scholarship and it has truly been a life changing and momentous experience
Wow, that is absolutely AMAZING!! Congratulations on such an amazing achievement! 🎉 I completely agree in that it's important to be open-minded towards change, especially when it can be so amazing for your personal development. Good luck with your future! x
Harrow school is like 15 mins away from me 😂😂
fizpopbangwallop Walk over during our lesson switchover or lunch, you'll see us wearing our infamous boaters and bluers
congrats! however, as a word of advice i recommend not being too swayed by prestige- that's just others opinions, not your own
They love MENSA members, presumably why I got a place.
for any year 11s who were stuck, this video is absolutely amazing but based on personal preference I moved from an all girls state school to a mixed state sixth form (feels very much like a private school though) and I signed up to a leadership role before enrolment day and was able to get it, so don't let the fact that you're a new person intimidate you; put in a good application and go in with a positive attitude and you'll be destined for greatness!! best of luck xxx
That's AMAZING!! Thank you so much for sharing your experience 💘 I think it's really important that people hear from other people (not just me!!) about moving sixth forms! I agree that success in sixth form is mainly down to do who you are as a person! 💫 lots of love, and congrats on getting into the leadership role! x
UnJaded Jade ahhhh thankyou so much for responding and the well wishes and congratulations, it means a lot!!! i watched your videos prior to and your positive and optimistic attitude really did help so thankyou so so much!!💗💗
I did my GCSE’s in state school and moved to private/boarding school for A levels and it was AMAZING! I was in a very similar situation however my friendship group in state school was slightly toxic, so I guess that made me want to move more. However I found the teacher support to be so much better (one of my teachers literally rewrote my reference 4 times bcos I kept changing what uni course to study lmao) but I met the best friends here and boarding with them was like a party every night! I achieved much better grades and my work ethic went from a 6 to a 10. Plus they have more clubs, and the alumni community is so tight knit everyone is always going back to visit. Loved the video thanks for sharing your experience! Xx
Did that medium give you her telepathic powers? You have completely read my mind, took the words right out of my mouth, down to the gut feeling dilemma. ( I’m a year 11 torn between my mixed state school and an all-girls grammar school). Thanks for weeding out some of my problems!
I'm so happy someone finally made a video on this! I went to an all girls state school up until year 12, and decided to move to a grammar school in the same town. I went through a period of being very indecisive about where I wanted to move to, however I couldn't do all the A levels I wanted if I stayed at my current school. I had friends at both schools however I've made more from being at this new school. I managed to get the gcse grades to get into the grammar school, I'm now halfway through year 12 and I absolutely love it. Although I changed my mind so many times on whether to move, I'm so glad I did. Thank you so much Jade for making this video, and honestly its different for everyone's situation about sixth form, but at the end of the day you need to go with what you feel is better, to anyone who is questioning whether or not to move :)
I cannot express how greatfull I am, I went to a state school for my whole of secondary and after being accepted and getting the grades to, I went to Harris Westminster, a very reputable sixthform, I'm am now in the process of deciding whether to come back to my old school or staying at the grammar one and my heart has always been back at my old school. Your video cemented to me the decision I need to make. Thank you so so much
So interesting hearing your grammar school journey Jade! Thanks for all your advice :) xx
I'm so glad you liked it! 💖 I hope it helped in some way xx
UnJaded Jade Thank you! I’m currently in year 11 so I think it’s amazing to have somebody like you to share your personal experiences! Hope year 13 is going well for you xx
I go to a grammar school, and I have been since year 7. But I completely agree. Grammar sounds better, so if I had an opportunity to go there over a state school, I'd obviously choose grammar. The atmosphere in grammar is difficult, and everyone is quite competitive which is something I dislike. And, you also get less support than in a state school. Because you're deemed as 'clever' they expect you to do well on your own, this is something I didn't expect. I feel like the classes in state schools (where I live) are almost the same as grammar school. Thank you for this video Jade, it really helped :)
It’s so personal to everyone, I wouldn’t want to push my views but if anyone’s interested here’s my two cents: I had a negative school experience. Hated the majority of people, teachers and its structure. I wanted more freedom and independence. College is the best place for me 100000%. You have to get to know new teachers and people but other than that it was such an easy switch. I actually enjoy my education now, even though I don’t like some of my subjects it’s a longer commute but I don’t care at all. The only worry I had was i might get ‘lost’ among the college. How wrong I was. All my teachers have been willing to talk whenever I’ve needed them and been able to help with issues I’ve had. Like I said, this is just my experience and only can be based off mine but college suits me so much better than school ever did. AT the end of the day wherever you will do your best is worth it. Anyone in year 11 try not to worry too much, wherever you end up doesn’t matter as long as you are able to get the job done and do your best.
Omg i did exactly the same thing you've done. I moved from a state school to Grammar school Sixth form then I couldn't cope with the amount of stress, found it difficult to make new friends and don't think I did get as much as support in the lesson.... I decided to move back to a state school which I think it was a right decision to make. I am very pleased with my status :) thanks for sharing xxx
I moved from a state school to a grammar school and the friends I've made are incredible. The standard is so much higher but it's nice to be challenged and there are times when I feel less smart than others but I know I've earnt my place there. I get what you're saying about it being harder to get leadership roles because you haven't been there but it is possible. It's not for everyone but I love it
Thank you so much! This has really helped me in thinking about all my options. I've only got 2 weeks left till the final decision and I've been really torn between 3 schools: the one I'm at, a sixth form of another school, and a college. Thank you for this. I think I'm going to write a list of pros and cons. Also thank you so much for your videos in revision and everything else. They helped me get through GCSEs. I totally love you channel!
I go to an all girls grammar school, I’ve been there since year 7 and I‘m now in year 13. There’s about 10-12 people in each class at sixth form. There’s definitely an “academic culture” (don’t know how else to word it) - everyone encourages working and not being lazy but not in an overly pushy way. There’s also a good social life, parties every week etc. There’s a lot of support for everyone at my school, teachers will always make time for you and will support with things like university applications etc. It’s definitely very personal though and depends on the particular schools around you!
I moved sixth forms to a grammar school! However that’s only because my old school (worst school in my area - most people failed in my school in their gcse’s but I loved it so much) didn’t offer chemistry for sixth form and I really wanted to do chemistry so I had to move in the end to the grammar school and my teachers told me to move because it’s a better school (ngl any school is better than my old school) however, now that I’m here I really miss my old school because my friends in my old school may not be the smartest but they were the most genuine, nicest, open minded people and here I feel so different mainly because most people that moved to this school was because they didn’t get the grades to stay at their own better grammar schools and they’re all very smart or get private tuition etc whilst I can’t afford that and all of your positives and negatives I agree with because I feel like that too but I can’t leave the school
I have that feeling too and I don’t know what it is I feel like I’m not going to school I feel like I’m on holiday because I haven’t been to my old school is so long
This was exactly what happened to me. I got my GCSE's and I got into my 'dream sixth form'. Ironically, I moved from a mixed state school to an all-girls state school that was very highly regarded. Some of my friends were moving and I had friends there already so I made the move... And I really didn't like it. I had huge amounts of anxiety and I too felt unknown and unsupported. Luckily, my amazing boyfriend was going to the sixth form at my previous school, he saw how upset I was and inquired if I could come back. There was a lot of questions and I had to change a subject I was taking, but I honestly wouldn't have wanted it any other way. I'm glad that everything worked out for you and know that it wasn't just a one off because the exact same thing and emotions behind it happened to me!
Wow. You don't understand how much I needed this. While I'm not even experiencing anything close, as I'm not British, I do have to choose between two schools by tonight!! Ahh. This was so eyeopening, and I feel ready to make a final decision. Thank you so much once again, loved this video soso much!!
Oh wow, thank you so much! 💘 Good luck in making your decision! I'm certain it will be the right one in the end x
I moved from state to private for sixth form and don’t regret it at all! I love my new school but I guess it’s different for everyone
I go to a state school and this September I'll be moving into private for sixth form. Any tips?
Hi! I'm considering moving from a prestigious grammar school (in the area) to an even more prestigious and renowned private school for sixth form and wanted to know your thoughts on moving. Is there anything I should consider in my decision?
If u ever feel down then remember I think u are so beautiful, literally just so beautiful Jade
blessed to have you here my beautiful friend 🙈 thank you for the love x
I moved from a comprehensive school to college and I am so glad. I originally wanted to move because I feel like I didn't have many good friends at my school and a lot of my friends who were good friends were leaving. A lot of the people from my other school were not very nice at all, they used to make fun of me for being different etc. As well as that, I couldn't study what I wanted to study. The funny thing is is that when I was younger I had always envisioned myself going to my sixth form but once year 11 ended I had enough. My school was big and had more than 1,600 students in a tiny building - it is only meant to hold around 700.
The best things about my school were my teachers and the supportive environment - I have always been a teacher's pet haha. At college, the exact same support is there from your lecturers. Mental health support etc is also there but you have to look for it.
Right now I am studying French, Spanish and Maths at A Level and I have the same support.
I knew that I had to leave my other school, it didn't feel right anymore. I grew tired of it and needed a change. I am so glad I did because I didn't realise that true friends existed.
My other school was just too jam-packed for me
Thank you so much for sharing your experience Adrienne! 💙 my best friend moved to college and she absolutely LOVES it! I think it's important to be open-minded to all the options available, definitely x
i'm in year 11 and i've been in a grammar school since year 7 and one thing i've definitely noticed from what my friends from state school tell me is the fact that in a grammar school you're expected to be more independent with your learning. like in year 7, we had this programme called building better learners (BBL for short) and we had to fill out these sheets which shows how much time we spent doing independent learning each night for the different subjects. in that time we could do some revision activities or re read notes from that day or even searching up the concepts or notes we don't understand. this would literally be our homework every week for the whole of year 7 and they'd make parents sign the sheet to prove we've done it. they kinda taught us this habit of learning independently and gave us resources for when we need help so i'm so used to finding my own help online that i rarely ever ask the teacher when i need help and i've become scared of the idea of asking for help as well. the teachers at my school are mostly supportive and will be comfortable explaining things again if needed and some even have support "clubs" at lunch times (maths was definitely very good at this)
also another thing with grammar schools is that the expectations are quite high and even if it is a difficult topic the teachers will just be like it's hard but you guys can do it. i kinda hate this because i struggle with understanding stuff most of the time and it always takes me a while to grasp what's being taught so when my teacher goes you can do it, it's really simple stuff, it's quite pressurising cos most people in the class would understand it whereas i wouldn't.
i was considering moving to a state school for sixth form next year but i really like the subjects they offer at my school which i haven't seen in other local schools and i'm also quite used to the challenging atmosphere of a grammar school i'm not sure i would really benefit from moving to a different school. the only thing is though i have to get a bus for 45 minutes to go to school and my mum would prefer me coming home sooner cos i always get so tired from travelling for nearly an hour and a half every day. also me being introverted i would prefer staying with my friends at this school cos i'm pretty sure all of them are gonna stay.
i don't even know why i ranted on for so long but anyway if you got to the end of this then thank you for being patient
Who else goes to a grammar school?❤️
no I went to a special needs school
jess me
@@anonanon4945 no I have never been to grammar school
me!
I’m about to attend grammar school this september
I moved from a mainstream school to a selective school 1 year ago and I definitely felt like I was much less supported especially at first. I also found that the work felt harder and more stressful. All I thought about was going back to the old school and all the amazing times and moments I had. For me, it wasn't until I focused more on how amazing my new school was and how I actually had a hard year because I was only focusing on the people and teachers I got on with and not at all on the people who were not as nice. I eventually decided to stay for 1 term at least to see if it was just the feeling of moving and the change. After 1 term I still missed all my old friends and my old life but I ended up staying to see if it could get better in term 2. I was not coping in maths but my term 2 report showed I was high up in all the other subjects. I told my self that "everyone here is equally s smart. We are all at the same school" and I ended up staying. Now, I'm about to begin term 1 again of a new year, or my 5th term at this school and I wouldn't change a thing. I would recommend staying for a while like I did so you can grow a bit more on the school. Ahah just my experience though :) PS. I love ur videos jade defiantly wish this one was here for me when I was changing.
Thank you SO much for sharing your experience! I definitely think it's important to go into a new school being completely open-minded, and I'm so glad that it all worked out well for you in the end 💖 lots of love xx
You have no idea how much I needed this video right now I think about this everyday at the moment 😂❤️
This was so helpful, I feel like I am exactly the same as you! I've been stuck recently and cannot decide whether to move to a grammar school or not. My pro and cons list were almost identical to yours and this has made it so much clearer. Thank you so much Xxx
Im in year 13 as well and had a similar situation to you. I looked at so many 6th forms and eventually decided to go to a 6th form college, which meant I was moving away from the school I had gone to for 5 years (a state school). After a week attending the college I decided it wasn't for me, the classes were like 20 people and the support was not great. I moved back to my state school and I realised how great of a 6th form my state school actually was. Now im so comfortable in my original school, my classes are max 9 people and I love the support I get from all of my teachers (without one of them I'm not sure what I'd be doing right now). In the long run I dont regret going to the 6th form college, it was a good experience and helped me to realise how good my current school is, the atmosphere is lovely here. So yeh, I related to this video so much, I was in the exact same situation for so long.
yes, yes YES this is literally me haha! I'm so glad that it all worked out well for you in the end, and I completely agree in that I'm so glad I got to experience the other school and that I was brave enough to branch out! Thank you for sharing your experience! x
This is exactly the same thing that happened to me i'm so glad i decided to move back to the sixth form at my school
I’m currently in yr 12 and I wished that I moved back to my secondary school early now I’m going to have to retake a year
Thank you for uploading this! About to watch this as I am going to sixth form next year, thank you for always posting such helpful and wonderful videos 💕
You're more than welcome! I hope it can help you in some way 💜 lots of love xx
I gone to a grammar school since y7 and even though it is stressful at times, I love it! Hope things go well for you in the future :) x
That's really cool! 💘 my brother goes to one too, and I think if I had been in catchment for them back in Year 7, I would have had a better look! At the end of the day, how you do is never down to just the school, but mainly to you and your work ethic 😉 good luck for the rest of your time there! x
UnJaded Jade thank you 💗
This is so helpful. I moved from a state to a grammar school for sixth form and saw that there was a massive difference
I loved this, your wiseness really shines through Jade ❤️
Means a lot, thank you so much! ❤️💫 xx
wow this is my situation right now! really don't need this stress on top of gcse's but this did calm down so much, thanks x
you never fail to deliver great videos jade keep doing what you do😝👌
This has helped me so much! I could have gone to the grammar school near me but I decided not to and have kinda beaten myself up about it since. This has showed me that the grass is not always greener and maybe I did actually make the right decision. Thanks Jade x
I went to the same state school as you - then also went to grammar school for 6th form and ended up moving back to your state school. Totally agree on the support aspect - I found that the teachers were amazing and nothing beat their help and dedication. The maths department in particular was great a few years back when I was there so I'm sure you are benefitting lots from it x
This video is so perfect as I am currently debating whether or not to move for sixth form! 😭 Thank you so much hope you have a great week ❤️❤️🦋🦋
half an hour of unjaded jade ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING, YAAS THIS DAY HAS RAPIDLY BECOME THE BEST
I‘ve been following you for a week and I already watched all of your videos. I am so obsessed with you 😩❤️
I am HONOURED! Thank you for all your love and support ❤️ x
Your videos are amazing jade you inspire me so much! I go to a grammar school and its honestly not crazy different from a state school! Anyways, thank you for being such a lovely and such a down to earth human being! Love ya xoxo
I have always gone to a grammar school, and am in Year 13 also. From my point of view, there is a definite different dynamic between teachers and students at a grammar school in comparison to state schools. Teachers at my school expect the work to come from the students and try to teach self-motivation in order for us to be more prepared for university life etc. Also, I completely understand what you mean about feeling intimidated/stupid as even in my first year of secondary school I was so close to moving schools as was used to being at the top of primary school and now was at the bottom. :) x
Ahhh needed this so much
I hope it helped!! Good luck with it all xx
hiii emma XD
Nessy Samp hey Vanessa😂😂
LOVED this Jade! Missed you girl! Happy to see you smiling again 🙌🏼💜
Thank you SO much!! 💜 you're so kind, thank you for all the lovely support xx
I am in 2 grade at university, and have nothing to do with this kind of school system, as it is very different in my country, but i cant stop watching your videos 😂😍 it is just so relaxing listening to you ❤ i am honestly in love with your channel
Honoured!! Thank you so much for being here my friend 💜 lots of love x
Thank you for replying, you made my day 😍 love you ❤
JADE. YOU POSTED A VIDEO ON MY BIRTHDAY. THANK YOU FOR THIS GIFT.
Atoshi happy birthday
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY FRIEND!! I hope you've had the most wonderful day 🎉🎉 xx
Jaaaddeee 😍😍 Just got home from a long day at sixth form and an evening shift at work and this has literally made my day. Love your videos! xx
Awhhh you're so lovely, THANK YOU! Your support means the world 💙💫 xx
So helpful! I'm in y11 at the moment and love this video xx
Jade loved this video your advices are soo helpful ☺️
Awhh I'm so glad you found it helpful in some way! Lots of love x
Eeek!! I get sooo excited every time you post..you're just a little ray of sunshine. Love you! xx💛
I went to a state school my whole life and decided to go to a grammar, very elitist sixth form which has resulted in me moving back to a different state school after completing a half term at the grammar, stick with your gut! Don't listen to what anyone tells you!
As somebody who changed school for sixth form to the mentioned grammar school [quick google search out of curiosity, not a stalker promise], it sounds like you made the right decision for you. It was very relaxed and I think many of the teachers had the (largely correct) assumption that the students care enough about doing well that you're given a lot of responsibility for your learning, especially in maths. e.g. I missed 2 months of school before my A levels for medical reasons and emailed all my teachers asking how I should catch up etc and got very little back as I guess it was assumed I would work it out for myself. I'm sure some people love that amount of independence and absence of support but it's certainly not for everyone!
Omg one of the most needed videos relating to my life right now
I hope it helps you in some way! x
I'm in year 12 and my high school didn't have a sixth form so most people just went to the local college. I decided to go to another college further away that's more academic than the local one, and I only knew one other person going there. At first I was apprehensive and worried I'd be intimidated by the other people or unable to make friends, but now I'm so glad I made that choice. I think a lot of the friends I had in high school would just hold me back now, and it's nice to be with a whole new group that I fit into way better than I ever did before.
I’m in grammar school. (Not in the UK) I really like it. I don’t experience competition or anything at all. Everyone tries to do their best, but sometimes people fail and that doesn’t really matter. Everyone is just motivated and we help each other really well. No one is being made fun of because of school results. It’s quite a small school and everyone knows each other and every teacher knows us. It’s near my home. I go there by bike. The societies and clubs are so much fun. You can quit them whenever you want in case it’s too much work, but nobody does actually. Everyone wants to go to uni, it’s not even a question. I feel like grammar school is way different in my country and I kinda feel lucky. There isn’t much support from teachers, though, that’s true. You need to pay for extra help which is kinda stupid. But I don’t need that much help so searching on the internet and asking peers works just fine.
I was wondering whether to move from my grammar school to a more highly pressured grammar school and I really relate to this video, thank you jade you've really helped me , Bhamini xx
“There was something that just made it not feel right.” -I am at a grammar school now and I couldn’t agree more there is something that just doesn’t seem the same as state school and I agree that everything goes at a very fast pace ESPECIALLY IN MATHS! Personally I feel like moving from a grammar school but it is just such a hard decision. I am only in y7 going into y8 in September I just feel stressed when I don’t know where to go for academic support right now. The whole situation is complicated. But honestly Jade I understand where your mind is with the concept of a grammar school... they kind of pick out people with naturally good grades and set a high barrier that they know those students will achieve so it will reflect back on them and look good. DO NOT MISTAKE THIS AS A NEGATIVE COMMENT TOWARDS THR DECISION OF GOING TO A GRAMMAR SCHOOL. It may be great for you but it doesn’t feel right for me and by the sound of it not for Jade either.
@unjadedjade I was so scared to watch this video...because I moved schools for sixth form and found myself so incredibly lonely...I didn't know if I could manage to watch a video where you would talk about why one should stay at one's own school. But actually, I loved that you were really talking about the pros and cons and you reminded me why it was that I moved away from my old school. I still don't know if I want to move back (I'm pretty sure it's too late by now!) but thanks for the video, it was very helpful. 😉
I will pray to God to help me. His directions are best.❤️
“Uphold my steps in Your paths, That my footsteps may not slip.”
Psalms 17:5 NKJV
Amen! Hope all goes well, may God's will be done in your life 💕💕
I went to a girls grammar school from 11-18 years old and I can say from experience that grammar school definitely focuses more on academics (which could be a good thing depending on what you prefer), and less on being an all-rounded person. They do care a lot about how the school performs in league tables, and this turned very nasty in my school. They erased everyone out of the A-Level certificate ceremony programmes who either hadn't got into uni or weren't going at all, and even restricted the amount of extra-curricular activities that could take place because the number of people getting a certain amount of As and A*s was slightly dropping. I also went from being a high achiever in primary school to having very low confidence in secondary school, which resulted in me getting grades that were lower than what I could have achieved. I can't say whether I wish I'd gone to a different school, because I did have lots of good memories, but I do think grammar schools should be less about the % of people getting A*s and more about supporting struggling students and encouraging extra-curriculars. Thanks for this video :)
Wow, thank you so much for sharing! I found this so interesting to read 💜 x
People should read the ethos of the school. Many grammar schools aim all rounded students. Besides there is a trend now among grammar schools that they are aiming students to have a growth mindset rather than a fixed mindset. So challenges and failures are a good thing. There are many books on growth mindset.
UnJaded Jade Thanks for replying :)
so then what do i do? my school is a little like this so do I leave my grammar school for a comp or stay
I had the exact same process as you! I was stuck between college and sixth form, I went to college and I just couldn’t see myself there for another year, so the next day I applied to my sixth form and it was the best decision I’ve ever made👍🏼
This was very helpful! I'm currently debating whether to move to a grammar school because they offer a subject that I really want to do that my current (state) school doesn't. However, I'm kind of the opposite to you in that I really dislike meeting new people and change, so I basically have no idea what I'm doing
Yah, same here...
The people and teachers and levels there seems so intimidating ;-;
I'm in Year 10 but the pressure is definitely piling on already, especially since I'm taking my French this year. Our school doesn't have a sixth form and our feeder college is currently on requires improvement and every ex student from our school truly despises it there. I'm thinking about where I want to go and there is a grammar school option that seems perfect. I know it's a long way away to make the decision but this is great advice, Jade! Always try out your opportunities but go with your gut feeling at the end of the day xxx
Oh my gosh this could not have come at a more perfect time as I am at a state school and am in y11 trying to decide to stay or go to my local grammar school! Thankyou so so so much because I'm so stressed at the moment ❤️ Xxxx
Hey, it’s the start of September now and I’ve moved to the grammar school, but I’ve been considering moving back and I remembered you made a video on it( I don’t remembering commenting this though aha) but like you were talking about I have a gut feeling about wanting to go back and I have a very similar pros and cons list... I’m just feeling very confused and overwhelmed atm but this video is once again very reassuring and helpful- thankyou jade 💓 xx
I also switched to another sixth form but stayed on, despite not liking it. I definitely would say I moved based on academic reasons, essentially because I wanted to be more challenged. The new school was a really good and manageable academic challenge but I was then faced with the prospect of making new friends. I found it incredibly hard even though I am sociable and have not had a problem with making friends in the past. I guess this new school is very cliquey and most girls have been there from a very young age. But fast forward, I'm now U6, it's still hard socially but I've learnt to deal with it. I think there is definitely one thing I wish I knew though: it's ok to go back!! I just thought I could overcome my problem and didn't want to give up hope just yet but then it got a bit too late...
You'll get a feel within the first 2 weeks...don't hold back from going back if you think that's right :)
Thank you SO much for sharing your experience!! ❤️ glad it all worked out well for you in the end! As you said, follow the decision that you feel is right, and even if it starts off difficult, you'll likely benefit in the long term x
Had the same experience,but the the difference is i moved from a chinese state school(yes i have been educated in china until i was 15) to uk state school and now in a grammar school in london. Definitely agree with what Jade said, I have been through the same things, with the addition of culture difference, it was and still now a struggle. Lost of the familiar environment, new teachers, culture difference....It made me depressed in a while but things get better as your mind get more muture.
And talking about moving schools, my reason was because of the state school quality. If you school is a bit disorganised like the state school i went to, you SHOULD MOVE!!
But if you are sure the teaching quality is what you want and the teacher you like WOULD NOT LEAVE, then i don't think moving to a grammar school might benefit much as you thought. Just a pieces of advice.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience, especially from such a unique perspective having moved from China! I really respect how brave you were in coming here and sticking it out 💖 I think everyone should be open-minded towards the options they have available to them, particularly if you feel your school is unsupportive and disorganised as you say! x
我正在想我到底要不要去上海中学读书，但是我不确定。
I moved from my high school to a local sixth form college that is seriously high up in the league tables overall, and it was the best decision of my life. I was really unhappy at my high school, moving was a fresh start for me, something I needed in my life, and I've had the best time there.
It’s crazy how my life story is almost identical to yours😂. I’m in the process of choosing my sixth forms now and being a person who has always been predicted all A*s, I keep asking myself the same question you mentioned as to whether I would be able to achieve the same in my A Levels. I was really struggling between choosing to move sixth forms and staying at my school’s one but this video helped so much!❤️ Sometimes we are pressured into doing what others want us to do and that can be helpful to get a different point of view, but trust me you should never listen to anything except your gut. And please for your own good, don’t sacrifice a good sixth form experience just so that you can go to a place with a good reputation, it’s not worth it. ❤️
OMG! I know exactly what you are talking about regarding the whole girls school thing. I grew up studying in a all girls school as well and it was just much more comfortable. I don't know how to explain it either, but it was always just nicer in my all girls school.
Nice to hear your experience. I know people who are successful going to both state/grammar and private school! To be honest success is all down to the individual!
this was really helpful thank you, I'm currently unsure about what to do for sixth form so you talking about this was really helpful and I've thought about grammar schools before too but I don't think it would be for me
I'm so glad to hear it helped!! 💖 it's such a difficult decision, but just know that wherever you do end up, it's never down to the school as to whether or not you'll succeed! I'm certain you'll do well wherever you are! Good luck x
+UnJaded Jade thank you xx
I’m going into sixth form in a couple of days to a brand new school. I’ve struggled a lot with anxiety around school and I’m starting to get super worried. I don’t know anyone at all, stressed about being isolated
Watch Me Do hey, I get anxiety about being isolated too. I’m planning on going to a new school in September. If you see this, how did you get on at your new school? Was it easy to make friends ?
becca ponsford hello!! Thank you for replying! School has been going well the last couple of months, I have lots of acquaintances there though I wish I had more friends. Of course, everyone already has friendship groups and I’ve found it hard to settle in between them. However, I’m loving my subjects and I adore all my teachers. It’s scary but it’s worth it :) take care!!
Exactly the same experience I had, I really love the way you explained it!
I love your videos! I’m in my first year at sixth form but I do all BTEC so although your videos mainly target a levels, I still love watching them because you are such a lovely, positive individual!
This is soooooo helpful. I am in basically the same position that you were in, I have written out a pros and cons list and everything! I know the exact feeling u r describing, being torn between two different 6th forms. I now know what is holding me back so I’m going to move and see what it is like and u never know I might end up moving back. So happy I just found this little jem of a video I have been watching you for ages and I didn’t even know it existed. Thank u so much Jade, keep doing what ur doing u r amazing 😉♥️
your videos never fail to put a smile on my face, lysm jade 💓💓
Anyone who's considering college: I moved to quite a large (selective) state sixth form college in a city from a big state (comprehensive) secondary school in a small town - with a tiny sixth form - and I would 100% recommend it !! even though the journey is 1 and a half hours each way it's completely worth it.
1) Having big classes is amazing imo bc you get to hear so many different views (I do english lit, politics and classics and class discussion has enriched my study of those sO much) and it's much easier to do group work and share the workload - it's also great in terms of making friends! compared to classes of 2 in my secondary's sixth form i think i would really prefer it!
2) my teachers are incredible, so experienced and so supportive, and although they have loads of classes i built relationships with them really quickly.
3) also the support at my college is amazing - i'd heard horrible rumours about it but they really weren't true, i've been supported so much more here than i ever was at secondary.
4) also there are so many resources (the library !!!!) and places to work and the environment there is just a perfect balance between working hard but also enjoying your spare time!
Obviously this is completely my own experience and it depends on the college (and the person) but mine is pretty much perfect and i'm so glad I took a chance on applying. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be enjoying a levels anywhere near as much - especially since two of my subjects weren't offered at my secondary's sixth form :(
I also probably wouldn't have the university offers I have atm (the careers dept. is incredible) and I wouldn't have met some great people !
So my advice would be to really consider your options and get a feel for the different places! But if you have the chance I would recommend moving to a college if you think it's right for you! (Sorry this is so long/don't know if anyone's going to read it but oh well!)
I wish I’d have been able to watch this video this time last year as I can relate so so much and moved away from my state school to a grammar and thoroughly regret the choice now xxx
This is really interesting, I moved from an all girls grammar to an all boys one with a mixed sixth form and I really loved the change, The girls at the boys school are so much more bitchy though, and half way through year 12 i had the biggest feeling of regret moving. I'm not complaining about my new school being that bad, because I loved it so much and all the new experiences it brought, but I miss my girls school pride, with the clubs I did and the friends I had and its so sad when I see my old school friends and they tell me they miss me from school. My new school is a bit more casual than my old school, and there's so much more teacher banter, but its less pressurising, and feels more or less like a good state school than a grammar school. I just regret moving even though there's 6 months left.