Friend of the family's son went to an all girls school for his A-Levels due to it being the only sixth form near them. Poor kid lasted two terms before suffering a nervous breakdown, and ended up getting a payout for sexual harassment. First term he was acting like the cock of the town, but they broke his body, mind and soul.

Ah the old pre kids coming in INSET where all teachers want to do is prepare for term.

This is very true

I am an assistant Headteacher in a mixed school but have worked in all boys schools as well.

In my experience, for boys it makes very little difference. They have little interest in girls until they are in about year 9/10 (3rd or 4th in old money) anyway. By that point they have the means and initiative to find them outside of school if they are o inclined. The biggest influence on them will be you. If you show him how to behave appropriately around women, as I am sure you have for the last 10 years or so, then he will have no issue. As with all aspects of children's social development, they take their lead from parents. The apple never falls far from the tree.

As far as academic performance goes, boys do better in mixed schools as behaviour tends to be better (although this is a massive generalisation and will obviously depend on the individual school).

I think choice of school has a greater impact on girls who tend to be negatively effected by the presence of boys, both socially and academically. Again, a generalisation but is a national trend.

Funnily enough I sat in 3 hours of training today on how to ensure boys do better in examinations as they are outperformed by girls nationally.

Edited by SurreyEagle16 (06 Sep 2016 8.40pm)

Eldest son will start secondary school next year and in a couple of weeks I am about to start the process of viewing secondary schools. I live in bexley with a grammar school system but I don't think he will pass the 11+ although he will be sitting it for the exam practice so I will be looking at the state sector.

I have 3 schools nearby. 1 an all boys to the age of 16, the other two are mixed with 6th forms attached. No ideas what he wants to do as a career yet or any firm interests as such. I think a mixed school (having male and female friends brings a mix of opinions and life experiences) I also think an all boys will be too macho /alpha male / aggressive. His father thinks an all boys is better (no distractions of girls in the class) all 3-are on par academically.

What are people's experiences and views on this. Just interested to hear what people think .. if we can try and keep it (fairly) sensible please. Ta x

Just as an edit.. I have two younger son's and a daughter. So whichever school he goes to will open the door (if its any good) to my other children going under the sibling criteria. I do lean towards their sister going to the same school they all do . Safety travelling to and from school and like to think I will hear about any incidents which go on at school from one of them if they are all there together

Edited by Michaelawt85 (05 Sep 2016 2.33pm)

Bexley grammar is very near to me but as I say I can't see a grammar will be where he ends up. Will hold that in mind if he does pass though. Thanks