Independent schools for the quirky/odd/non-conformist/downright difficult!

[Colleger]

Says it all really. If music school doesn't work out then we need to register at a school that will cater for a boy who is bright but only interested in academia when it suits him plus the personality above! I have to assume he won't get into Winchester and although Bedales would fit like a glove I do not want to accentuate the above traits! But let's not argue about Bedales!

Any advice?

[EdithWeston]

So Summerhill is out of the question then?

I suppose you'd be best off looking at the bigger schools as they have a greater chance of accommodating a squeaky wheel, and often have more going on.

Day (roughly where), boarding or flex?

[Colleger]

Anywhere and any form. Would be good if music was valued and would ideally like a "known" school but a school that fits him is better than the prestige.

[grovel]

Leighton Park (Reading).

Worth a look.

[MidnightHag]

I was just thinking of Leighton Park as I was reading the OP. Each child is treated as an individual, very child-centred. I've known a few quirky kids who like it!

[grovel]

I only know one kid there. Seems very happy. Colleger, don't panic about the Quaker bit. It's not in-your-face. They do apparently create a calm atmosphere about the place.

[Northernlurker]

Interesting that a Quaker school has been mentioned. Bootham in York was the one that came to mind when I read your OP.

[EdithWeston]

Co-ed? It might be worth looking at Alleyns, and Dulwich College might work too if London is any good.

[storm7]

If day school, King Alfred's in NW london? Very quirky.

[Colleger]

If in London I'd prefer boarding as an option as it's so pricy to live there. I am assuming he won't have had the academic rigour so Alleyns and Purcell are out at the moment.

[Colleger]

In an ideal world I'd like a traditional Public School where my son wouldn't be a square peg.

[storm7]

Wellington College?

[grovel]

Milton Abbey?

[Colleger]

He is too bright for Milton and I'm not sure the music is up to much. :/

[EdithWeston]

Uppingham or Oakham perhaps?

[Milkshake3]

St Edwards, Oxford or Marlborough? Do you want coed or single sex?

[MuddlingThroughItAll]

I too thought Bootham when reading the thread OP. Like Leighton it is a quaker school and is very musical etc but not sporty. It also gets good academic results but I don't think it's selective so also good for someone not too academic.

[grovel]

This is tricky because IME the "quirky and odd" are often happiest at the more academic schools (Westminster, Eton, Winchester etc).

[Colleger]

I think he would suit Winchester but I don't think he is bright enough. At the most he would be bottom of a bright bunch and he would struggle in this position. I had forgot about Oakham - that's one I will definitely consider. Uppingham kids I know are always boozing and sniffing!

[upatdawn]

would ideally like a "known" school but a school that fits him is better than the prestige.

I wouldn't choose a school based on it being ''know'' - you have to choose a school that will be right for your DS and IME that takes time (decide which ones may be suitable, look round etc).

Good luck choosing, I hope you find the perfect school for your DS (I know it can be a bloody nightmare!) :)

[racingheart]

If he's serious about music there's Chethams in Manchester or Yehudi Menuhin in Surrey.

[Colleger]

He's going to Purcell so the music is sorted, just keeping options open in case it doesn't work out.

[kritur]

Chethams in Manchester

[grovel]

King's Canterbury?
Good name, older than Eton, very good music.

[Colleger]

Kings is also quite selective.

[kerrygrey]

I can second Oakham. My DD was very happy there and the music is excellent. As a practical consideration too, the town has a railway station with good connections. You don't want to be always driving to and from exeats.