Mumsnet Talk

Hi

I'm considering this school for my DS and wondered if anyone had any knowledge of it. It is non selective but still gets very good results.

My DS is probably able to get into a selective school but I like the fact that its co-ed, it seems friendly, and facilities are good.

The main issue I have is paying a lot of money every term for a school which doesn't have the best results or pupils going on to the best universities. How can I tell my DS won't miss out by not going to a selective school (if that makes sense!) It's so hard trying to figure out what's the 'best' school for him

Thanks

Have you been to some of the more academic schools for comparison?

I would worry slightly, but it depends on how academic your child is. If he is very searching/academic then you might want to find a more academic school.

It has quite a contingent of students whose behaviour has a lot to be desired. I certainly wouldn't pay to send my child there as I think it is the same as a state school. Bad reputation locally.

It has a very bad reputation for behaviour.

I actually went to this school but left over 10 years ago, both my sisters went there to. I would say it is a brilliant school and the facilities are amazing. I loved being there and I was a full time border. I don't know what it is like now but my sister was only a few years behind me and it had changed alot in that time.

Thanks for the info. I'm really surprised it has bad behaviour problems as they all seemed so nice when I visited. I guess its difficult to tell at open days. That's really worried me now as LVS was my back up school should he fail to get in at the more academic ones
He's clever but not super bright so not sure he'd get in at RGS which is my first choice. Next choice is Salesian but not been there yet

My DS went there & was very happy although things changed and there were bullying problems and the school didn't deal with it well. V good confidence boosting school for the reasonably academic. Good gcse results but not so good at a level. They lost a huge number this year going into 6th form. V expensive when you consider similar price or more than more prestigious schools. Over all a muted positive review from me, but it friend's what you want for your child. DS felt the teaching was much better at the state school he moved to. Please pm me if you want any more information.

depends not friend's

Thanks, good to hear a recent view on the school. My main worry was that it wouldn't be much better than a state school and it might be a waste of money.
Back to the school search! Any views on the best state school in the area? Apart from Gordon's which is almost impossible

I know a teacher there who does not think it's much good.

Charters is the best state school in the area. By far.

Charters or Ranelagh.

It all depends on where you live exactly.

Yes, Ranelagh is good. I forgot about it.

Oh dear, the LVS comments get worse! Nothing particularly positive. Have heard good things about Charters but catchment area a problem - can't really afford to live in Sunningdale or Ascot. Have to have a closer look, thanks. Don't you have to be church goers to get into Ranelagh?

I did part of my PGCE at Ranelagh and would not send DS there.

What about Wellington? DH taught there and we lived as staff in a boarding House. Very good school, they do well with the middle band of students (in academic terms).

Wellington is only from year 9. Ranelagh is a brilliant church school, but need to find God by Year 2 to stand a chance (or work there as staff kids get first dibs this year). Charters is an excellent school and many kids get in from out of catchment every year (might not be in first round but so many eventually go private in the area it's normal to have kids from Windsor and Bracknell in September). LVS has a lot of foreign students and it seems to be very inclusive, but I wouldn't pay the money. Edgbarrow in Crowthorne is a good state school, but there are no other co-ed private schools in the area. It's mainly v v expensive girls boarding schools ! Can help a bit if would like further info as live in area (guess where my kids are !) & also work in local schools.

Lambrook followed by Wellington.

Sorted.

Unless you think Seldon is fraud.

If I win the lottery I will def send to Wellington. It's so pretty

My DS is going to go to Lambrook, lovely place.

I think Seldon is a self-publicising toad fraud but the school still provides a good education and a lot of other opportunities.

Or there is St Georges, Weybridge if you don't mind Catholicism. They have school buses that stop at every bus stop in the South East.

DH worked at LVS once.
He LOVED the house names. When they got the kids to line up and the head shouted out that he wanted a straight line of ... and shouted the name DH had to laugh.

Wellington I'm not so keen on as there are a lot of boarders I think, and it is quite expensive. Also it seems to be a bit of a marmite school!
I will look at Charters and see what the catchment intake was like to get an idea - thanks
I have considered St George's but not sure if I would be happy with the Catholic study as we are not at all religious - would seem a bit hypocritical
The house names at LVS are good - I'm sure the beer influence is what drew my DH to the school!

Wellington is quite boarding-centric. However, there is now a day house. I know the Housemaster and he is a lovely bloke.

It is riddled with gimmicks because of Seldon, but underneath all that there is a sound education. If my DS does not want to board there is a good chance we'll send him to Wellington as a day boy (if we still live round here in 10yrs!). As you are finding, it's slim pickings at senior level. I hope DS does want to board as it would open up so much more choice.

Are you thinking of moving? Could you get within range of Merchant Taylor's? DH has also taught there and really rates it. You don't have to be super-crazy-bright to get in because there's so much selective competition locally (Habs etc).

Scratch Merchant Taylors', I forgot you want co-ed.

Tricky one!

I went to one of the girls schools in Ascot many moons ago and my local friends' brothers either boarded or were day boys at Wellington, Bearwood, pangbourne or Bradfield college.

I would consider boys schools as I don't have much choice! I think Merchant Taylor's is a bit too far but looks good. My main problem is I have other DCs that are at primary school so secondary school has to be easily commutable
We would consider moving but it would have to be an excellent state, and we'd have problems moving the others too
I think I'll just have to hope he gets into the RGS

Any details on that?...
My son will be staring his year 10, Sept 2013. I am a bit anxious...it is a senitive and emphatic boy.

Oops! I meant the details of LVS Ascot: what about bullying?!
The school, headmasters and the students look friendly; crowded a bit, considering the number of students (do they ever have an opportunity of using all the facilities? i.e. swimming pool)? HELP! The last moment to run away!