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Education

Stowe School Buckinghamshire

72 replies

Flowertop · 02/01/2011 17:12

Wondering about this school for my DS year 9. If anyone knows of the school or has attended would appreciate feedback.
thanks

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BlessingsGalore · 02/01/2011 18:18

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BlessingsGalore · 02/01/2011 18:20

Meant to add that I would not be sending DS to a school where he shares his grounds with the general public - Stowe Gardens, National Trust. Other schools cost the same but their 800+ acres are solely for the pupils use.

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Flowertop · 02/01/2011 18:48

Oh dear that doesn't sound too good. Thanks for your feedback. X

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thinkingaboutschools · 03/01/2011 12:02

I recently heard some really not very nice things about Stowe - came across as extremely arrogant etc.

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Litchick · 03/01/2011 19:08

Stowe is very beautiful indeed.
And the education there is of a high standard and what one might describe as classical.

However, there is no getting away from the fact that it is very easy to get into academically, and so is seen as somewhere to send not-so-bright children.

Obviously bright children do go there. But not in numbers.

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Litchick · 03/01/2011 19:10

Flowertop - given this school is termly boarding, I'm assuming geography isn't an issue. How about Rugby, or Haileybury?

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Flowertop · 03/01/2011 20:20

Thanks for your feedback. LP as well as boarding they also take day pupils which we could do. I understand they have about 70 plus day pupils which is why I was asking for feedback. We don't have much in our area and need a school for year 9. My concern is that the captive audience is VERY wealthy and DS would not be living in the real world. We are ok with the fees but certainly no planes/boats/mansions. I was hoping for someone to come on and say that they do also have 'normal' kids too.

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Flowertop · 03/01/2011 20:23

Could I also add that DS falls into the 'not-so- bright' category so the fact is not academic is a bit of a plus for us.

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thinkingaboutschools · 03/01/2011 22:12

I have heard good things about Bradfield - have you considered this school?

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Jajas · 03/01/2011 22:16

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beachyhead · 03/01/2011 22:20

It does have the reputation of being Eton for the thick.....I'm sure there are other better options. Also, a friend went to look around recdently and said it looked a little run down - probably because it has such expensive listed premises to upkeep....

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beachyhead · 03/01/2011 22:21

Sorry, recently....

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Quattrocento · 03/01/2011 22:21

The best thing about Stowe is I think the name of the old boys association - which is charmingly - 'Old Stoics'

Am looking into boarding for the DCs in the 6th form - a couple of years away yet, and did look at the school. The grounds are lovely however it did seem to be populated by the naice but dim (and stonkingly wealthy). I didn't think that either of my DCs fitted either of those three categories so I've crossed it off the list.

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Jajas · 04/01/2011 00:26

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Atomant · 04/01/2011 00:45

Went to university with an old stoic. Extremely wealthy & very arrogant (to the point where classmates actively avoided him) he dropped out after 2 years as he was failing miserably. He had no life skills what so ever.

That said he was actually quite a nice chap who just had no idea about the real world, or how to interact with other human beings...

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Litchick · 04/01/2011 09:28

I do think it's a bit daft to draw any conclusions from having met someone who once went there who was a bit of a twat.

From my comp, at least three are in prison. A couple dead. And one joined a commune. That's only the ones I know about...

But back to Stowe. Utterly beautiful setting. Academically not particularly rigourous. Kids pretty wealthy and from trad backgrounds.

However, the vast majority termly board, so being a day pupil would certainly set your DS apart. Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. Why not ask to be shown around by a day boy and cross question him?

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Flowertop · 04/01/2011 09:46

Thanks for all your posts. Have made appointment for later this month and will report my findings back. Must admit all my fears have been highlighted on here so it's probably going to be a no.

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OneMoreMum · 06/01/2011 13:29

If you wanted a day school in that area but a bit less of the helicopters & yachts brigade then Akely Wood is only a few miles away.

They also don't have the cream of the academics (Royal Latin grammar school in Buckingham takes them for free) but it has a lovely friendly atmosphere.

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mumzy · 06/01/2011 17:40

My friend's son went there on a music scholarship (v. gifted musician)so do have ordinary kids and families. The grounds are beautiful and was'nt it Richard Bransons old school?

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sweetcornfortea · 06/01/2011 18:54

OneMOreMum, do you know any more about Akeley Wood? We are hoping to send our children there sometime in the near future. It seems lovely but you just never know until you start somewhere, bit like a new job!

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OneMoreMum · 07/01/2011 12:16

Hi Sweetcorn

We had a senior school place there for our DS but were lucky enough to get a good out-of-catchment state school place so didn't take it up.

Quite a few kids from our prep school go there - usually the less academic ones to be honest - and so far I've heard good things about it.

They seem to have put a lot of money into the facilities in the last few years which used to let them down a bit. Nice, sporty & friendly is the impression I get. Not academically high achieving (as I said the brightest kids tend to go to the Latin) or the poshest (Stowe) but a good middle ground.

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sweetcornfortea · 07/01/2011 18:57

Thank you!

Mine aren't made for grammar and the local alternative isn't great as I'm sure you know!
So a less academic but good school would be perfect I think. Do you happen to know if the assessment day is difficult or just routine? Worried that they won't get in!

Glad to hear that it is friendly and nice, just what we are looking for, thank you again!

Sorry to hijack thread OP, good luck with your search.

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OneMoreMum · 08/01/2011 14:59

The assessment day was fine, DS enjoyed it and had no problems, he is pretty average ablity.

Everyone I know was offered a place, although some on condition of taking up extra help in either maths or english for extra ££ which is a bit cheeky!

Good luck

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itsatiggerday · 08/01/2011 15:07

Just to say re Stowe, the 'nice but dim' is a bit accusatory. Its value add is exceptional, very small class sizes and effective setting so the kids who need more attention in class get it. I've spent some time there in an affiliated capacity and know quite a few old boys and girls, many of whom are lovely. Yes, there's money, but don't underestimate the influence of family in these places, the 'oiks' are usually already that when they arrive and the normal ones likewise! Worth having a look with an open mind I'd say.

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fran58 · 09/01/2011 16:22

Hi Flowertop, Have two children at Stowe and we are all very happy there. Back in the day may have had a rep for poor results but times change. Not full of yachts or planes either! I quite like the fact that unlike other schools they do not filter the intake to high achievers only as it makes for more varied community. They are not obsessed by league tables. The school has a lot to offer. My teenagers are bright kids and are getting good grades and enjoying the sport, music and drama available.The school has just spent a fortune on new facilities. We made our decision because both ourselves and the kids liked the ethos of the school, the boarding houses, the teachers and the very impressive and down to earth Headmaster. Go and visit the school and ask any questions you like. I think you will be impressed by what you hear and see. Its a great school. Good Luck! PS You can borrow my helicopter to get there if you like!!