Please talk to me about St Edwards Oxford (Teddies)

[McPeony]

Just trying to figure out whether it would suit dd who is ADHD, dyspraxic and clever but rather emotionally immature. We're looking for somewhere that will help her build confidence /self esteem and support her to achieve her best. She loves boarding as she is an only child and enjoys the companionship of other girls. So we would like to continue with full boarding so she can make the most of what's on offer at the weekends. Also need FB because we travel a lot for work. Does Teddies empty out at the weekend? A bit disappointed they have brought forward their selection process to begin in Y6 - it seems way too early and makes it confusing \ pressurising in terms of keeping options open. Also, any advice on girls' houses at Teddies? Friendly and supportive - she is quite sensitive and has been bullied in the past. Where else would you recommend we look?

[Bapa]

I don't think they have brought their selection process forward to Year 6 - the ISEB pretest for Teddies and assessment day is in year 7?

[houselikeashed]

have you looked at Wychwood, down the road from Teddies?

[McPeony]

@Bapa the ISEB pretest is now in Y6 - they say it's to keep them in line with other schools - but I don't know many that are doing this.

@houselikeashed - no, haven't looked at Wychwood - will look that up, thank you.

[Bapa]

Ah looking at the website they have changed itv for 2022 onwards.

[NellyBarney]

Never heard a single bad word about Teddies and I know many who went there. Many pupils are very local. I used to live right next door to Teddies and several of my neighbours had their DC there, literally throwing them over the garden fence. They still stayed at school most of the time as they enjoyed being with their friends but always would pop in home in between. Day boarding and weekly boarding is so expensive at Teddies (e.g. in comparison with Headington and Abingdon ( and of course MCS and OH) where there are huge saving for day pupils and half weekly boarders) that even local pupils get signed up for FB to get maximal value from what is on offer, so there should always be a good crowd in on a Sunday. The typical Teddy kid is very social, outgoing, 'cool' and slightly laidback. Often younger siblings from families where the eldest is off to Eton or similar in preparation for future responsibilities. But academic results are getting better every year now and are making it a first choice for parents who would previously have chosen more selective schools.

[Bapa]

Don’t know how true it is but I have heard from our head that the profile of pupil here is changing and it is becoming a bit more London centric.

[McPeony]

Thanks, @NellyBarney - I am really drawn to Teddies. But I am worried she is too "young" yet to sit the ISEB pre-test this month. Does anyone know anything about this test?

@Bapa good point - however we ourselves are London based, and I don't know any other parents who are considering it. I would be disappointed if the student profile was moving that way.

[McPeony]

Also, does anyone have any advice on Houses? We need one that is friendly and supportive, where she can feel secure and develop her confidence. Any thoughts?

[PlumkinPie]

MvPeony take a look at BOFA or atom learning for an idea on the Pre test

[McPeony]

Thanks, @PlumkinPie

[Takeittotheboss]

I know many families from Teddies and the two things that come across to me are 1) it is definitely moving towards being London centric and 2) it's not FB as all their children come home every weekend after sport and have done still starting in the Shells.
However, it does turn out lovely confident, fun and social kids plus academics are good for their broad intake.

[McPeony]

@Takeittotheboss , thanks so much. I'm really disappointed to hear that it's not FB. From the website though, it seems that they have to stay in Saturdays and are really only allowed home Sundays after chapel? It sounds like a lovely option but I just worry that it feels a bit of a rush now to get ready for the pre-test.

[NellyBarney]

I wouldn't worry too much about the pre-test. If your dd is at a boarding prep, they surely will have done some practice. I am under the impression that all prep schools do CAT tests from year 3 or 4 onwards which are pretty similar to the pre-test. A couple of practice runs on the BOFA site and l am sure she will be fine. You can't fail the test. It's an adaptive programme that gets harder if the pupil gets the correct answer, and easier if they get it wrong. It aims to give some general idea of potential and current skill level, but schools like St Edward's will also look at impression at interview and current head recommendation.
In your quest for FB, I don't think there is any school in which everyone stays in all weekend. Most parents will want to see their children, even if it's only for a couple of hours. Also there will be different trips and activities on offer, and boarders will have the opportunity to join 'town activities', like local rugby club, ice hockey club, horse riding club etc on the weekends, and older ones are allowed out into town on their own. They won't be locked in (what seems a good thing to me). But absolutely unlikely that your dd will be left behind all by herself

[Newme2016]

I would seriously look at Wychwood too, I think your daughter would do very well there.
It’s a small school, but there are lots going on all the time.
Let me know if you have any questions about Wychwood, I am happy to fill you in.

[houselikeashed]

Plenty of girls FB at Wychwood too. Always doing trips and activities at the weekend.
When I say plenty, I mean in proportion to weekly boarders. Wychwood is a very small school, but excellent with girls who need a little bit of extra support.

[ifonly4]

I can't advise you on whether it's the most suitable school for your DD, but my DD had a wonderful two years there for sixth form. It's a lovely school, very caring and staff will make themselves if a child needs extra support.

Some children do go home at weekends, but DD stayed in most weekends. Sometimes it was a little quiet on a Sunday but there was always company, DD would go to chapel, have brunch with whoever was there was her group, hang around with other girls, sometimes pop into Summertown/Oxford. There's a lot of international students, so it won't completely empty out.

Oakthorpe and Macs are nearer to dining halls and educational facilities if that's a factor for your DD - they have to go back to house several times a day for registration. I do know that Avenue have a lovely HM who girls and parents really like and it seems to be well run, however, it's the furthest away. Rooms are over three floors, but it does have a lift.

[ifonly4]

My DD did sit entry exams. She held her own despite coming from a state school. She hadn't studied for some elements but had a go and they commended on that.

[McPeony]

Thanks, @ifonly4 - that's really helpful re the houses.

[mumtobe789]

Hi all :)

We live near Beaconsfield and like the look of Teddies for our girls. Is 'flexi boarding' or 'half week' boarding an option? We are around a 45 mins drive away. Thanks :)