Choosing the best co-ed boarding school in Scotland

[Leelove28]

Hello Clever people,
My daughter is currently in p6 and we are looking to move her into a co-ed boarding school.
She wants to do science and we have narrowed our choices to Glenalmond, Fettes and Loretto.
Do any of you have any insights into these schools that can help influence our decision? We would also like to know if bullying is something to worry about.
Any advice at this point is welcomed.

[EdinburghPS]

Don't know about boarding and can only share personal opinions.
I have loads of friends that went to glenalmond and fettes, all loved it. I had a few that went to Lomond school in Helensburgh and they also loved it.
Good luck choosing! I supppose it's best letting your daughter visit and see which one she feels more comfortable in

[Leelove28]

Thanks EdinburghPS. It's my first attempt looking into this and they all seem like great schools. I also know that you can't pick up on bullying just by visiting the school. She has been a victim of bullying the past and I don't want to leave her in an environment where this might happen.

[EdinburghPS]

Understandable, where does she prefer? I would go for the school with the best pastoral care

[Leelove28]

She can't decide as she likes all of them

[EdinburghPS]

That's a positive sign at least making it a tough choice.
I had a friend who got bullied badly at fetters. Then I have a friend who's sister is there now and has been since she 9 and she loves it!!! It just depends. Sorry I can't be of more help...

[FurryMouse]

No idea. But I loved the miniseries on Gordounstoun a couple of years ago misses the point. Good luck finding the right school for your daughter, OP.

[coffeeCamelCase]

No direct experience of any of them, but I know parents with children at all three who are happy with them. Didn't like the feel of Fettes myself, though, and have heard unhappy stories from there too, whereas from the other two I can't think of any. Integrating all my vague impressions I'd probably put Glenalmond first in that list.

[Leelove28]

Thanks for the insight coffeecamelcase. So far the great reviews have been for Glenalmond

[Buckeyedjim]

There is no school in the land where you can guarantee bullying will never happen. No workplace either for that matter.

[Leelove28]

I totally agree but some are worse than others. I don't want to put my child in a school known for bullying. That will make me irresponsible. I am seeking insight on what you might know of these schools. A prospectus and a visit cannot compare to real life experiences shared by others abut these schools.

[EdinburghPS]

I love Glenalmond and always kept it in mind for if my children wish to board later for senior school.

[Leelove28]

Thank you for the feedback Edinburgh PS

[Lones80]

I've no experience of boarding, but my children are in the junior school at Loretto and I can't recommend the school enough. The headmaster and his wife are a fantastic team and the school is an incredibly nurturing and supportive environment where children are encouraged to pursue their own interests.

[yoyo1234]

We could not think more highly if Loretto as a school ( no experience of boarding though). Small and friendly with teachers that really know the children and want to help them.

[yoyo1234]

"of Loretto"! Silly big fingers on a little phone.

[Leelove28]

Thanks for the insight Yoyo

[Cloudangel123]

I'd advise you to read the Care Inspectorate reports and quotes on the link below about Glenalmond. They have had recent "good" reports from the C I but who can guarantee this - bullying is not staff it's an ethos amongst pupils and if these pupils feel they can behave as they like because the school needs their parents' money!
www.crowdjustice.com/case/justice-for-glenalmond-college-bullying-victim/

[Cloudangel123]

Added thought! If your daughter isn't in one of the prep feeder schools already I'd move her there for a year then she would move on with an established peer group to boarding rather than into a small group for a 2nd form year. The main intake to boarding is 3rd form. Wish I'd known all about this!!!

[Leelove28]

I can't thank you enough for this insight cloudangel. Trying to get a child into a great school is not easy at all. I hope I can gain a great wealth of experience from all this for the sake of my other children ☺
As for prep school, we are considering Advreck. We will be visiting in 2 weeks time to be sure it is the right decision.
Thank you so much @Cloudangel123

[hilbil21]

I live in Helensburgh and have grown up knowing both day pupils and boarders at Lomond School. Most have enjoyed their time there

[Cloudangel123]

Glad to have helped.
I would seriously consider Cargilfield as pupils from there tend to spread more between the various boarding schools whereas from Ardvreck most tend to go to Glenalmond. Cargilfield would keep options more open and your daughter's peer group less limited for moving on.
Best wishes.

[Cloudangel123]

Plus if it is science in senior school that is of most interest Glenalmond do GCSE Double award (a weird calculation of Physics, Chemistry and Biology marks awarding just 2 GCSEs not 3) which can put some at a disadvantage starting A-levels in the single sciences. If I could turn clock back I'd be ruling out schools that do Double award at GCSE.

[Leelove28]

Wow cloudangel123. I had no idea about double GCSE. Maybe I should focus more on Fette's or Lorerro but again my ignorance my cost me a lot.
In your opinion, what boarding schools would you recommend in Scotland? I need all the help I can get

[EdinburghPS]

From my understanding fettes has a fab name. Have you been to look around any of these schools yet?

[coffeeCamelCase]

Definitely second the advice to consider Cargilfield for prep (if they have space) - they send lots to all the schools you mention.