Sixth Form

[mummum902]

Recently my son has decided to move for sixth form and he is considering these schools : Wellington, Harrow, Lancing, Marlborough,Winchester, Kings School and Dulwich, however he is particularly interested in Harrow, Wellington, Kings and Lancing.
At the moment I am really not sure of whether I want my child to move but he feels that the school he is at is not pushing him academically as hard as he can and through drama, other arts and sportingwise too.
Please may you give me som pros and cons for moving in sixth form and some more information on the schools above so I can talk to my son and make a final decision.
Thanks
Natty

[bruffin]

Just discussing this with friends the other day. Both had dds who had moved at 6th form at different schools. Their dds found it more difficult to build a relationship with teachers as they felt the teachers favoured the dcs that had come up through the school.

[TheWave]

Other point of view. DD1 absolutely loves new 6th form, including the new teachers, new friends, new opportunities , and the new commute. So it really depends on your child.

Agree about finding out about drama, other performance arts, sports etc. Will he be involved if not studying at A level for example. How are the sports he likes set up?

If he has already decided to move then it will help greatly that it is his decision. I don't know the schools above though, sorry.

[LibraryBook]

The head at Lancing College is leaving at the end of this academic year.

[IloveJudgeJudy]

I don't have experience of public/private, but I do have experience of DD who has just changed schools at 6th form. There is no indication whatsoever of the teachers favouring previous pupils. It has been nothing but positive for her. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[happygardening]

Is he currently boarding as some you've mentioned are full boarding only schools? I think if it was me and my DS wanted to move I would want to know how many others start for the first time in the 6th form especially if its all full boarding becasue I suspect it could be difficult to break into very established friendship groups and get used to boarding life as well. The 2 yrs will go very quickly. My DS is at Win Coll they usually only take one onto each house in the 6th form and that I believe is only if someone leaves so not many join. It has lots of sporting opportunities but sport is largely optional so not a seriously sporty school. Marlborough has quite a few joining just for the 6th form 30+ I believe and it is more sporty.
Competition for places in the WIn Coll 6th form I'm told are fiercely fought over your DS would need top grades across the board, I also understand Marlborough is over subscribed and they take more girls than boys
If I was looking for a school for the 6th form my choice would be boarding at SPS nearly all boarders there start in the 6th form and come from all over the world again your DS will need top exam marks and competition for places I understand is fierce but definitely worth a go.

[mummum902]

Thank you all, I will take these comments into consideration and discuss it with my son!

[mummum902]

what are your opinions on the other schools I have listed?