We have just been offered a place for our son at WUS at 11+, along with other offers at excellent schools, including scholarships. In trying to cover our bases and keep options open we have overdone the applications, and we are now faced with an enviable but difficult choice. Without trying to brag our son is exceptionally bright, and pretty well balanced in spite of his neurotic parents. He's not into team sports but has a wide range of interests, music, astronomy, running. He's at a state school so we've had no direction from the head on independent school choices, and have picked up what we know from open days, prospectuses and other parents. But we don't know anyone with a child at W/WUS. We can't say money is no object, so in order to choose W over the other excellent offers we have we need to assure ourselves that paying full fees at WUS, and then twice as much at the Great School as other day schools once scholarships are factored in, is indeed worth it. There's an uncertain chance of scholarship at 13+ and we're not keen on/have no need for boarding. Plus we have found WUS and W less easy to get into and look around that the other schools, they don't have such well oiled systems to help you through the applications processes. Maybe they don't need PR? It's a moot point whether that's a good or not so good thing in my view. I would be really grateful to hear from anyone with personal experience of either school, what the 'feel' is once you're in. Does their hands off approach apply also in the classroom? Can you be so laid back and intellectually open that you fail your GCSEs? What's pastoral care like? And communication with parents? How do they tackle disorganised eggheads? My son is very bright but can't remember where he put his coat, and whether his homework is due this week or next year. What's the social scene like? We live in a terraced house in a gritty area, no swimming pool, no staff. Will his little friends be scared to visit us in case their Bentley gets scratched? Will he spend his teens with the sons of bankers and oligarchs in Mayfair clubs dancing with blond girls? Or will he find someone to play Minecraft with, and a band to plays his drums with? All help gratefully received.
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