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Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

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Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Secondary education

Coed Boarding 11+

38 replies

plainsailing123 · 23/03/2015 19:09

We're looking for a co-educational school with good boarding for our eldest D, starting 11+. She's in a state primary at the moment, and we don't want to put her into prep if we can avoid it. She's probably upper-middle in ability (we've moved a lot, though, so find it hard to tell - she finds maths hard, English easy, but can lack confidence). She's really into drama and singing. I guess what we most want is a rounded school, which will be supportive, but still with some aspiration.

So far we're looking at:

Dauntsey's, Devizes (near family)
Sevenoaks
Leighton Park, Reading
Lord Wandsworth

Any experience of these, or suggestions? Thanks :)

OP posts:

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summerends · 23/03/2015 19:26

Lots of girls' boarding schools start at 11 but not very many co-ed boarding schools. Do you need full boarding because that may influence your choice?
Sevenoaks is the most academic of that choice.
Your other alternative to widen choice would be to go for a prep which is a major feeder for the senior school so that although she would be changing schools she would be moving up with already established friends. She would have the advantage of a gentler more cosy introduction to boarding

plainsailing123 · 23/03/2015 19:32

Hi Summer, thanks for replying. Full v weekly boarding is difficult. We're in the UK right now, so want the option of weekly. But we will be in overseas soon enough, so full boarding needs to be possible. I guess overall really good weekly, and 5+ people doing full, would be okay.

Prep: we're nervous of doing that as we've put her through too many schools already, and breaking into established friendship groups can be hard. But if you had a cracking suggestion (we've wondered about Mill Hill).

OP posts:

mummytime · 23/03/2015 19:42

I thought Frensham Heights with the Drama?

Almostnever · 23/03/2015 19:45

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

DragonRojo · 23/03/2015 19:45

Very good experience with LP so far, but my son doesn't board. There are a few boarding girls in Y7 and they all look happy. Feel free to PM me if you wish

plainsailing123 · 23/03/2015 19:47

Oh, good one. Just looking at Frensham now. The drama might be a little bit of a red herring though. She loves it, but it's not a vocation yet! I think the main thing is a school willing to be a little nurturing: she's come through a journey already (we moved back from Sweden when she was in Y3, with her having had a great time painting and playing in the woods, but not much national curriculum / spelling tests etc!)

OP posts:

summerends · 23/03/2015 19:48

Oundle school take at 11 but that is east rather than west. Rugby school has Bilton Grange as a major feeder. Lots from the large preps such as Cheam or the Dragon in Oxford (pricey) go to coed schools such as Marlborough or St Edwards.
Clifton College in Bristol has a major feeder prep.
If your DD is academic enough and is likely to fit IB then Sevenoaks is a good fit. Oundle is probably the next most academic for entrance.

summerends · 23/03/2015 20:18

Sorry just to add Brighton College as another 11+ option (if she is bright enough to have a go at Sevenoaks)

michaelrB · 23/03/2015 20:24

Also have a look at Ashford school in Kent. Good music, drama and described as exceptionall creative by ISI.

karmagetsyou · 23/03/2015 20:25

Hurst Lodge - Ascot for Drama/Singing

plainsailing123 · 23/03/2015 20:41

I don't think we knew Sevenoaks was v academic (we've no background in private education, let alone boarding - and it's hard to tell through all the marketing). Brighton College certainly looked too academic, and we weren't sure Oundle would be nurturing enough.

OP posts:

LIZS · 23/03/2015 20:43

Sevenoaks is easily as academic as Brighton, if not more so. Epsom is going to take 11+ soon.

MsMargaretHale · 23/03/2015 20:49

Have you thought about Junior Kings Canterbury? Full or weekly boarding and lots arrive in Year 7 so no need to worry about breaking into established friendship groups. Lots of full and weekly boarders. If they accept you at y7 you usually get an automatic place at Senior Kings. If they do not think you will be up to it they will tell you and advise on an alternative.
Sevenoaks does not have many y7/y8 boarders - I think there are only about 10 girls and they usually go home at the weekend, so would not be my first choice if you are looking for full boarding. Very different at 13.
Brighton College does not take y7/y8 boarders. You have to go to Handcross and transfer in at 13. Handcross has only a handful of full boarders.
Windlesham House is full boarding, has a big 11+ intake and will advise on future schools...but you won't get the continuity.

jo164 · 23/03/2015 20:50

Don't think anyone has mentioned Oakham school yet. It has a good mix of day and boarding, and most boarding pupils stay in at weekends which would be good if you move overseas. They do have expats but can stay with friends or family. A good 'all rounder' in my opinion, for academics, sport, drama, music etc.

jo164 · 23/03/2015 20:51

Sorry autocorrect, 'exeats' not expats.

summerends · 23/03/2015 21:23

Kings Junior is a good idea as Kings Canterbury would be one of the best senior co ed options that fits a range of pupils.

plainsailing123 · 23/03/2015 21:54

Lots of helpful messages. I must admit it's a bit daunting. So many to choose from, with really even our visits helping us to knock a few off the list. We had firmly thought 'no prep', as we didn't want to add another school. Think I will read up on Frensham and Oakham.

Does anyone have experience of Leighton Park? It's Quaker, and very much not a hot-house (I saw a previous threat describe it as hippy) but we quite liked the vibe.

OP posts:

mummytime · 23/03/2015 22:47

I liked Leighton Park, but I'm not sure how much boarding it does? (I think my BIL went there a long long time ago.)

balletgirlmum · 23/03/2015 22:54

The Hammond School in Chester has a specialist drama strand & the singing is also very strong.

It's co-ed & a small school.

Dustylaw · 24/03/2015 00:19

Have a look at The Leys in Cambridge. There is a junior entry at 11+ which includes a separate boarding house (with very homely feel). Main entry at 13+.

Sycamoretrees · 24/03/2015 00:37

Have you considered a state boarding school like The Royal Alexander and Albert in Reigate, Surrey?

Stealthsquiggle · 24/03/2015 01:04

My DB went to Leighton Park, back in the dark ages. Unless it has changed it has a very strong Quaker ethos, in a good way - very good at treating each child as an individual and acting accordingly. Definitely worth considering but I would look carefully at the proportion of full boarders IIWY.

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Pepperpot69 · 24/03/2015 08:02

OP you mention that Oundle might not be 'nurturing' but it has a house especially for 11+ entry with a Dame instead of a Housemaster. All the children starting at the same age so level playing field for all and moving in to the senior school together. With good road & rail networks it may be worth re-considering. Excellent theatre and drama too!

Pepperpot69 · 24/03/2015 08:06

www.oundleschool.org.uk/pastoral/houses/berrystead.php - sorry Housemistress not a Dame!

MrsAukerman · 24/03/2015 08:17

I went to wycliffe college and that is co-ed boarding but over 2 sites with up to yr 8 in juniors and yr 9 upwards in seniors. It's not academically selective and has a large international cross-section of pupils.
I only went for 6th form and enjoyed it.

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