Eton vs Radley ?

[doddy0620]

My son has been offered from both. Seriously concerned now. Which one would you take if you are on this option?

[cdstandingnow]

Eton is a stronger name to have on your son's CV, good networking opportunities if that is a consideration.

[MrsBernardBlack]

Eton is a fantastic school (DS is in his last year there) but I wouldn't choose it just because it is a bigger name.

Your son must have a feeling for which of the two he preferred, and you must also have an impression of what they are like. What are you looking for and what is your DS like?

[1805]

what is your son like? What did you think of the two schools?
A big difference between the twi is obviously town v country. Is that important to you?

[Dapplegrey1]

I'd opt for Eton.
My DS was there and it's a fantastic place.

[Eton2017]

For my DS Eton without a doubt; in fact I don't know anyone who was offered either Eton or Winchester and yet chose Radley. However, Radley's also supposed to be an excellent school. It sounds as though it's smaller and a bit less competitive, and it's all on one site rather than being mixed up with a town - might be a better choice for a very shy boy perhaps? However, I'd be a bit surprised if one who wouldn't cope with Eton had been offered a place. What factors seem important to you?

[1805]

I have a ds at Radley - we didn't apply for Eton though, so I can't comment on the differences between the schools. PM if you have any specific questions.

[doddy8393]

Really appreciate all your responses. I think my boy has a great talent and passion into some of sports as well as musical instruments and his academic level and interest is also reasonably good. I would like him to be more than happy in the atmosphere he likes. To be honest, I don't have much information about both school so I needed your advices. More comments from you would continue to be helpful for us.

[1805]

does ds have a preference?

[MrsBernardBlack]

People with boys at Eton will tell you Eton is great, people with boys at Radley will recommend Radley, not many people will have an in depth knowledge about both schools.

We have all chosen the schools we think are best for our own children, you really cannot expect a bunch of strangers on an Internet forum to make this very important choice for your son.

I assume you have visited both schools, since you have offers from both. Which one did your son like best? If he is not sure I suggest you try to arrange further visits, and have another look around.

[michealdall]

I have the same problem here too. My DS was offered the place at both schools. He's not the shy type and is very academic and musical. He loves sports as well but not trained to the same high standard like his music. I personally feel Radley is a very calm school, which suits my own style and Eton is better equipped and might have stronger resources. By the look on papers, Eton has stronger musical facility while Radley has a fantastic head of piano. We also have few friends who have their DS in Radley. They all seem like the school a lot. My own feeling is Radley is more like a big family at the countryside and Eton is more formal. I am bringing my DS to both schools this week and let him get a final feeling to decide. I will report back later. :)