Sherborne or Bryanston as a day pupil

[Witwatersrand1970]

We are in a location which is equidistant between Sherborne and Bryanston school. I really like both schools but they have been ruled out as they are both predominantly boarding schools. Our judgments are based on preconceptions and not first hand experience so I would be very appreciative if any parent has first hand experience of DC being day pupils in these schools.

[happygardening]

A friends DS went to Bryanston they wanted full boarding they removed him at the end of year 11 as the vast majority were weekly/flexi boarders only in school Monday to Frid max or day pupils.

[mateysmum]

No personal experience, but I have a good friend with a DS as a day boy at Sherborne.
There is no doubt it is mainly a boarding school and day boys are expected to participate in the full range of activities. So, often in school till well into the evening - 7-8pm especially if there are extra curricular things going on, plus weekend sports fixtures. It's pretty full on. You would not see much of your DS in term time.
As a side note, my friend has also had some issues with the school, but this could be just personal to her and her DS of course. It seems to be a VERY traditional school, which is fine but can also seem reluctant to accept new ideas and that not everyone wants to study traditional subjects at uni or go into the "professions". I get the feeling its management is a bit "stuffy" and "old boy'ish".
As ever, it's horses for courses and what is best for your child and you but if you don't think the full on boarding ethos would work for you there are probably better alternatives.

[mateysmum]

OP If you have specific questions I might be able to ask my friend. PM me if you like.

[Witwatersrand1970]

Thank you happygardening - does that indicate that a day student would not be out of place in this environment?

[Witwatersrand1970]

Thank you mateysmum - you are right - there are other choices in the area and most of these would still expect a considerable time commitment but hopefully this would negate the extra time we currently spend in other club, homework and activities after school - and I am sure there will still be time for Fortnite! I like the traditional aspect but this opinion is not shared at the dinner table - "Lord of the Flies" has been mentioned more than once ... hardly a fair review without any context - but I think the real question is - would a day pupil thrive or have problems in this environment? ...I will PM - thank you :)

[Becket51]

DS is currently at Bry. Just asked him about day pupils and he says they stay in school until 9 pm. He has a friend who is a day boy and he doesn't see it as a big deal one way or the other by which I mean DS feels the day boy is just a part of the school as everyone else.

[JulianDickGeorgeAndTimmy]

Aren't they very different types of schools - Bryanston quite arty, Sherborne much more traditional?

[ServelikeSerena]

What about Canford?
Possibly a bit more rigorous academically and plenty of day pupils?

[Becket51]

Canford is a really good shout. Bry have about 90 day pupils while Canford have over 200. Similar size schools. We visited it two or three times and I am pretty sure they even had separate Houses for day pupils. Admissions will tell you how long the school day is for the day pupils. DS was offered a place at Canford and Sherborne but we liked Bry (at the risk of losing all credibility we are suckers for the happy red brick buildings and massive grounds). He has good friends at each school. It is as mateysmum says horses for courses.

[Witwatersrand1970]

Hi Julian... yes that is my impression too but I suspect that they both cover the core subjects equally as well and there would be a niche for any character in either... (if that makes sense!)

Serve... not thought of it, but we will now ...thank you :)

Becket51 - thank you - a good insight - can I ask if your DS is arty/sporty/sciency ? - i.e. did you choose Bry because they were considered an arty school ?

[Becket51]

He is science/economics/sports and does some acting. Not arty. Bry does deserve its arty reputation and I like to think being around talented musicians, artists, actors, film makers is good for his soul. We really chose the school because we liked it as a family and felt comfortable with its ethos (all about the individual) rather than because it has an arty reputation and we had an arty child.

[Witwatersrand1970]

Thank you Becket51 - that makes me feel a bit more secure - we will contact admissions!