Finding an top sports boarding school (especially football)

[jharringford]

My DS is a very sporty boy (especially in football, not rugby) and also quite bright and hard-working. The fact is that we want a top boarding school with a good football program and also high academic standard.
We are thinking about Harrow or Winchester.

Apart from Millfield do you have any recomendations?

Thank you

[Comefromaway]

If high level football is important then Moorland School in Clitheroe specialises in it. (and ballet!)

[jharringford]

thank you so much but we had in mind a more academic school

[Comefromaway]

By academic I guess you mean posh.

[Bunnybigears]

Does he play for an academy?

[JoJoSM2]

A tad tricky. Royal Russell is amazing at football but they aren't one of the most academic schools.

Looking at the teams that got the furthest in the ISFA Cup, Charterhouse could be a good one: defo academic and the boys made it to the top 16 (I think). It should also fit the 'top' aka posh criterion

[nolanscrack]

They play sport at Winchester ? Who knew....

[jharringford]

He used to but now as he is ina boarding prep school, he only plays in the school team

[jharringford]

JoJoSM2 Thank you so much for the advice I've found that one of the best schools is Whitgift.

Anyone knows how is Whitgift in academic tearms?

[jharringford]

Comefromaway, Well, I wanted to say a school renowned for his academic excellence

[WanderingAimlessly]

How’s he going to board at Whitgift? Isn’t that day?

[jharringford]

WanderingAimlessly, No there's a boarding house but I think that it's not very extense.

[JoJoSM2]

Whitgift is fabulous for sports and they've had some success at football. They are pretty academic: the boys generally go to Russell group unis, a few on to Oxbridge so I'm sure they could cater for your son.
I don't know how important the top/posh thing is but Whitgift is more of an inclusive school, they do outreach work in Croydon etc. So not a privileged bubble. However, the do have amazing grounds etc everything you'd expect from a great boarding school.

[Chartreuser]

Whitgift is academic and good for football and rugby. Some do board but the majority are day boots. They have a zoo (bl**dy peacocks squawking wake me up sometimes). Sorry it's definitely not at the expense of academic attainment, have to keep up with studies to participate.

[PotteringAlong]

And, based on a thread earlier this week, a massive drugs problem apparently.

[PotteringAlong]

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/education/3619437-My-son-was-expelled-for-telling-the-truth-Sunday-Times

[LIZS]

Really? Not heard of a massive drugs problem but they are not afraid to remove pupils who misbehave or are less than applied academically, even top sporty boys. Not that big on boarding yet though, most are either local weekly boarders or from overseas. Where does the prep school suggest?

[jharringford]

PotteringAlong, thanks now I'm a little bit afraid with this information

[jharringford]

LIZS, the thing is that most of the boys of his prep school go to Eton, Harrow, Stowe, or Winchester. So due to his academic performance we were suggested to try Eton or Winchester. But we also want to consider his interest for football.

[JoJoSM2]

These drugs at boarding school articles pop up every now and again in the press and there have been some about Harrow, Eton etc I'd take these revelations with a big pinch of salt.

[JoJoSM2]

It wouldn't be in the interest to recommend that your son doesn't go to Harrow or Winchester as those look better on their leaver destination list.

[jharringford]

JoJoSM2, yes that's true.

[TheBossOfMe]

Whitgift really isn't the same as the other schools his cohort are going to - either for sport or academics. And it isn't a proper boarding school.

Charterhouse would be a much better bet.

[jharringford]

Because between Millfield and Whitgift which one would you recomend?

[jharringford]

TheBossOfMe, thanks but do you know if Charterhouse is good at football?

[Comefromaway]

My dd gave up a place at a selective academic school for a place at a school that selected only on ability in dance. She still ended up with a string of Grade 8/9 GCSE’s. I personally have more faith in a school that gets kids to their potential regardless of ability and one where they are doing what makes them happy rather than based on where everyone else goes.