Boarding School Choice for Sixth Form

[KittyFrz]

My son is currently at a grammar school in Year 11.
We are considering a boarding option in Year 12.

We have a lot of ongoing problems with engagement and taking responsibility for his future/education/learning. I appreciate this is typical teenage boy stuff, but he is pretty extreme by comparison to his peers and I'm just exhausted from having to be onto him over everything.

He used to love rugby but was never picked for any teams at his extremely rugby orientated school. He shows considerable interest in CCF (Army) and drama/acting (though never had the opportunity)

He's above average bright without being genius bright & very lazy and due to his lack of engagement these last few years I'm sure his GCSE results will not reflect his true ability. This will limit his options in terms of admission.

He is a sensitive sort, not macho but not particularly quiet or shy, reasonably sporty if given the opportunity. We feel he's just lost his way and the thought of him doing A-Levels where he is fills me with dread. Even if they were to accept him.

He says he wants to be a vet or a doctor but he is so far away from that at present. But wherever he goes it will need to be strong on the sciences.

I am looking at Wellington, Marlborough, Shiplake (close and small)

I'm grateful for any insight or insider knowledge and thoughts or suggestions !

[yawnsvillex]

Have you looked at Reading Blue Coats?

Wellington, Marlborough and Shiplake all excellent too.

[yawnsvillex]

Blue Coats is Day! Sorry

[houselikeashed]

Radley. They won't let him coast there.

[houselikeashed]

Big on Drama, and strong Army section too.

[RosieBenenden]

I think he will thrive and moving from grammar to independent will be a massively beneficial thing. No grammar will offer what a boarding education can. Marlborough is where DH went and his children by his first marriage are there and it is a stunning school. Caring, academic, sporting and the CCF amazing; lot join the Guards. Honestly - look at Marlborough serious. Message me anytime.

[Soma]

OP, if he likes CCF, have you considered Pangbourne or Royal Hospital School, Suffolk?

[Guymere]

Marlborough is very choosy for 6th form. Wellington might tell you they are too. Shiplake is very different from these two. I might look at somewhere like Uppingham or Oakham. Radley might be a bit easier to get into and there’s also Stowe. Why do you want close by if he’s boarding?

[Perching]

Bedford?

[Dancingdreamer]

Marlborough is amazing a ticks the boxes for CCF, drama and (not too competitive) rugby Or basically any other sport you want. It can be difficult to get in for 6th form as a boy because basically they are replacing 6th form leavers. But they are are looking for D.C. who will contribute something to the school, not just academics so definitely worth investigating.

I do have to say that you need to be fairly robust to survive the school. If you do, however, it is amazing and fun if slightly eccentric at times. However, they will give kids the opportunities but it is up to you if you want to take them. They don’t hover over 6th formers. They are expected to be mature and then take responsibility for their own success.

PM me if you want more information.