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Original poster

Looking at boarding DS for Yr 8 Surrey/W Sussex/Hampshire

32 replies

JammyCow · 08/04/2011 13:19

Hi I am looking at moving my DS to board in Year 8. He is academically very capable but prone to laziness and not very keen on sport. He likes art and drama but is not massively into either. We feel he needs a more inclusive, boarding environment where academics are important but not at the expensive of having well rounded happy children who want to be a part of the school community. We have seen Epsom, Cranleigh and Charterhouse and they are not for us.

Does anyone have any experience (both good and bad) of Christs Hospital or Hurst Pierpoint?
Can anyone suggest another school we could go and see?

OP posts:
goinggetstough · 08/04/2011 14:12

Jammy Cow - have you thought about Lord Wandsworth College - not too far from Surrey. My DB went there many years ago but we have recently had friends there who speak very highly of it.
You mention your DS is not keen on sport, similiar to my DS. However, my DS goes to a school which is known for sport. He does the normal amount of school but the school has lots to offer him too, so he has thrived there. So from my experience don't be immediately put off if you are told a school is sporty. Some schools of course do revolve around sport so you do have to look carefully. Good luck.

MrsWitcher · 08/04/2011 14:03

What about Bearwood College? I know a mum who thought Welloington was just too much for her son and she is really happy with Bearwood.

grovel · 08/04/2011 13:58

You could look at Leighton Park (Reading). Neighbours sent their DS there and were delighted. They too did not feel that the Charterhouses, Wellingtons etc were "right for him".

Original poster
JammyCow · 08/04/2011 13:53

Hi goinggetstough I would prefer weekly but we saw CH and were impressed with the full boarding experience. Yr 7 has been a complete disaster for us hence the move to board in yr 8 and try a different approach. We live in Surrey so I like the idea of being close so we can go to watch matches etc.

OP posts:
stringerbell · 08/04/2011 13:40

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Message withdrawn at poster's request.

missmiss · 08/04/2011 13:37

Hurstpierpoint is quite sporty, I think.

goinggetstough · 08/04/2011 13:34

Hi
Year 8 is an unusual year to move, so your choices may be limited, but equally less demand. Senior schools usually start at year 7 or year 9 after Common Entrance.
In addition to your list have you considered Ardingly College (year 9 but with a prep school attached) or Eastbourne College (year 9 entrance - I know more East Sussex, but a good train line), Gordon's School Woking (year 7)?
Is your DS going to weekly boarder?