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Original poster

Non-Hothouse-y Girls' Boarding Schools

67 replies

MeantToStopAtTwo · 29/05/2011 17:46

Since my own alma mater has now died a sad death, where should I be looking at for my daughters?

OP posts:
MrsTwat · 02/06/2011 23:13

How about www.tudorhallschool.com/page/default.asp?title=Welcome&pid=1 in Oxfordshire.

stealthsquiggle · 02/06/2011 23:05

Leighton Park is a Quaker school. This means (and my DB was there, granted a long time ago (we are not quakers, FWIW)) that they take deadly seriously their committment to every child as an individual - they do have some outstanding academic successes, but appeared (repeat, this is a long time ago) to be very good at valuing everyone for their own unique worth.

Bizarrely, my DM taught at Luckley Oakfield - but that was even longer ago, so really really not qualified to comment.

Milliways · 02/06/2011 23:02

If you want all girls - Luckley Oakfield in Wokingham always gets good reviews, although I don't know anyone with a connection at the moment (I knew the old Headmaster).

Colleger · 02/06/2011 21:54

I would recommend Dean Close as a co-ed choice. Only around 460+ pupils and the pastoral care is second to none. It is a very caring, kind school and will draw out potential. Well worth reading the GSG report.

Original poster
MeantToStopAtTwo · 02/06/2011 21:46

Thanks. I'm so glad you've found a good fit for your DD Punkatheart. That's always lovely to hear. Was her previous school also boarding?

We're currently debating the co-ed issue. I'd always imagined our dds would go to girls' schools but should perhaps revise that view as it seems like co-ed is the way of the future.

OP posts:
Punkatheart · 02/06/2011 17:16

Can second Leighton Park. My daughter's hair was dropping out at her previous school, which was an all girl's hothouse hellhole, to be honest! She is so happy and calm at Leighton, but also wants to achieve without being bullied into it....

Milliways · 02/06/2011 16:31

I have only ever heard great things of Leighton Park - and a MNer has recently moved her DD there from a Hothouse, and she is loving it.

It is co-ed though - does that matter?

100lilgreen · 01/06/2011 23:10

Westonbirt does sound lovely, no personal info on though. i know one shouldnt go by league tables, but it is quite low down. Rodean is in a beautiful setting, might be true that it is favourable with lots of foreign girls. What about Sherborne Girls School or St Mary's Calne even though that is quite academic. Badminton is excellent too. Def one to go for is Queenswood in my opinion and take a look at St Georges

Original poster
MeantToStopAtTwo · 01/06/2011 21:44

Thanks, this is very useful.

Hothouse = A very intense competitive environment with a strong focus on being seen to achieve.

As for area, my main criterion currently is 'not too far north.' Although, that said, we're very keen on Westonbirt.

I've heard that Roedean has gone out of fashion with British parents over recent years and has now become very international, which is not considered a good sign. That's purely anecdotal though. I should probably give it more consideration.

OP posts:
100lilgreen · 31/05/2011 10:49

Another good one is Rodean. Although very famous and may sound like a hothouse, they love to produce individuals and really is not as scary as it sounds! Also a great one is St Georges in Ascot - fantastic. And Benenden

FrottageCod · 30/05/2011 23:36

Any particular area OP?

FrottageCod · 30/05/2011 23:36

What is a hot house?

PotteringAlong · 30/05/2011 23:27

Malvern St James well worth a look!

100lilgreen · 30/05/2011 23:26

Yes queenswood is fantastic. not a hothouse but still prodduce good results and lovely girls. in a beautiful setting.

sue52 · 30/05/2011 12:58

How about Kent College in Pembury.

Original poster
MeantToStopAtTwo · 30/05/2011 12:03

Thanks, I'll take a closer look at that one. I'm looking for somewhere where a quieter girl could thrive.

OP posts:
100lilgreen · 30/05/2011 08:37

What about Queenswood? lovely school

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