Considering Wellington college for DDs

pastoral, you go to bed too late!

We have sets of friends who have sent their children to Bradfield and to Leighton Park (I'm assuming that's what you meant by LP?). Both sets of parents very happy. One of the boys who went to LP is sensitive/quirky and has thrived there. I don't think they overdo the Quaker heritage but the impression I got is that it is a fairly gentle (in a good way) school. I don't know anything about Teddies in 2011. My sense (and, again, I may be completely wrong) is that Bradfield and LP are good all-round schools without being aggressively academic, sporty, arty etc in ethos. Could be a good fit for 3 DC with different personalities if you choose to send them to the same school.

In choosing boarding schools there is one variable you cannot control - the other boys/girls joining your child's house at the same time as them. If they bond and make a strong, decent year group they'll really enjoy the experience. Much less fun if they don't. Scary.

St Edwards has a very very high standard of pastoral care and health care and has created a model that many others are now copying. It has a wide intake and the bright do well and the less able are well supported. The non sporty may struggle as sport is taken very seriously. it is also very close to Oxford city centre and the traffic is a complete nightmare in the mornings.

Don't trust those ISI report. I completed a questionnaire for the ISI prior to an inspection of DS2 old prep. I had serious issues and at least three other parents raised similar concerns but the report said that all parents who completed the questionnaire were very happy. I have since heard of other parents raising concerns about their schools on ISI questionnaires and experiencing the same thing. The term "independent schools inspectorate" relates to what they're inspecting not their actual independence.

Pastoral,

Very informative to read the inspectors' reports on these two schools (and any others you are considering):

www.wellingtoncollege.org.uk/inspection

www.stowe.co.uk/admissions/school-inspection-reports

Colleger totally agree.

I would never contemplate Wellington whilst that man is still on the throne!

The school my friends DS left before going to Wellington was a long way from although still in the south east is a very long way from Marlow. I obviously wish to protect her identity if you still wish to know PM me I will tell you. By the way wouldn't touch Stowe with a barge pole head is absolutely hideous we know quite a few who've left there.

Pastoral,

We live in Greece so for logistical reasons my daughter may go to school in Scotland, where we have family. In my view Anthony Seldon has done a tremendous job of reshaping Wellington into a better place for children to be and I'd be delighted if, at 16+ if not before, my daughter could go there to complete an IB. Have you visited the school with your various offspring, to get a feel for the place? Since you're in Marlow, perhaps Stowe is another possibility.

pastoral, what other schools might you consider (if you don't mind sharing)?

Agree very much with the second paragraph of grovels,look beyond the pr bluff,the (ever excellent)1st xv havent suddenly taken up crochet,hopefully Haskell like incidents will no longer happen,but its not all touchy feely ,emotional well being classes.

pastoral, I'm not an expert on Wellington. I've been there a few times (DS's matches) and have known a few people from DS's prep school who went there 7 years ago. We're within easy commute of Wellington but did not put DS's name down.
My sense is that the school is a bit soulless. It has changed from being a tough, single sex, boarding-only school with a long-term military bias to being shiny, PR savvy, co-ed, day-and-boarding etc. I'm not sure it has really developed a new sense of identity beyond the words in the prospectus. I may be completely wrong.
Dr Seldon is an extraordinarily busy man. He's a journalist, an author, and a headmaster. He's deeply involved in the Wiltshire Academy which Wellington are sponsoring and also in Wellington's franchise activities in the Far East. But he's reputed not to sleep so maybe he's got time for it all....

Ten years ago Wellington was notorious for bullying,drugs and low academic standards,no one can doubt Seldon had bumped the school up the league tables and has got it and himself lots of publicity,however has the general ethos of the place changed,well each person must decide for themselves.
"A fast evolving school that is very much in favour" is that from the GSG or just something you made up ?Does any parent ever talk in that way about a school....

Would your DC board? Are you local?

Our neighbours sent their girls to Wellington. Both expelled (sex-related offences).
Anthony Seldon (The Master) is decidedly weird.

Prop:

Does my enthusiasm show? I considered Wellington for my daughter and I think it's a great school but, for various reasons, she'll probably go an all-girls school.

Lastsummer-could you just confirm what your connection/knowledge is with regard to Wellington,your posts read like pr puffs.
I would think very carefully about sending a girl to Wellington.