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Original poster

Public schools

35 replies

AmandaHuggankiss · 30/09/2012 19:25

DS has been at day prep school, we were thinking of a day senior school, but before we commit to that, I wanted to check out some of the real public schools (Eton, etc.) for full boarding at 13.

He is quite outgoing, likes the company of others, computer games, etc, but is not sporty. He benefits from structure, rules and routine, rather than somewhere liberal and self-motivating.

Any thoughts on which of the top public schools might be a good fit?

OP posts:
elastamum · 01/10/2012 12:06

How about Repton? Mixed and a wide range of ability, quite sporty, but lots of other stuff for those less interested. My DS1 is day, but absolutely loves it and spends most of his time there socialising, even when he doesnt have to

Original poster
AmandaHuggankiss · 01/10/2012 12:01

We had a frank talk with the head last week. However we didn't discuss boarding schools because I hadn't considered them.

Hence just wondering if anyone could help us with a list of such schools that might be suitable for further investigation.

OP posts:
Knowsabitabouteducation · 01/10/2012 07:00

Eton is a huge school and it caters for all sorts, including the less sporty.

The best thing is to follow the advice of the prep school head. Make an appointment to see him for a frank talk, not to some back-slapping remark made in passing.

There are timetables in the admissions processes for each school that have to be met, as pre-tests take place from Y5 to early Y7, depending on the school. An offer of a place is given after the pre-test, conditional on Common Entrance results. Very few students "fail" Common Entrance, and disasters usually only happen when the parents have been adamant about pursuing and inappropriate senior school.

kerrygrey · 01/10/2012 05:43

To achieve 'pick up 6 times a year' chose a school with a railway station in the town. Then he can get himself to and fro for half-terms and weekend exeats, and you will only have to do the heavy stuff at the start and end of term

Original poster
AmandaHuggankiss · 30/09/2012 20:24

The head has told us he could potentially get in anywhere in the country, but it is not guaranteed, so he suggested we apply for a highly selective and less selective backup(s).

DS likes to get outside and get some is exercise but is not co-ordinated, so is poor at things like tennis, rugby, cricket, football. He is good at rock climbing though.

OP posts:
happygardening · 30/09/2012 20:09

"Quite able" that might rule out quite a few Eton Winchester entrance requirements are on a par with St Paul's Westminster what London schools has your prep school head advised to look at?
I'm not sure about picking up 6 times a year either my DS ful boards and we're unusual as we don't have many exeats and I've just counted 20 trips picking up or dropping off and that's assuming you never watch a play or listen to a concert.
Bryanston I believe offers a wide variety of activities quite arty but lots of weekly boarders but coaches to parts of London, stations etc. I understand.

happygardening · 30/09/2012 20:00

Most boarding schools offer activities every afternoon and they are often sporty. The good news is that the sports offered are usually significantly broader than at prep. My DS not a kean team sports player is now free to follow his own choosen sports and is significantly happier not be made to stand fielding all afternoon.

Original poster
AmandaHuggankiss · 30/09/2012 19:56

He is inclined towards maths/science rather than the arts, and quite able yes.

Not sure either way about co-ed.

I didn't think there were that many true 13-18 public schools, I think considering you only do pick up half-a-dozen times a year anywhere is fine, though we are in south-east England.

OP posts:
happygardening · 30/09/2012 19:54

Eton certainly is structured with rules and routine but pretty sporty. Winchester is more liberal you do have to be self motivated but not so sporty no compulsory sport after yr 10. Marlborough is structured but lots of sport.

goinggetstough · 30/09/2012 19:48

What area of the country are you looking at, would you consider co-ed and is he academic? You mention Eton so can we assume he is academic?
There are so many schools out there it can be difficult to suggest schools without some extra facts.

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