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Original poster

Private schools without the pressure

57 replies

SunshineQuack · 02/07/2014 10:13

Hi

This is all a bit theoretical but my DF has just offered to pay for DD's school fees when she's a bit older as we don't have a great set of state schools around us.

We're currently just looking at our options. I'm quite keen on avoiding academic hothouses - my school was quite academically pressured and while I got very good grades I don't want the same adolescence for DD. She's very bright, very creative, and a real live wire - very energetic. She tends to like things to do, and doesn't need a lot of pushing - she loves to feel like she's doing well. DH thinks she'd do really well at any school, but I'm hoping for somewhere which is good on pastoral care, good on arts, music and drama, and while it will give her the opportunity to thrive academically, won't be too much of a hothouse.

We're looking at boarding schools in England (ideally south east so she can get home relatively easily) or day schools in the London area. We're RC and open to RC schools (she's in an RC state primary at the moment).

I had Bedales in my head as an option, but I am basing that on the media and one person I know who went there and I don't know if I've got an idealized view of the place.

OP posts:
AuntieStella · 02/07/2014 14:36

You asked about London day schools. They're not necessarily academic hothouses, but do all tend to be quite pressured.

You don't say which bit of London you're in, but ones you might like to have a look at are Streatham and Clapham Girls School, Francis Holland, maybe St James. And if you're considering coed, Emanuel and maybe the Harrodian.

Original poster
SunshineQuack · 02/07/2014 14:17

Yes. That's me. I'm trying to find out my options as it's something that DF and DH are interested in. DH thinks I'm projecting hugely from my experiences with my boarding school (which was a massive academic hothouse) and we should look into some of the possibilities out there.

So I thought I'd post here as well and see what people said. It's a bit of a fact finding exercise and me seeing if I'm being a bit insane about boarding schools.

OP posts:
TheWordFactory · 02/07/2014 14:06

OP, I thought on your other thread you said you were against boarding school as it had made you unhappy and anorexic...

Ignore me if this is not you, and I'm mistaken Grin

Original poster
SunshineQuack · 02/07/2014 14:03

Hrm. Yes. I don't think Bedales would be right. DH and I are comfortable and come from fairly affluent backgrounds but we're not mega-rich and I don't want DD to feel like she doesn't fit in because we don't go on holiday to Barbados.

We have considered Ampleforth, but it's a bit further away than I'd like, although we are considering having a look just in case it's right. I suspect it's much more conservative than I'd like, but offers the kind of environment I think DH and his family would like (they are pretty devout Catholics).

Frensham Heights and King Edwards both look really nice. Thank you so much for that, Moid1. I am slowly looking through websites for the others, but am really grateful for the advice I've received so far.

OP posts:
happygardening · 02/07/2014 10:31

I personally wouldn't choose Bedales a friends DS quirky and very bright had a hideous time there. The parents are also known to be mega wealthy.
St Edwards Oxford? Prides itself on a broad curriculum, lots of everything including drama ballet and sport, known at one time for not to be very academic but results are improving year on year with the newish head I believe last year 50% got A or A * at A level, they also offer the IB great for the all rounder or the undecided. But it is full boarding only or day, city based and quite liberal so not everyone's cup of tea. It also doesn't start till yr 9 so could be a problem you'd have to find a prep in between. Friends DC's are at Ampleforth out of your area of course but they've sent 5 and all different clever, SEN, weird all have thrived and done lots.
Bryanston? Has got links to London including a coach up to London and ?Richmond, friends with a DS there say it offers a broad curriculum, was liberal in the past but not under current head. Cranleigh great for the sporty, weekly boarding only, conservative with a small C parents. Bradfield has a reputation for having happy children who do lots, a friend with a DC there loves it, again weekly boarding only but again doesn't start till yr 9 first years live in a special purpose built boarding house all together could be a good start for a a child not familiar with boarding.

LIZS · 02/07/2014 10:20

Woldingham, St John's Leatherhead , St Theresa's Effingham, St Catherine's Bramley, Worth ?

Moid1 · 02/07/2014 10:18

Frensham Heights, Frensham very creative, no school uniform
King Edwards Witley - strong pastoral care, good arts

Both do not select on academics but get good results