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Original poster

help?? - independent secondary school (yr9)

34 replies

confusedparent2014 · 19/12/2014 19:10

We are new to the UK and are looking at yr 9 entry for our son for september 2015. If geography and money wasn't a stumbling block then where would you go to. My son is academic and sporty and it needs to be in that order. Ideally we are looking South of Midlands. He wants to board hence the geography issue and we have a realistic budget and would expect a scholarship of some sort??????

OP posts:
Original poster
confusedparent2014 · 19/12/2014 19:56

skylark2 my original post is asking for guidance as to where would be the best school to go and simply asking for a widespread opinion. I thought I would start the debate almost as if money and geography was not a barrier and go from there. There are lots of schools we have heard of and even better schools we have not yet heard of hence my post. I am not limited geographically but would prefer the south of england. My reference to the scholarship is that my son is capable of being awarded one whether thats academic or sporty (regardless of its value) therefore I believe he should go for one, wether he is successful or not is irrelevant. I am reluctant to judge a school simply on its glossy prospectus and promises. I simply want the best bang for the buck.

OP posts:
MerryMo · 19/12/2014 19:56

Malvern College or Monmouth School perhaps

LIZS · 19/12/2014 19:53

www.sevenoaksschool.org/entry-at-13 . Sorry looks like you are too late.

What about Epsom although situation may be similar as they also close registrations 2 years ahead and pretest in year 6. www.epsomcollege.org.uk/13plus-admissions

Lesser known schools may be more flexible , where are you planning to live?

LIZS · 19/12/2014 19:46

Last year Sevenoaks made offers well before Christmas with only scholarship exams in the Spring and traditionally over offer places. Having said that there must have been some movement this term as a child from dc school has just swapped as a day pupil. Not especially sporty, but follows IB in 6th form if that is something you want to consider.

skylark2 · 19/12/2014 19:45

Why does he need a scholarship but not a bursary?

I do think you need to consider that your chance of your son getting a scholarship is inversely proportional to the academic level of the school. If you don't need it for the money, he's almost certainly better off going to a better school and not getting a scholarship than one where the academics are poorer and getting one.

ZeroSomeGameThingy · 19/12/2014 19:41

Mmm ... yes, for the schools that people might most want with no restrictions of money or geography you are now (mostly) too late for all but the Scholarship routes.

It would be helpful if you could say where you are coming from. (It might make a difference.) Has he boarded before? If not he will undoubtedly be asked why he thinks he would thrive in a contemporary boarding environment.

Original poster
confusedparent2014 · 19/12/2014 19:41

Bursery not required and I appreciate the predicament with late entry. My very recent experience is showing that some schools are still taking entries as their entrance exams are not until the new year. Schools that look interesting include sevenoaks, Millfield, Whitgift, but I'm nervous about the academics side as these appear mainly sporty?? I know there are loads more but its a minefield out there

OP posts:
LIZS · 19/12/2014 19:21

Hate to say it but you are probably looking at a late entry now. A lot of schools pre-test in year 6 or 7 then confirm places after Common Entrance exams in June or may have already held their own exams and interviews or will do so in January. Depending on the acceptances of offers which could be due any time between now and March there may be an opportunity to register for a second round of exams before Easter for some, although chances of scholarships at that stage are much lower.

Where is he attending now, do they prepare for Common Entrance papers although even traditional public schools may offer an alternative selection route for those not at CE schools or from overseas. Have you visited any schools or have a particular shortlist ?

EdithWeston · 19/12/2014 19:15

Most (all?) schools have closed their registrations for September 2015, but if you can pay full price for a boarding place, I think you will still find many schools that can squiggle in a latecomer (I'm assuming when you say scholarship, rather than bursary, you can afford typical fees but would like an honour).

Try Oakham and Uppingham?