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Original poster

Co-ed Boarding schools starting at 13+

58 replies

boardingdilemma · 10/05/2016 23:09

My daughter is currently at a standalone prep, so we need to find a senior school for her when she finishes there (must be full boarding).

We would ideally like to keep her in the South-West (Wilts/Dorset/Hampshire/North Somerset), but would consider further afield, as we feel quite limited with where she can go. She won't consider single-sex, and is adamant she doesn't want to go somewhere that has its own prep school.

Her first choice is Marlborough, and I think she stands a good chance of getting in, but certainly can't bank on it with it being so oversubscribed for girls. We've visited one other school in Somerset, and have two more scheduled to visit.

So, basically, we're after: full boarding, co-ed, no prep, starts at year 9, south west.

TIA.

OP posts:
MadameCholetsDirtySecret · 11/05/2016 09:33

I know it is out of your area but Leighton Park in Reading might fit.

TinySalmon · 11/05/2016 09:14

Have a read through the Tatler school guide. It will list plenty of co-ed options in the South West.

I'm pregnant with my first and this guide has been my bible for finding prep schools in London.

Good luck x

MsMargaretHale · 11/05/2016 07:29

There are very few schools where all/most the boarders stay in on a Saturday night. When we looked we whittled it down to
St Edwards Oxford,Uppingham,Kings Canterbury,Marlborough

King's is SE rather than SW. It does have its own prep, but it is on a different campus and the vast majority of girl boarders are new at 13 so it is not a question of slotting into existing friendship groups at 13. Even on the boys side you do not get more than a handful from the prep in any one house as they split them up.

Have you ruled out Sherborne girls? Single sex but apparently does lots with the boys school.

SoGodhelpme · 11/05/2016 07:15

'Middlers', but meddlers too, good discipline.

LIZS · 11/05/2016 07:05

Millfield technically starts at 13+ as its prep goes up to y8. Many senior schools also have a large 13+ intake even if they intake at 11+ - at dc it is about 2/3 11+, 1/3 13+. Or are you looking for somewhere where everyone is new at y9?

SoGodhelpme · 11/05/2016 07:05

OP, Rugby is not 11+ entry only. A tiny amount enter at 11+ they have two small classes for years 7 and 8 mainly to encourage the local state schools to apply. Their main point of entry is year 9. It's also full boarding from yr 9 upwards, everybody is in over the weekends and the school is full of activity. It is not weekly boarding. Everyone goes home at expats only which is every 3 weeks.
It is a fantastic school that does very well by the very academic as well as meddlers. The pastoral I can't fault. Please do go and see it.

Original poster
boardingdilemma · 11/05/2016 06:56

Thank you Dustylaw. I know there aren't many 'proper' full boarding schools left. Marlborough is perfect for us in that respect, but as long as it has Saturday school & matches, and healthy weekend numbers then I'd be happy.

I have looked at Uppingham's website before, and would consider schools in the midlands. I suppose I just feel more comfortable with the South West schools as I know more about them. We're supposed to be going to see Rugby, although I may cancel as I didn't realise it was 11+ entry.

OP posts:
Dustylaw · 11/05/2016 00:49

It would probably be helpful for suggestions if you could give more detail on what you mean by 'full boarding'. Do you mean full boarding in the sense that full boarding is offered or that there is Saturday school or that all are expected to stay in 7 days a week or that some of the 'full boarders' will slope off to local homes or London on Saturday evening and return on Sunday evening. Not necessarily bad provided a reasonable proportion stay in over the weekend but not good if it's only a few overseas boarders and your daughter. The thing is, there are quite a lot of boarding schools but actually very few of the '7 day a week for everyone' type left. Uppingham would meet yr criteria but it is not exactly nearby whereas you have some good choices if you are less demanding of absolutely full boarding.