Eton admissions

Sorry to hear that, Finney! I suspect our news is the same. I offered to call the school for my son, but he wants to wait for the letter. Good luck finding the right school for your son!

Thats a shame Finney but over the years I've known quite a few bright capable boys who didn't get in and fairly obviously lots of very bright capable boys who didn't even choose to apply. All have gone onto to be successful well adjusted and happy at other schools the "best school" in the world is the one that is the right school for you DS and you.

We are based in Manila. But the post will be delivered to Shanghai. Waiting for it...

We are located overseas and haven't got any letter/email yet. Is there anyone overseas who received an email, so far?

Finney DS2 full boarded from yr 2, at various times in his school career he had the choice of going to a day school or a weekly boarding he choose to continue full boarding.
Until we went and looked round his boarding prep, boarding definitely wasn't on my radar, I have no regrets.
He never was "giggling immature teenager" he was a slightly reserved lone wolf who dislikes "competitive environments", he like Kipling's cat "walks by himself", Winchester allowed in fact positively encouraged him to be himself, and he whilst there he learned that it is ok to be yourself, so I delighted to say he left five years later with his innate personality little changed.

It's good to hear you're giving your son 100% support now, IslandThyme, which is important in order for him to thrive in Eton's fiercely competitive environment. Your unqualified support will make your son's experience in Eton a more positive and happier one and I can assure you when Eton finally returns your boy to you 5 years later, a fine young gentleman (one that you first handed over a giggling immature teenager), you'll be so glad that you'd made the right decision. Only problem now is to get that elusive offer from Eton on which I wish you good luck!

I've never really been against it, just not sure I was for it in the beginning. I brought up the difficulties of attending boarding school to my son to make sure he understood what he was getting in to. He has given plenty of very good reasons why he thinks boarding school is for him and after seeing his enthusiasm, My husband and I fully support him and think Eton would be a wonderful experience for him where he will mature and grow into a fine young man! Also, I learned a lot on our tour as well and felt far more comfortable than I thought I would.

I agree with pete (that's twice in a week) I always say you have to believe in your school choice whatever it might be for two reasons; 1. It's inevitable that you'll DC will have a few ups and downs they may only be very minor but nearly all children do if you're not fully signed up to the schools ethos then your find it harder to support them and address the problems, 2. boarding is a big step for a child whatever they're age and although most trot off happily in my professional experience those who adjust the best are again those with parents who who are absolutely committed to the school that has been chosen.
I don't hide the fact that Eton was not for me or my DS it's ethos is not ours. I looked round it with 4 other families, 1 other felt as I did and their DS went to Harrow (again not a school for me), 1 was ambiviliant 2 liked it, we all saw something different. A parent at DS''s prep visited Winchester on the same day we did she didn't like it as "she couldn't see what she was buying into" her DS went to Eton and In sure was happy mine went to Winchester its ethos suited him and us and he was happy. There are loads of boarding schools out there, having enough money to pay their fees enables you to make the choice about what is right for your child and you.

"I was against it, but it was my son who insisted... I kept bringing up every negative thing I could think of and he was adamant."

Just curious why you are against it and trying your hardest to discourage your son, IslandThyme? Personally I don't think a scenario like this is a healthy approach for your son to attend Eton.

Island you should phone up Winchester ASAP if you're interested.

Winchester was mentioned to me the other day by a Mum who had 2 boys attend. I'm not ruling anything out at this point. I'm guessing I'm going to have to make another trip over . . .

I'm going to have to invest in a "Happy Light" 😂

Are you sure about that?

You're going to get seasonal affective disorder.

Is anyone on the thread sitting for Winchester, by the way?

Yes, it was really his idea! His grandfather and great-grandfather both attended Eton. I was against it, but it was my son who insisted. He loved it when we had our tour. I kept bringing up every negative thing I could think of and he was adamant. He's really ready for a bigger experience. He's a well-rounded boy and needs more challenges then he gets here. He does well academically (but our school here is small), he sails, plays football, is a long distance runner, swims, surfs. He'll try anything. He wants to summit Everest one day! Crazy kid! If it's not Eton, we'll be looking at other options. We've decided to move to the UK to be closer to him during the transition. My husband has dual citizenship (UK/USA) and we do have family there, so change will be good for us all!

I'm falling over with jealousy that you live on a tiny island in the Bahamas.

Are you sure your son will want to move to Windsor?

Waiting is the hardest part. If we don't get positive news, at least the wait will be over, then we can move forward with other plans!

I'm not sure I want to hear by phone! LOL!

So you're still waiting, too? Were you told overseas applicants would get an email if they were accepted? I was not told that.