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Original poster

Looking for an amazing SE boarding school....

38 replies

Ruggles · 18/11/2017 21:00

We're just starting to look for schools for DS1 who is in Y4. I know it's early, but we want to take our time looking before registering in Y5 ahead of pre-tests. He's at a large non-selective prep school and middle of the road academically, loves sport but not sporty, quite musical and interested / enthusiastic about lots of different things. We'd like to find school which is a bit like Brighton or Win College, but less academic. It's difficult to explain what I mean, but a school with wide horizons, a commitment to excellence and open-minds appeals. We don't like the idea of 'fulham type schools' and wonder if there are some that less obvious that we haven't considered.

We live on W Sussex / Hants border and happy to travel 60-90 mins. Would really appreciate any thoughts or ideas.
Thank you. :)

OP posts:
Fffion · 19/11/2017 16:30

Hurst?

happygardening · 19/11/2017 11:29

Bradfield, Cranleigh and Bryanston are definitely weekly boarding (we've friends at all three). Friends love the first two but complain they are definitely not full boarding, another friend pulled her DS from Bryanston because it was not full boarding too much weekly boarding meaning pupils go home on Friday and come back on Monday.
Canford according to a friend with a DS there has compulsory weekends in but 1 in 3 weekends I believe).
And I agree Dorset is a far journey, some years ago the friend with a DS at Bryanston, in a desperate attempt to amuse him at the weekend came to see us one Sunday for lunch we were at the time living in the next country took them over 2 hours to get to us.
Marlborough is definitely full boarding with a small number of day although not super selective not far off and not liberal.
I know St Eds well PM me for more info.

Original poster
Ruggles · 19/11/2017 09:44

Happy - just saw your second message. Our head is keen on Canford, Cranleigh, Marlbourough and Sherborne. We mentioned Bryanston, but he didn't really comment. He doesnt' really like the day school thing. The Dorset schools are prob too far for us. I will have a look at Eastbourne. :)

OP posts:
Original poster
Ruggles · 19/11/2017 09:39

Thank you so much for your replies. Lots to think about.

Cranleigh is on our list and v popular locally, but a big reputation for sport and SW London parents...

I think Haileybury is too far, esp as most of journey would be on the M25.

Happy - we are not sure what we want to do boarding-wise. DS is very keen to board, but we'd keep him local if we found the right school. DS2 is younger, but says he's staying at home! We live in a rural village with very little public transport, so unless it's boarding, we're relying on school buses. We're keen to encourage independence and like the idea of a school in a town or city with all that offers / brings. St Ed's sounds really great for us. Only concern is distance from us. Do you have DC's there? For us it would be full boarding as we don't want to spend every weekend driving. Does it empty out on a Sat night? What is the catchment area?

Thank you!

OP posts:
happygardening · 19/11/2017 09:00

It also describes itself as a day school with boarding approx 1/6th board.
What about Eastbourne? I don’t know that much about but someone I vaguely know works there apparently she likes it.
Years ago when my DS’s were at prep school we were always told it’s a very caring school.
Really OP not only do you need to seek advise from you Head you also need to visit a few to get a feel for them and decide which one suits your DS and you the best.

AlbusPercival · 19/11/2017 08:15

I think Claremont would be too far

happygardening · 19/11/2017 08:12

What’s sort of boarding are you looking for?
Full weekly flexi?
I too second St Edwards. It’s a boarding school with day pupils which is better than the other way round if your looking for boarding, 80% of the school board, a mixture of weekly and full boarding (currently), and lots of everything sport art music drama etc, generally happy relaxed children, bright children do well the less able are encouraged, it offers the IB and A levels which I also think is good and it’s more liberal than many others. Being in Oxford there’s things to do outside of school and this widens it’s horozons as well.
Having said this what does your prep school head say? He’ll know you DS the best and therefore what schools would suit him best.

shushpenfold · 18/11/2017 22:00

Cranleigh?

Original poster
Ruggles · 18/11/2017 21:59

St Edwards sounds perfect - worried it's a bit too far at 1:40 mins, but looks v interesting... Off to look at Haileybury too. Thanks

OP posts:
Zodlebud · 18/11/2017 21:54

Haileybury, although might be a bit too far for you.

MidLifeCrisis007 · 18/11/2017 21:23

Bradfield or St Edwards.

Original poster
Ruggles · 18/11/2017 21:16

Thanks Ohdo, I'll have a look

OP posts:
ohdostopfiddling · 18/11/2017 21:07

Claremont Senior School in East Sussex? Has a boarding house