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Original poster

Winchester, Westminster, or Eton?

88 replies

PGWo · 03/04/2019 10:32

Our son is currently at prep school. He will be starting secondary school in two years. He is a very intelligent child who consistently gets good marks, and his favourite recreation is reading. He is indifferent to sport. Thus, we thought a school that is unashamedly academic would be best for him. The head has recommended Winchester or Westminster. They both sound great, but our son is worried that Winchester is too connected to Oxford, and he is leaning towards Cambridge. As for Westminster, apparently they only have boarding throughout the week, which is an issue for us because I live and work on the continent.
Even though Eton is not as academic, a relative suggested looking into having our son sit for the King's Scholar test. I know it is very hard.
For anyone who knows, how is the lifestyle different for the scholars and commoners in these three schools?

OP posts:
DarlingOscar · 03/04/2019 15:23

your ds is 12 so in Y7? - haven't you missed some of the key pre test dates already?

MullofKintire · 03/04/2019 14:56

Westminster is not a suitable school for overseas boarders in Years 9-11.

GeorgeTheBleeder · 03/04/2019 14:47

I have to say, OP that if your son is due to start senior school in two years' time, it's hard to understand why you have not yet visited possible schools and gained a better understanding of how they work.

peteneras · 03/04/2019 14:39

Here's a quick guide from "yesteryear" to help you search. Sorry, this is the latest that I have but I'm sure it won't make much difference to the current standings.

Clue: 4 - 16 - 41

peteneras · 03/04/2019 14:09

"Even though Eton is not as academic, a relative suggested looking into having our son sit for the King's Scholar test. I know it is very hard."

I struggle somehow to make some sense out of this statement. If Eton is not academic enough for your child, what problem might the King's Scholarship tests prove for your apparently "unashamedly academic" son? But personally I'd say don't bother. Eton will not fit your son. Also, I'd suggest you update yourself and read up on (say) the last 5 years or so secondary schools league tables from a reputable source.

Original poster
PGWo · 03/04/2019 14:07

I don't see how the colour of my child's hair even remotely matters.

OP posts:
Original poster
PGWo · 03/04/2019 14:06

We visited Cambridge over the summer and he just fell in love. It's never too early to be thinking about the future.
Of course his mind may change in a few years, he's only twelve. No one is denying that.

OP posts:
Travelban · 03/04/2019 11:39

I wouldn't choose any of these schools based on how academic they are as they all have so much more to offer..

You don't say what else your child is interested in beyond studying? This might help?

Also it might be worth applying to all as well as having back up options, as he might not get offered a place. I know some very bright boys who didn't get a place and the reason wasn't apparent...

AtiaoftheJulii · 03/04/2019 11:38

our son is worried that Winchester is too connected to Oxford, and he is leaning towards Cambridge

  1. Where on earth does a 10/11 year old get that idea?
  1. Is that even a thing anyway? (Given that it's no longer the 14th century.)
  1. Your son should think about the right degree course for him, not just a shade of blue.
  1. He should give himself about 5 years or more before he gets too fixated on a degree course.

(5. Is he blond? (Hopefully someone else remembers that thread!))

Shimy · 03/04/2019 11:27

And just to further put OP’s mind at rest. From Winchester:

A significant number of pupils go to Oxford and Cambridge each year, and the remainder will nearly all attend a Russell Group or premier US universities, such as Brown, Chicago, Columbia, Dartmouth, Duke, Georgetown, Harvard, MIT, Princeton, UNC, UPenn and Yale. The careers department provides guidance to all pupils on course options, university choices, work experience and gap year opportunities. We also welcome many university admissions tutors from the USA and Canada, including Ivy League universities.

Shimy · 03/04/2019 11:19

but our son is worried that Winchester is too connected to Oxford, and he is leaning towards Cambridge 😂

Loving the idea of OP’s DS leaning towards Cambridge in year 5 but definitely not Oxford!
Surely you just apply to wherever you want. Students from Winchester aren’t ‘allocated’ to Oxford, They apply and go through tests, interviews etc. A lot go toOxford but I doubt They would frown at you applying to Cambridge.

nolanscrack · 03/04/2019 11:08

Sounds like hed be far happier at Winchester,Eton really aren't that interested in boys who have nothing to offer beyond academics.

Moominmammacat · 03/04/2019 10:48

Have a look at the people they've been producing of late and see what you think ...