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Original poster

Private school recommendations for son with CAT scores approx 109-116 - Shiplake/Teddies/others?

31 replies

Meer1 · 18/08/2020 23:59

I'm hoping to get some school recommendations as struggling a bit with not being able to get tours since lockdown and son is going into Year 6 in September. DS has CAT scores ranging from 109-116 but struggles with maths and has slower processing (working memory) so can need extra time and support with work at times. He is sociable and enthusiastic and enjoys drama and sports and he generally enjoys a bustling environment. He is quite keen to board although we are open to the option of either day or boarding and both single-sex and co-ed. We live in Amersham.

I guess what I am essentially looking for is a very good, action-packed school that has good pastoral care and will allow him to fulfil his full potential, mindful that he does have some processing difficulties. Any recommendations would be much appreciated.

OP posts:
Zodlebud · 20/08/2020 11:09

Please don’t send him to Berkhamsted If he needs a little extra support. They regularly cull children who can’t keep up and this is something they don’t deny. It means a lot of children are tutored outside school just to keep up. One boy who went there from our prep at 11+ was booted out after just one term and was back to complete Y7 and 8 at our prep.

He went to Bloxham at 13 and has truly flown. People put Bloxham down as results wise it is one of the “worst” performing schools in a highly competitive area full of amazing schools. It takes such a wide range of abilities that actually their results are awesome - they just need to be taken in context of the cohort.

Extra curricular is great. Sport is great. It’s just not a school those with high flying academic ambition would necessarily choose. You really shouldn’t discount it though unless you have visited or found out more. It’s a great school, just not right for everyone.

Original poster
Meer1 · 19/08/2020 23:01

Thank you @Takeittothebossakeittotheboss, that's really helpful to hear. Do you know how it compares with Shiplake? Unfortunately the only schools I managed to see before lockdown were Shiplake, Clairescourt and Berkhamsted so I'm fumbling in the dark a bit now.

OP posts:
Takeittotheboss · 19/08/2020 20:43

Don't be worried about Bloxham from rumours. It is a decent, small, pastorally astute, friendly school. Drama is now excellent again as the Head of Drama has returned from Downe House. Thankfully.Previous intermin drama pair were truely awful.
Main sports are punching above their weight as a school and they do actually field lower squads for the boys.
Academics not on a par with Teddies, but if child is happy and thriving, they will succeed to best of their abilities.

Original poster
Meer1 · 19/08/2020 13:15

Thank you both. I will take a look at Lord Wordsworth, sounds super. I had been considering Bloxham but got slightly worried about some threads I had read on it so any more insight of those with children or friend's children there would be really helpful.

OP posts:
Zodlebud · 19/08/2020 07:23

Shiplake and Bloxham.

After8itsgrownuptime · 19/08/2020 06:41

Lord Wandsworth is a name I hear again and again . I also have 2 friends with kids there and they rave about it for academic and pastoral

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