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Original poster

Sixth form boarding school

36 replies

exoskeleton · 29/10/2020 20:02

DD wants to look at boarding school for 6th form. South of England preferably. They've boarded before (not currently boarding). Happy with single sex or co-ed. 6/7s comfortably at GCSE.

Does anyone have any they can recommend, or not?
Thanks!

OP posts:
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NeedingCoffee · 06/11/2020 21:52

Teddies well known for pastoral care and being in a city (Oxford) is great for sixth formers - in normal times they’re allowed into town. Not super-selective but gets amazing results for its kids. And lovely admissions team to deal with which always helps!

unchienandalusia · 02/11/2020 23:42

I second Hurtwood house. Fabulous school!

Noideawottodo · 02/11/2020 09:54

I think Sherborne is bursting at the seams, so you may not get a place there- not sure how far in advance you are applying.

SuitedandBooted · 01/11/2020 22:47

I second Bedales. It's nowhere near as "out there" as the media would have you believe. Don't be swayed by outdated views. My children have been there for 5 years, and love it. One is very academic, and one musical and artistic. There is a true mix of ability - stretch for the most able, and support for the less so.
The not having uniforms and teachers called by first name thing makes people see it as very laissez faire. It's not. Students are expected to treat their peers and teachers with respect. Bad behavior is not tolerated. We have always found pastoral care to be excellent. Some people may have had less happy experiences there, but there are always two sides to everything!

DogsandBoysmeanMud · 01/11/2020 21:23

@exoskeleton

Thanks. Yes she's had friends at Bedales, so it was on my radar. I know it can be a bit marmite for people, would you agree with that? I'm not sure about the pastoral side, as hasn't heard great things about that aspect of school life, and would welcome any thoughts on that?
No idea. Have just read good reviews. My sons are at Harrow and love it but no girls!

We loved Stowe when looking and really loved Teddies.

PresentingPercy · 31/10/2020 15:57

I father they find the condoms in the NT grounds around the NT building. The NT staff laugh about it. So no, quite lively.

CaraCruise · 31/10/2020 15:02

I can assure you the 6th Formers at Stowe are not ‘bored stiff’ . Fabulous for 6th Form!!

PresentingPercy · 31/10/2020 14:20

I do think there are things you need to consider. Some schools are very choosy for 6th form because they can be. Marlborough being a prime example. I would be surprised if grades 6/7 were good enough there. It’s a competitive entry. DD1 was asked to get 6xAs in GCSEs at Cheltenham Ladies years ago and I wouldn’t expect Marlborough to be any different. Wellington are choosy too. We looked for DD2. St Edwards Oxford and Heathfield at Ascot are easier as is Bradfield. We thought Bradfield was a bit odd when we looked around and Head was very late for his talk to parents. It certainly wasn’t slick!

I would also check how many new girls they get in the 6th form. DD went to Heathfield due to their excellent art and dance lessons being available. It’s very small when compared to the others. It is close enough to London for DDs not to feel cut off.

We also looked at Stowe and DDs there looked bored stiff. I know it well and it’s very rural but your DD would be ok academically. I would look to see how many new girls there are every year because you are going into schools with existing friendship groups. DD might need the new girls. We felt interests did matter and schools do not have everything a DD wants by any means. Some, I can assure you, have very snooty admissions officers who look down on applicants who are interested in some subjects, despite the school offering them!

Delta1 · 31/10/2020 13:21

And Bradfield

Delta1 · 31/10/2020 13:20

Wellington ?

Original poster
exoskeleton · 31/10/2020 11:43

Thanks everyone, feel like I've got a great list to go with. A few that we hadn't got on the list previously.

OP posts:
Noideawottodo · 31/10/2020 11:23

Yes, of course, you want to feel that you'll 'fit', but an excellent boarding school will cater for all types.

If she has any particular sports or hobbies that might help to know

Newme2016 · 31/10/2020 11:19

But it really does matter for some schools

Noideawottodo · 30/10/2020 23:22

@Newme2016

What is your DD like? Nobody has asked this.

I strongly believe the school has to be right for her. Otherwise she will not do well.

Knowing what she's like won't help particularly. All the girls at my dds boarding school are very different.
Newme2016 · 30/10/2020 23:04

What is your DD like? Nobody has asked this.

I strongly believe the school has to be right for her. Otherwise she will not do well.

Original poster
exoskeleton · 30/10/2020 22:51

Thanks!

OP posts:
Valenciaoranges · 30/10/2020 21:54

My daughter went to Sherborne girls and absolutely loved it.

Original poster
exoskeleton · 30/10/2020 19:04

Oh I love the StoweBucks... brilliant. Thanks v much everyone, all really helpful.

OP posts:
CaraCruise · 30/10/2020 18:40

Stowe School - great 6th Form.
They have a social club for 6th Formers called StoweBucks 😂 kids all very happy and not a pressured environment. Staff are so kind and caring, nothing is too much trouble. Head was in final selection for Tatler Headmaster of the Year.

Londonmummy66 · 30/10/2020 18:06

Christs Hospital? Good facilities for sports and arty/musical kids.

VanCleefArpels · 30/10/2020 12:14

Hurtwood house - sixth form only so everyone is new so no issues with breaking into established friendship groups you get at “through” schools

Theyweretheworstoftimes · 30/10/2020 11:57

Millfield?

Good mix of arts, sports and academic.
Great mix of kids many on financial aid.

Original poster
exoskeleton · 30/10/2020 11:54

Thank you, I hadn't considered any of those, so that is helpful!

OP posts:
houselikeashed · 30/10/2020 11:44

St Edwards (Teddies) in Oxford?

Wishitsnows · 30/10/2020 11:43

Have you considered St George's Ascot or Heathfield?

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