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Original poster

Charterhouse, King’s Canterbury or Oundle

34 replies

Aika79 · 10/02/2021 22:54

Hello, overseas mum here!
Would love to hear views on above schools. We are looking at admissions for Y9 for our first son. Offer has come through for Kings; awaiting updates from the other two.
Being an overseas family, full boarding would be ideal. CH was first choice, but still waiting for news. Through other forums, have come to learn it gets empty on weekends. Is that true? Also get this feeling they’re a bit pompous about their ‘name’. Kings appears more relaxed and friendly, and comes highly recommended. Pastoral reviews seem mixed, though. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

OP posts:
Original poster
Aika79 · 13/02/2021 21:05

Oh! I thought Pre-U is one of the newer Alternatives to the A-levels. I’d not heard of them before, nor BTech.

Thanks for the information.

From all indications it would seem Kings is the most likely choice. I think it would suit him better, given his own character.

Thank you all for your comments and feedback. It has been really very helpful! Thanks!!

OP posts:
Singingrain1223 · 13/02/2021 19:33

@Aika79 , Pre U is being scrapped in the U.K. in 2023, not enough schools participate.

Original poster
Aika79 · 13/02/2021 19:27

Thank you so much everyone.
I agree with the statement that ultimately it’s about what feels right. I somehow have a more comfortable feel for Kings. Though, I preferred CH because they offer my son’s sports (basketball and swimming) and both the IB Diploma and Pre-U at 6th form - giving more options for students.
But with them only going coed this year, I feel it may Still be too male-centric, which may affect my boy, as he’s more reserved and shy. Doesn’t open up too easily.
In any case, we have deadline for kings and yet to hear from CH. so I may have to take the practical approach....

OP posts:
SarahBeenysBikerJacket · 13/02/2021 14:43

Oundle parent here, and can't praise it enough. Fabulous school, really excellent pastoral care especially through lockdown and two DSs doing well. Sounds a bit like Kings in that it's based in a little market town so the pupils can take themselves off for milkshakes or chips or whatever.

Ultimately I think it comes down to whether the school feels right. We were always impressed with how efficient and helpful all the admissions staff were at Oundle, and the fact we could have a meeting with learning support staff before we accepted a place. I think it says a lot.

itallworkedouthorribly · 13/02/2021 14:36

CH can be a lifeline - great pastoral care.

Housewifehustle · 13/02/2021 14:33

Sounds like Charterhouse and Kings would both be winners. Just spoke with my husband and he said there are roughly 20 day boys/girls out of the 900 students. There are weekly boarders, too.

petitdonkey · 13/02/2021 13:14

Another Kings family here and we couldn’t be happier. I have one day child and one boarder. It’s definitely a full boarding school - dd only ever wants to come home if it’s a fixed exeat as she doesn’t want to miss out on anything!
Being in the centre of Canterbury makes it genuinely feel like it’s a university for young people! We have never had any pastoral issues- the pupils are very much treated like young adults snd I feel like all discipline is based on mutual respect.
Feel free to ask any other questions.

Aethelthryth · 13/02/2021 13:09

King's is properly full boarding, so busy and lively at the weekends. My son left in 2019. Being in the centre of Canterbury (small and safe) is an advantage, so that they can wander out for a coffee or change of scene. Sixth formers can go out in groups on a "supper exeat". If there's an advantage over Charterhouse I would say that it lies in the fact that at King's girls and boys have been completely integrated with one another for decades now, whereas Charterhouse is only now going through that process.

On the rare occasion when I would turn up on an ordinary school day I was impressed by what a happy place it seemed. Relationships between staff and pupils are generally excellent and hit a good balance between respect and friendliness. We did have a "problem housemaster" (no longer there) for a couple of years, who made everyone in his house miserable, so that may be the source of some of the mixed reviews. The deputy Head (pastoral) is a sensible woman.

Academically, it's pretty good: it takes a very mixed intake and does well for most, according to whatever their talents may be. It works best for those who want to learn. I think that they could crack the whip a bit harder for those who don't. There are some really excellent staff and one or two who aren't; and who seem impossible to shift. Reporting home is frequent and thorough.

Sport is good with lots of options, including rowing. Music is astonishingly wonderful and art and drama are excellent with fabulous facilities. The sheer loveliness of the surroundings cannot be overstated.

Housewifehustle · 13/02/2021 01:17

Hi. I've had two DC at Charterhouse. Couldn't be happier. Top notch all around. There is class and sport on Saturday so lots of people around. Overall, it seems there are more full borders than weekly boarders but it can depend on the house, too. So maybe if you were in a house with lots of local students it could be quiet. Honestly, mine enjoyed the weekend quiet downtime after the full weekly schedule of classes and activities. Happy to answer any questions.