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Original poster

QEB v Wilson's - which is the leading/best school

55 replies

StrugglingPa · 26/10/2024 08:43

Hi everyone,

I find myself in a bit of a good dilemma! My DS has scored well in both the 11+ exams for QE and SET/Wilson. While QE was my natural choice, I've recently discovered more about Wilson, and now I’m quite confused about which would be the best fit for him.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what I see as the pros:
QE:

  • Has a strong academic reputation and has been consistently at the top for years.
  • Offers some opportunities in sports and music, though it seems to be more academically focused.
Wilson:
  • They have a rigorous selection process, possibly ensuring a higher standard of entry.
  • Appears to offer more in terms of sports and music, which might be a good fit for my DS too.
Speaking of my DS, he’s academically aligned, does well in music and computing, and is an avid reader.

I’m feeling a bit biased towards Wilson, but I’m also hearing good things about QE's international expansion, which could be beneficial for their brand. Plus, I’m open to relocating for either school, so that’s not a deciding factor.

I’d love to hear your thoughts! If you have any experiences with either school or general advice, please share. I need to make a decision in a week, so any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks so much!

OP posts:
CaptainOhMyCaptain · 26/10/2024 09:43

Where would you rather live? The differences are likely to be marginal academically. Wilson’s is very very shiny I’m told, can’t comment on QE.

Original poster
StrugglingPa · 26/10/2024 09:08

mattm · 26/10/2024 08:55

Don't think Wilson has a higher standard of entry; QE is more competitive to get in.

Try to familiarize yourself with any cull policies between these two schools for the sixth form. Personally, I would choose Wilson for a more rounded education, but that's just a personal preference.

DS is good in music and some non-sport extra curricular but is quite academic, this confuses matters for me.

When you say, QE is more competitive to get in, why do you think that? I am a late bloomer in 11+ so haven't been in the prep crowd, I thought Wilson having multiple rounds makes it more competitive, but my assumption is just based on multiple rounds in Wilson v one round in QE

OP posts:
Original poster
StrugglingPa · 26/10/2024 09:06

ReneJacques · 26/10/2024 08:49

Well, I think the first thing would be - what is the commute like to both schools?

The commute is horrendous for both and in either instance will relocate

OP posts:
mattm · 26/10/2024 08:55

Don't think Wilson has a higher standard of entry; QE is more competitive to get in.

Try to familiarize yourself with any cull policies between these two schools for the sixth form. Personally, I would choose Wilson for a more rounded education, but that's just a personal preference.

ReneJacques · 26/10/2024 08:49

Well, I think the first thing would be - what is the commute like to both schools?