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Original poster

Millfield - any thoughts?

55 replies

MotherOfGirls · 30/11/2008 07:38

We are considering Millfield School for our daughter, who would join Sep 2011 as a boarder. Haven't yet visited. Does anyone have any experience of the school?

OP posts:
kitsmummy · 30/11/2008 21:40

Absolutely excellent for sports but also quite druggy. Any school these days is going to have drugs but I do think it's a bit more of a problem at Millfield than at others. Where do you live? I did A Levels at King Edwards in Bath and loved it (but that was 15 years ago

Original poster
MotherOfGirls · 30/11/2008 21:22

Thanks, mimsum. Interesting to hear about the sex and drugs rumours, although you are probably right about most boarding schools having those stories. DD2 is very bright but not strong academically IYSWIM and so I like the idea of her not being surrounded by A* students. I hope lots of kids at Millfield might be more interested in getting outside and 'doing stuff', like she is.

OP posts:
mimsum · 30/11/2008 20:25

like snorkle only been for swimming galas - it has a reputation for being not particularly academic but obviously very good at sport - a boy from ds1's school went into the 6th form there on a swimming scholarship because it would be easier for him to combine A-levels and training as there would be no travelling time involved

have also heard quite a few reports of sex and drugs but I suspect most boarding schools would be similar ...

Original poster
MotherOfGirls · 30/11/2008 16:47

Thanks, snorkle. All very good points. I am trying to weigh up the disadvantages of the size with the advantages of the facilities and the variety of activities on offer. DD2 is very sporty and would certainly benefit from all Millfield has to offer but would she be better somewhere smaller, where she would be more of a star? It's a tricky call.

OP posts:
snorkle · 30/11/2008 13:56

We have visited there for swimming galas about three times. The sports facilities are jaw droppingly amazing. What struck me about the place was it's very big - there must be a lot of students (good in some ways, might not suit everyone though). I have also heard that sometimes kids that go there who are very good at sport & would be stars anywhere else sometimes don't even make the A team & can feel a bit third rate - that could just be gossip though.