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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

DH wants to send son to Eton College

53 replies

jacinthalt · 01/05/2021 12:02

DH went there as a child and loved it. Our DS will be 8 in October. DH wants to start getting him tutored for the entrance exam, but I cannot help but find the whole situation a little premature. He would not attend the school for another five years.

Other than that, I am sure Eton is a perfectly respectable abode, but all that bad press is rather fishy.

OP posts:
the80sweregreat · 01/05/2021 12:36

I would say it's great he has such high aspirations for your child and is confident he will be able to pass the entrance exams. I am assuming he is already at a public school who may be able to advise you of how to go about applying and what they need to work on in order to secure a place there.
There are other private colleges just as good too , I'm sure.
Are you happy with these choices, have you spoken to your son about it and how he feels?
It's a lot of pressure but if he is happy about it and puts the work in turn why not?
( I don't know anything about private schools or colleges personally !)

FightingTheFoo · 01/05/2021 12:38

I know one person who went to Eton and a few years ago I'm sure he said his school friend had registered their (the school friend's) child at birth? Not sure if that's a requirement?

Also what bad press?

AnotherNewt · 01/05/2021 12:39

Is he registered for entrance?

That's the step you must not omit to do, but registration does not mean you have to see the process through.

Is DS at a prep? Do they have anything to say this early about what schools might suit him?

modgepodge · 01/05/2021 12:39

@FightingTheFoo

I know one person who went to Eton and a few years ago I'm sure he said his school friend had registered their (the school friend's) child at birth? Not sure if that's a requirement?

Also what bad press?

The fact Boris Johnson and his cronies are alumni, surely!
Ughmaybenot · 01/05/2021 12:40

I was thinking the same as above actually, I know someone who went to eton and I’m sure he said once you have to have your name down v early doors. I might have remembered wrong of course!
That aside, surely you should just consider the school as you would any other and make your decision based on what’s right for your son?

AnotherNewt · 01/05/2021 12:40

He would not attend the school for another five years

True, but he would have to sit the pre-test in year 6 (assuming you want a conditional offer, not just go for bust in scholarship)

AnotherNewt · 01/05/2021 12:41

I know one person who went to Eton and a few years ago I'm sure he said his school friend had registered their (the school friend's) child at birth? Not sure if that's a requirement?

It's not a requirement. Any time up to 10yrs 6 months is fine

the80sweregreat · 01/05/2021 12:42

I think you do have to register them at birth ?
Does your dh have friends that have gone there ?
All I know about it is that Boris Johnson and David Cameron are ex pupils but that was a long long time ago now.

VladmirsPoutine · 01/05/2021 12:43

If he can manage it (your son, I mean) then absolutely go for it!!! Remarkable opportunity!

TaraR2020 · 01/05/2021 12:44

I don't think its unreasonable to bother be in agreement with where your child goes to school. If you don't want him going to Eton then you need to be clear about it from the start.

If you're in 2 minds, it won't do any harm to prepare but id also give equal weight to alternatives or your dh will think its a fair accompli.

TaraR2020 · 01/05/2021 12:44

*to both be in agreement

CecilyP · 01/05/2021 12:46

Would he not already be going to a prep school which specialises in common entrances?

the80sweregreat · 01/05/2021 12:51

I would do a bit of research on line about the college and its expectations , plus other places too as well. I'm sure that other places are as good , if not better maybe?
If your son is already interested in a certain career or University course Eton may not be the right option for him anyway.

StCharlotte · 01/05/2021 12:57

@the80sweregreat

I think you do have to register them at birth ? Does your dh have friends that have gone there ? All I know about it is that Boris Johnson and David Cameron are ex pupils but that was a long long time ago now.
And Princes William and Harry.
idontlikealdi · 01/05/2021 13:00

I don't think it's premature at all. Kids round here are tutored for the 11+ from y3

BuyYourOwnBBQGlenda · 01/05/2021 13:02

What is your AIBU? Sounds like you haven't yet done enough research to make a decision? I'm not sure Mumsnet will be helpful here.

RosesAndHellebores · 01/05/2021 13:06

Sounds perfectly reasonable to me. Are you also looking at Winchester, Wellington, Sevenoaks, etc?
What does his prep advise?

emilyfrost · 01/05/2021 13:08

If you want to go to that kind of school it’s never too early.

steff13 · 01/05/2021 13:18

And Princes William and Harry.

And Tom Hiddleston, Damian Lewis, George Orwell, Eddie Redmayne, Hugh Laurie, Bear Grylls...

Puttingouthefirewithgasoline · 01/05/2021 13:19

It really depends on the dc maybe he doesn't want be sent away from home to board?

AnotherNewt · 01/05/2021 13:20

@steff13

And Princes William and Harry.

And Tom Hiddleston, Damian Lewis, George Orwell, Eddie Redmayne, Hugh Laurie, Bear Grylls...

James Bond (expelled), Captain Hook
midsomermurderess · 01/05/2021 13:27

Does he, aye?

SavannahLands · 01/05/2021 13:27

I know someone who’s Son attended Eaton College the in the same year as Prince William. He went on to do officer training at Sandhurst, and followed a Military career for a few years before setting up a private security company of his own. He’s a lovely person, but has chosen not to send his own children down the Private Education route, as he missed his family terrible whilst being away from home so much.

GlassBoxSpectacular · 01/05/2021 13:33

@BuyYourOwnBBQGlenda

What is your AIBU? Sounds like you haven't yet done enough research to make a decision? I'm not sure Mumsnet will be helpful here.
There’s certainly not much in the way of detail in the opening post. Confused

But I feel that Felix Monty Stevens will thrive whatever path in life his parents set him on Smile

Onairjunkie · 01/05/2021 13:34

If it’s a realistic opportunity for your son, it’s certainly one worth exploring. And due to the nature of the school, one that needs to be prepared for early.

I have a few friends who went and who now send their sons. They’re not career politicians, they’re not arseholes, some of them aren’t even really from hugely wealthy families, but they are all successful. So make of that what you will. Perhaps doors open for Old Etonians.