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Boarding school

Connect with fellow parents of boarding school students on our supportive forum. Share experiences, tips, and insights.

Shrewsbury or Stowe

2 replies

ASHANDOAK · 09/06/2024 17:56

Looking for some advice from current/recent parents with children at Shrewsbury or Stowe. DD will be borderline in achieving CE results for Shrewsbury I expect, not a million miles off but wont find it easy. I am sure her current prep school will prepare her well and she may get in. However I am worried about how she would cope at Shrewsbury if she has had to have quite a lot of help to get in. I appreciate it isn't an academic hothouse and there are rumblings that academic standards have dropped, but that also makes me think that they may be more strict on their intake going forward. She is very sporty - lacrosse, hockey and cricket. I know Shrewsbury no longer does lacrosse but that wouldn't be a deal breaker. She is quite musical Grade 6 singing, and really enjoys art, drama & languages. She is an excellent boarder and given where we live all schools are a long way away. She is confident, outgoing and seems to make friends quite quickly. If anyone has a similar sounding daughter at either of these schools I would love some feedback, or indeed a similar sounding daughter at other boarding schools, which I may have overlooked. We want co-ed and somewhere where there are a good amount of boarders left at weekends. I know Stowe gets a lot of bad press on here but if there are some current parents I would love to hear your feedback on the following:

She isn't at a feeder prep for Stowe - would that make it harder for her to fit in? What is the pastoral care like? I understand it isn't overly pushy academically but I do think she would be better being with people who, on the whole have a pretty good work ethic. Which 'types' of girls do well at Stowe?

Thanks in advance x

OP posts:
Roselilyfreesia · 11/06/2024 15:32

I like Shrewsbury and Stowe and think all kinds of girls can thrive at both so would see which she likes. To throw a curveball in the mix we ended up opting for Ampleforth College and feel it’s an absolute hidden gem, on the up, which lots of people don’t seem to consider. Music is superb! If she loves singing then their Schola choir is just magical. The theatre is great and if she likes drama that’s great as they do lots in the curriculum but also great optional shows and musicals. It’s co-ed and it’s really busy with loads happening at the weekends. Girls’ hockey is exceptional. (Cricket is a huge thing too but I know more about the hockey.) They aren’t quite as academically selective as some but they make sure everyone does the absolute best they can do (in a supportive way).

I’d go and have a look. You may well surprise yourself and have a third on your list!

sheep73 · 15/06/2024 09:12

We don't know Stowe but know quite a few who go to Shrewsbury. We decided not to send our daughter to Shrewsbury. Only 1/3rd girls and no ambition to go to 50:50. Some of the girls behaviour is not great and a couple of girls we know have been removed due to lack of supervision.
A friend who is a day pupil is very happy just not sure about boarding..
That said it's very good for cricket.
It takes a broad spectrum of academic levels.
Ampleforth now seems to be fashionable at our prep school. It sounds a kinder environment. Perhaps worth a visit?

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