Wellington or Charterhouse

[SoooConfuzed]

Hello, I’d really appreciate some perspectives from people with experience of either school.

Our DC has offers from both Wellington and Charterhouse. DC was quite clear about Wellington but is now wavering because friends are going to Charterhouse, which is pulling them in that direction.

DC is bright and motivated and currently around the top 5 in their year. They don’t seem worried about it, but I do wonder whether they might feel a bit intimidated by the academic standard at Wellington.

We’ve visited both schools several times and have come away feeling very positive about both. We probably know a bit more about Charterhouse, as friends’ DC are there or have been, so it feels more familiar.

We know Wellington would suit DC, but it feels a bit like a “unicorn” school, which makes me question whether it’s too good to be true!

Apologies, I’m tying myself in knots and would really appreciate any thoughts. Thanks!

Yeah they always say that. In reality it’s, like most schools in the Home Counties, very weekday focussed, especially in the girls houses. A lot of kids come from London or Surrey- they mostly go home especially in upper years. You’ll find that people are hospitable though- I frequently had a house full of full boarders staying at mine on a Saturday night.

Thanks very much for that information. I am aware of the little "We do everything here" attitude to most schools to get you signed up. We are not close by so it is a factor. As long as it's not like The Shining at the weekends, he should manage. Tricky with only children but appreciate all the info very much as I signed up today so fingers crossed they can do what they say regarding SEND.

It’s not The Shining at all - it empties out but the kids who are there at the weekend stick together and have a good time. It’s just not the hubbub of weekday evenings.

I don’t know about SEND support specifically but I do know lots of DD’s friends had extra time in exams and learning support so I assume it’s decent. The things I would criticise them about - it’s still very boy centric even though it’s now fully co-ed. And they really didn’t seem to know how to prep kids for university entrance at all, especially for Oxbridge. We had to do a lot of heavy lifting which I would have expected them to do. But overall DD enjoyed it and had a lot of opportunities.

Also jumping into the thread...does anyone have any intel on the girls houses specifically? Do they all eat supper in the houses or do some eat in the main dining hall?
We went to visit on the recent open day but arrived a bit late so didn't get into any of the houses. We have sporty girls who don't want to be right in the centre but equally not too far out either (one in particular struggles to get out of bed in the morning). Thanks for any intel..

CH has two dining halls, which one you eat in depends on which house you’re in, although you can get permission occasionally to eat in the one that’s not your own. The houses vary in terms of size of in-house butteries for late night toast etc - and some of the houses are a long way from the main school, so less easy to pop back quickly.

I don’t think any house is more sporty/arty/academic than any other, they work really hard to make them more mixed. The newer girls houses have a tiny bit of a reputation for being a bit bitchier - it was notable how many girls in Northbrook left to go elsewhere for 6th form in DDs year. I don’t know if that was just a one year thing. And no house is more international than any other.

CH isn’t flawless but it’s a decent school.

Thnak you that is very good to know, I'm calling tomorrow so will see what is said regarding the SEND. I thought their "Future you" programme was to address the next stage after they leave ! I doubt any are awful regarding care and work loads its just the right fit for Ds is the most important.

Oh apologies, I was unclear - in this case I meant Wellington!

Oh sorry! I can’t quite remember what it was like at Wellington when we had a look, hopefully someone with a DC there can help!