Radley College

[BlessingsGalore]

The previous thread seemed to die a death! Does anyone know about this school and why it is perceived to be so good? I need to make a decision this year and feel totally clueless.

Watching with interest - we are considering whether to register our son.

DH went to Radley and loved it to bits. We have registered both DS's but haven't made any big decisions yet as they're only 6 and 4. Lots of DH's old school friends are also hoping to send their sons there so the school must be doing something right.
I've understood it's necessary to register your son as early as possible as entry is pretty much first come first served, how old is your son? If he is very young, why not just register him anyway and then have a closer look when the time comes? :)

Know lots of families with several boys at Radley, they wouldn't have sent a second or third son unless they were very happy.
All the boys from my son's prep school who have gone to Radley have been very happy.
Have only been there for matches, lovely grounds, fantastic facilities, just the occasional dodgy ref!

We registered DS there so he is on the list. We were hoping DS would go to Eton but it's academically tough to get into so we had thought about Harrow but it seems that Radley is most parents second choice but I don't understand why. It seems good but they all seem good.

Need to have put his name down early because it is first come first served, whereas Eton, Harrow etc have competitive tests at 10 followed by tight CE requirements at 13.

If you do not have your son's name down, do not despair: there is a "Warden's List" for late entrants; but you will need the co-operation of your son's prep school head to get on it.

I have only recently started thinking about "next school" as my sons prep school pointed out the invitation to Winchester to come and have a look for yr 3/4 and 5's - my son is in yr 3 at a prep to 13 - should i really be looking yet ? someone has suggested Radley as a good all round school - he is ok with but not really fond of football and rugby but loves tennis swimming golf and drama - the school says he is in the upper third of his present school but i wouldn't say academic do I need to put his name down just in case now ?

Yes if your intersted in Radley I think you have to put their names down very early details are on their web site. We've friends with boys at Radley I understand its very traditional so not everyones cup of tea. With regard to Winchester if you read any reviews; Tatler, good Schools guide etc. they will tell you its for the most academic and has a very demanding entrance test - harder than C.E.

thank you happygardening i shall register him just in case!

I registered DS for Radley in Y2 and he was put on the waiting list, so get his name down pronto!

Based on your son's academic abilities I doubt Winchester would be suitable.

Most parents have Radley as a fall back to a selective although many parents have Radley as a first choice. Harrow would probably suit your DS abilities and interests as it is a big drama school