Feeling overwhelmed regarding private/public schools (not a debate please)

[DeepSeaLead]

Name changed as could be seen as boasting
Testing

If the school has said your ds is scholarship material I would expect them to give clear guidance and recommendations for suitable senior schools. If I were you I would be making an appointment to see the head to discuss your options.

What year is your ds in? Quite a few of the main public schools have pre-tests in year 6 so if your ds is in year 5 I would be arranging to visit those schools sooner rather than later. I know that Winchester close their house lists three years ahead of admission, ie if you were looking for a place in 2016 you would have needed to select your house by summer 2013.

It might also be worth posting this on the SN board. I know there are posters on there who have grappled with exactly that question of what to look for (and what an independent school actually delivers) when it comes to AS.

Might get some general pointers or even a response from someone local to you.