Wellington College Opinions - AS retirement announced.

[Amazonskye1]

I am considering Wellington College, Christ's Hospital and Epsom College for my son for 2015 Y9 entry. I have read reviews on all 3 schools but note that Wellington College has amassed a considerable number of bad reviews on mumsnet forum with most based solely on individuals dislike of the current headmaster, Dr. Anthony Seldon. I personally find it difficult to form an negative opinion of someone who has clearly achieved a great deal for WC. I have not yet read any offensive quotes from him in the media and, considering his C.V., see no reason why he should not be proud of his achievements and outspoken about subject on which he has so much experience.

I am just wondering if the opinions of those who reject Wellington College because of their dislike of Dr. Seldon have changed since he announced that he will be retiring in Summer 2015 to care for his terminally ill wife, Joanna?

I look forward to hearing your opinions.

@ZeroSomeGameThingy - No, I'm not missing the point. I get it but he is who he is. He's a very popular and sociable child with lots of hobbies and interests outside of maths, English and science. He just prefers a good book or game of chess over a game of football but that doesn't mean he doesn't know how to have fun. He discusses TV shows, computer games, movies, etc with his friends. Quantum physics and origin of the universe he discusses with others professionally qualified on the subject. He's just a normal little boy to us.

As I mentioned before, he doesn't think he's especially clever. He is very humble. I'm not sure why you get the impression that HE thinks he'll be any smarter than anyone else? Honestly, he doesn't. He's looking forward to joining a school where he can learn from his peers and share ideas.

No, no - wasn't suggesting that at all. I was simply responding to what you said about "those with less focus".

If he does move to a brilliant school he'll soon be discussing quantum physics and the origin of the universe with his new friends! (And TV shows and computer games with his teachers...)

Haha... :) I like that.

Just caught up with this thread and agree that your DS would do wonderfully at one of the big 4.

Obviously you have to listen to your DS's reservations, but don't let his list of minus points prevent you from going to look at these schools, you may find that once he has visited he will decide that the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. What reasons does he give for being so against single sex/boarding?

Good luck with your search, I hope you find somewhere that will do justice to your DSs ability!

Couldn't agree more Madrigals we had a friend who got into Oxford at 15 this was in the days when Oxbridge was done as a further term after your A levels so he sat them at 14. He's now a doctor, an outwardly charming individual on first meeting him underneath it he was exceedingly difficult, intolerant of most others who lacked his enormous intellect and lead his long suffering wife a dogs life.

Amazon I am intrigued (as well of course very impressed by your DS's achievements and ambitions). Did schools like Westminster and Eton just ring you up? Shows that they do go talent spotting. Which ones has your DS actually had a chance to visit? It seems a bit odd to launch into bursary type visits without giving you and your DS a chance to narrow down his choices . Just seems to be a bit pushy of the schools and perhaps trying o persuade you to commit too early.

Op, one of the biggest drivers for me in sending our DS to a super-selective school, was for him to have like minded peers.

I weanted his academic work to be challenging and for him to have to work hard. I didn't want him to be an outlier.

And it's worked perfectly. The academic work is stiff but yet he still gets to be a 14 year old with mates who are all football obsessed and love PS4 and Pringles.

This may or may not be relevant but we use Wellington College as a base during August (and have done since 2010). In terms of comfort in the Houses there is a huge difference. The House we stayed in this year I wouldn't have housed a dog in and, considering the school fees, would be unacceptable in my eyes.

The rooms we have occupied since 2010 have varied from large, airy three-bedders to the minute, freezing cold cell my son endured this year. I had to wear a jumper and socks with my PJs in my room as neither sash window quite made it to the top and was painted slightly open. My husband's room had a mattress where the springs were sticking out. Pity the poor kids in winter who have chosen this House (and it clearly states that any heaters or fans will be confiscated - wtf?!). The rooms also varied in size enormously, with some rooms being the smallest we've ever seen at the school.

Angelsey and Talbot Houses were by far the nicest we've used.

He sounds like a St Paul's boy to me. None of the other schools, with the exception of Eton, will be academic enough, from your description. Epsom and Wellingon, in particular, are sporty schools and not that academic. St Paul's caters for very academic boys and can accommodate some quite unusual personalities.

Sorry posted in the wrong place!

Op - your ds sounds amazing. Best of luck in choosing a school and let us know what you and he decide. (I'd recommend Eton because my ds had such a good time there).

Eton and Winchester are miles above Wellington which is for a certain kind of not the brightest child although there is nothing wrong with AS - a very good man.

I prefer the day private schools though. I am not a boarding fan. Are schools like Haberdashers, St Paul's and Westminster out?