Non-selective prep vs selective

[Shiggle]

We are looking at a non selective coed prep vs a single sex selective prep for DS. The single sex prep is more academically rigorous (I think!) but I like the idea of coed better. I wonder if a non selective prep would truly challenge the top set?

@Shiggle
Belmont would be about a 20/30 minute drive for us. We could park him at Belmont until the 11+ but they won't prep him which would mean lots of tutoring. And then what if he doesn't pass for Highgate/UCS?

We're local, not British, preferring co-ed and averse to tutoring :) and from what I read in the thread Belmont until 11 sounds like a good idea actually. Great facilities for a school in London, lots of space, extra-curriculars, no pressure etc etc. Belmont has a new headmaster who seems to be very down to earth and schools tend to change a lot with new heads. I wouldn't write it off completely.

For an academic secondary, tutoring for at least a year before 11+ will be inevitable though. But you said you're not averse to that at a later stage.

There are more options than just Highgate/UCS at 11+.

Belmont/Mill Hill is rarely anyone's first choice, it's a backup school.

@hiyasmin yes, because most local parents want academic hot houses or go state as plenty of excellent primaries around. OP doesn’t want that, as far as I understand.

Mill Hill did worse than our local comp at GCSE last year....I don't want a hothouse but a selective private school should beat a comp every single time in my mind. If they don't, it makes me really question their teaching etc. I would be afraid that by sending him to Belmont we won't ever get him out because he will be so poorly prepared. Maybe the new head will make a difference but I'm not willing to take the gamble.

The music teacher at DS's school caught me on the school run and asked if we were considering chorister schools? Apparently DS sings well. I haven't got a foggy what going to a chorister school involves. I imagine less sport?

How on earth do these non academic preps get enough hours of education in? With ridiculous holidays and no Saturday school??

Belmont won’t prepare for 11+ because, well why would they? Firstly they finish at 13 and secondly it’s a through school so regardless of how academic they are it’s not in their interests to prep because they expect the children to go through to Mill Hill. For what you’re looking for you need somewhere like Manor Lodge - very academic and hugely successful for the the bright kids, ok for the not so bright and plenty of land and space and extra curricular with extremely thorough 11+ prep. You won’t get relaxed and nice and fluffy in many schools, this is N London, land of the Uber pushy parent where people tutor 3 year olds who are barely out of nappies. Trust me, we opted out of the madness despite being financially able to support it and I’ve no regrets at all plus my kids look absolutely on track to do just as well as their peers in the pushy schools

@scanbersley I haven't seen a difference in holiday time/Saturday school in academic preps vs nonselective ones. All the day school preps seem to keep about the same hours. The likes of UCS and Highgate don't have Saturday school but do have the long holidays. My understanding is that Saturday school mostly exists at boarding schools as they obviously need to offer more activities.

Have you looked at King's Ely

Re. chorister schools, we sat 4+ for St Paul's Cathedral school and my impression from what I saw in classrooms was that it's less academic than selective N London preps, at least in early years. In reception they did tasks my DD did when she was 3.5 in her pre-prep. Maybe it's just SPCS and maybe it changes in later years, I don't really know. We are very keen on music and were willing to sacrifice academic part to some extent, but it was something to consider carefully.

Boys have great destinations from there anyway as it's not just about academic achievements. Last year four went to Westminster, two to City, also Rugby, Winchester.

Do you recommend it AllTheBest? I was poking around at St. John's in Cambridge but haven't looked at kings ely.

I was fairly shocked at what a huge discount in fees the choristers get at some schools. DS can sing but doesn't play an instrument. I would imagine he would need to be playing something at the time of assessment? New College School looks good but not very sporty and DS does really like sports.

Shiggle the week-end commitments of a chorister are not compatible with your previous decision wanting to avoid a school with a timetable that included Saturdays. Having a chorister is a major family commitment and a full-on hard working schedule for the boys (hence the fee discount). Your DS would not have to be able to play an instrument for getting in but would of course be expected to take up an instrument(s) once there.
New College School do their best for sport but is a small school.

Thank you @sendsummer

Yes to King's Ely DS went between yr 3-8. PM if you want

If you are in the south side of Oxfordshire and don’t mind traveling, Cheam school in Newbury is definitely a top pick. Have a look.