bedales, canford or wellington

[dolphin50]

Hi all
Me and my dh are deciding on senior schools for our son and daughter. these are the three schools we like the most and their prep has links with these schools as well.
i love bedales arty, no school uniform and student individuality reputation. i am very attracted to the unpretentious feel of the place with its own assessed courses and school farm and the fact that it was started as an alternative to the victorian public schools and has always been co ed.
However canford looks amazing too with its grounds, buildings and the fact that its 10 minutes from the beach, something my children will love as well as trips to nearby splashdown and monkey world. The academics, arts and sports look impressive.
But wellington offers such variety that makes it very appealing as well. with its top facilities and its arts festival.
me and my dh are wanting co ed and the opportunities of boarding life. however we are thinking about moving near the school we choose so they can day and all these schools offer day and children can be out at weekends so hopefully the best of both worlds

Gosh lucky dc to have this selection, what is your query to the good people of Mumsnet?

what's the query?

On the baby name boards, whenever there is a choice I always go for the name I’d be happiest with as my own name. I feel the same here; I would have loved to go to Bedales for all the reasons you mentioned and more...have you seen the library?!

the library at bedales does look amazing as does the olivier theatre but wellington does seem to have more variety and canford looks impressive too.
Does anyone have experience of these three schools?

You have three quite different schools here. I am sure you know this but some insights...
Beadales- very liberal, own clothes, child needs to suit it - be the type who is relatively mature and responds to less formality and structure, gain confidence from the 'free' environment rather than losing the plot and going a little too 'free'! I know a girl who moved from a structured, academic prep to a similar liberal school, Frensham Heights, and quickly moved back as she found it too relaxed and didn't quite know what to do with the lack of structure. She also found it hard with some of her friends pushing the boundaries of no real discipline. Amazing school for the right child.
Wellington - very trendy, on the whole wealthy kids, sixth form has a bit of a rep for big parties etc., innovative with the whole wellbeing side of things, quite a modern but very public school with tradition and formality. Think you need fairly confident DC.
Canford - I know less about but all the kids I've met who left are lovely, well-spoken, ambitious. Think it is more traditional than the other two. Perhaps more old money types? (guessing..)

I don't think Canford is old money particularly. I know quite a few people there and all happy and doing well.
Hasn't Bedales got a new headmaster from September?

We've wondered about applying for a bursary to Canford. But we'd v definitely be the poor relation!!

We are considering Bedales for our son entry at 13. He was in a fairly relaxed small “primary” with project work style teaching. He is now at a traditional small prep school but no one in the school has experience or information about the entrance exam.

Dear Parents of current senior children, can you remember what happened during the residential weekend and specifically what the academic tests consisted of?

Thank you so much for your help.

My DD is at Canford and loves it.
We are definitely not loaded (scholarship) but you really can't tell who's rich and who isn't.
I have been extremely impressed with Canford. The days are busy and fun, the kids have a great balance of work and play. They are engaged with community and have a healthy sense of their own privilege without it being overdone.
The academics are excellent and the pastoral care in house has been outstanding.
With regards to it being old fashioned, my younger child is due to go there in September and she is far more alternative. I have no doubt she will find her tribe at Canford, probably in the art departments!
Hope that helps.

Bedales alumni is impressive……..with the exception of Lily Allen.