Smaller boarding schools?

[duckplate]

Hello!

My dd is finishing y11 and wants to board for sixth form, but is currently at a really tiny (like 6 in her year group) school. Obviously this isn't going to be replicated in a boarding school, but are there are smaller, more nurturing schools?

I think going into a really big school + the change to boarding would be a lot. Maybe not in a big city, but that's not really an issue, it's more the actual school!!

Currently have fyling hall, and that's really it We had lathallan in Scotland (dds father works there so would be vaguely convenient) but dd wants to do a levels so that was out.

Thank you!! :)

[stubiff]

Just seen it's an old thread.
OP, what did you decide in the end.

[stubiff]

Bootham, York.
Full boarding £10,155 per term.

[MrPickles73]

Lucton in here ford's hire is small with coed 6th form.

[Takeittotheboss]

If you're looking at Wychwood then whilst in the area would be as well to look at co-ed schools Bloxham and Kingham Hill. All different from each other, so depends on your own feeling and wishes.

[MaisyMary77]

Another one for Wychwood. Both my DD’s went there as boarders-they loved it!

[hotdog74]

The Mount School York is a fantastic and nurturing all girls school. Well worth a look.

[JulianDickGeorgeAndTimmy]

Kingham Hill?

[HomeWorking]

Glenalmond is fantastic! Small and nurturing so staff can really get to know your children and help/encourage them with their areas of interest. My DS is there and DD can't wait to get there too. She will not consider anywhere else!

[Mary19]

Bootham?

[whatatod0]

Ah. Wychwood is much smaller. Good luck with everything and I hope your dd settles in well.

[duckplate]

Ackworth has 450 total I think and 50 per year in sixth form, which is quite small I thought? I think it'll be clearer when we visit it though, whether it feels like a community or not is important to us!

Sadly we won't qualify for a bursary anywhere because we have 2 properties, planning on moving when dh can get a job nearer but we have to apply now obviously!

Glenalmond looks like the best school for dd, and if she gets a scholarship then definitely will try to fund that and could make it work. But there's lots of really bright children going for scholarships so can't assume it'll happen.

[ABitOTT]

Not suggesting a schoolbut some advice I hope may help.

Do not write off a school because it's over your budget. Many schools will offer bursaries with or without a scholarship. We recieved 35% bursaries at our childrens senior schools. Without this assistance, independent school was way out of reach.

Also others have mentioned about bigger schools. My youngest DC went from a small prep with 16 in the class to a school that had approximately 120 per year group. He was in a house of 55 boys. He had no issues moving from a small school to a large school. Also if your is boarding, it's important to ensure that the school doesn't empty out each weekend & they'll be others staying in house. Ensure there's activities that interest your child & that they're happy with the atmosphere the school creates. Some schools are more relaxed at sixth form than others.

You'll find the right school that suits your child best. If the cost is too high, write to the school & fight for a bursary.

[whatatod0]

OP - how small do you want? I've just looked up Ackworth and it looks pretty big.

[Witchend]

What about one that is only partially boarding. Kirkham Grammar School near Preston is about 25% boarding and I know some people who were really happy there.

[Newme2016]

You will not go wrong with Wychwood, it really is a small gem.
My daughter has flourished here. I can’t think of anywhere else I would have her.
If you think I could help answer any questions please let me know.

[duckplate]

Thank you everyone for the replies, they're so helpful!

I really should've said in the OP sorry but our budget is about £31k so it rules out a lot of schools immediately! Dd is going for scholarships at some schools but we're trying to find safer options currently too.

We've enquired about Wychwood, which looks really promising :) I also got a pm about Ackworth, that looks amazing! I've talked to the head and there's a big emphasis on pastoral care, it's got quite a small sixth form (50 in each year).

Most of the schools on this thread look like they fit the bill (we did visit Ampleforth for ds a while ago and loved it!) but aren't affordable.

[folduptheocean]

@2BorNot2Bvocal
I think ampleforth is hot on safeguarding now so wouldn't be worried. The monks don't teach any more as far as I know. A lot has changed.

It's a beautiful school. I love it, but not sure if it fits the bill for OP

[folduptheocean]

True. The OP mentions Fyling hall. The fees there are a lot less that Ampleforth which is high end price wise.

[2BorNot2Bvocal]

www.iicsa.org.uk/key-documents/6583/download/ampleforth-downside-investigation-report-august-2018.pdf

[LostSoul69]

@folduptheocean Ampleforth is not that big just a large campus eg huge grounds and loads of amazing space. Yes, it is a Catholic school but you do not need to be Catholic to be a pupil there. I have lots of friends with very happy DCs at Ampleforth.

[folduptheocean]

@LostSoul69 I do think anpleforth is beautiful but isn't it quite big and also quite catholic.

[Spinterest]

Another vote for Monmouth School for Girls. They've just gone coed sixth form. Beautiful setting loads of amazing facilities and value for money. My dd LOVES it there

[LostSoul69]

Another vote for Glenalmond but also look at Queen Margarets, York (girls) & Ampleforth - great for girls 6th form, both these options are within easy reach of Edinburgh and London on the east coast train line!

[jellycat1]

Giggleswick?