School advice needed-co-Ed Indy herts, beds, bucks for

[resskiestonight]

Help needed. Have two very different children in year 5, twins, and not sure where to start looking for senior. Girl is very social, would like to weekly board, very loud and energetic. Loves school. Boy more introverted likes his own space, bright, home body. Live near Milton Keynes. Berkhamsted? Bedford modern? St Christopher’s Letchworth? Bloxham? Stowe as day? Rugby as day? Everywhere quite far and want them ideally together. Thanks, not sure where to start.

Haileybury without a doubt. Daughter can board if / when you want. Really good mix of personalities. Excellent results but looks after those that need a little more help too.

Only downside is Saturday morning school.

Berkhamsted would be a good fit for your DD but not so much your son. There are also very few places available at the boys school at 11+ and it can lead to a very stressful time on the waiting list.

Rugby and Stowe only start from 13.

Thanks Zodlebud. Don’t know much about Haileybury except might be too far from Where we live near Leighton Buzzard unless he boarded? No way he would like to do that. He’s a real home body. Also just to throw in and thanks for the help, fine to move at 13 as their school runs to then.

Depending on where about you are in relation to LB then it’s about the same as going to Rugby if you are going by car. Both are about an hour. You’re right though that that area is a bit of a black hole for school options.

I understand about wanting them both in the same place for logistics but if one is weekly boarding then it really does take the pressure off. So long as you are only about an hour away, you can still be there for DD for matches, plays etc. It sounds like you could be making compromises for both children by trying to find a school that fits both of them.

I would look at Bedford Boys for your son and then places like Haileybury, St Edwards, Queenswood, Tudor Hall, and Stowe for your daughter.

I have a quiet introverted yr 9 boy at Bedford boys - I considered all options in Bedford but chose the prep and now the upper because the of the pastoral care and emphasis on sport. He is thriving. They do a joint activities with the girls school and all the independent schools do end up mixing on soc Med. my DD is in yr 5 at Bedford girls she is the totally opposite a real outgoing independent young missbut loves it!

My DDs went to girls only boarding schools and the brothers of their friends obviously went to different schools. Lots of parents seem to prefer this. Sport and ethos are perhaps more individual to each DC and you are able to choose the best for each DC.

LB is a bit difficult. Not much for either sex in easy reach for day. Stowe is easier to get into than Rugby but it’s quite a drive every day. Haileybury is also quite a long way.

I would, however, treat them as individuals. They won’t cling together at school. They need their own space and interests. Do what’s best for them as individuals. Don’t forget, decent schools have lots going on after school. A long drive home just isn’t sensible. Weekly boarding opens up a lot more possibilities.

Thank you really appreciate your advice all

Bedford Modern? Could easily go from Leighton Buzzard. There used to be a school bus that ran from the Buzzy to the Bedford schools?

Or look at Berkhamsted schools not far on the train

Kimbolton is another option?