Looking for info on Blundells/ Taunton/ Wellington

[mumto3bearcubs]

Hi! First post here so please bear with me. Our youngest is due to leave the prep she is currently at next Sept and we are looking at senior schools. Currently looking at the three above and wanted some opinions. Main priority for us would be pastoral and boarding - youngest wants a vibrant boarding house with plenty of full boarders - a good mix of international and enough British boarders too. Good food is a must!! Any advice?

When you say due to leave prep next Sept is that year 6 or 8? As Wellington College starts at 13+ but you need to have registered by the end of year 5 and so you wouldn’t be likely to get a place with them.

Entering into year 9 - I have had correspondence with Wellington and it seems they do have spaces.

My son had some international friends go to Blundells and seem to like it as far as I know. I could get in touch with their mother and ask what they think. Have you considered Kings Bruton. Small school and really good. 60 % full boarding.

I am so sorry. I thought you meant Wellington College not Wellington School! Please ignore me!

Blundells is probably the best thought of from that group. Kings Taunton is better than Taunton.

Better as in? Academically, boarding, anything in particular that makes it stand out as better for you? Thanks

@salsamummy

My son had some international friends go to Blundells and seem to like it as far as I know. I could get in touch with their mother and ask what they think. Have you considered Kings Bruton. Small school and really good. 60 % full boarding.

Thanks I’ll look at Bruton. Yes please any info about Blundells much appreciated!!

Wellington has an excellent reputation. Boarding Houses are a good mix and there are lots of activities. Excellent pastoral care including having a full time Mental Health Lead. I know several students there and they only have good things to say.

Do you mean Wellington School or Wellington College. Wellington School isn't the best tbh.

King's Bruton is lovely although small and nurturing which wasn't our thing.

Wellington, Somerset. Kings bruton looks a bit too far from our catchment area for me.

Wellington, somerset is known as the poor mans choice.

It’s cheaper and not as good.

What about Kings College, Taunton. Mix of international boarders. It’s a great school. Good for sport and music/drama.

Quick name change for this as I wouldn't like to be recognised!

I went to Blundells as a day pupil from age 7 - 18. I left in 2012. Happy to answer any questions you may have

Thanks! Good to hear from someone who’s been there. What was the boarding like? Were there lots of British boarders and do they all disappear at the weekends or do most stay? Was the pastoral support good? Anything else you think that would be useful!! I have heard good things about Blundells - only negative that it is a bit snobby, was that an impression you got?

@DobbyTheHouseElk

Wellington, somerset is known as the poor mans choice.

It’s cheaper and not as good.

What about Kings College, Taunton. Mix of international boarders. It’s a great school. Good for sport and music/drama.

Thanks, yes it is a bit cheaper. We have experience of Kings and mostly good but wanted to look at other options too.

Wellington has a great reputation and is a lot better than Taunton. Blundells is good, but perhaps a little overly snobby. It depends what you are looking for.

If you have experienced Kings, what didn’t you like? I’m interested in Kings currently.

@DobbyTheHouseElk

If you have experienced Kings, what didn’t you like? I’m interested in Kings currently.

I’ve private messaged you

@mumto3bearcubs personally I never boarded but only ever heard good things. As far as I was aware, most boarders stayed at weekends, particularly during examination years.

Pastoral care was excellent.

Food was always good

We were well aware of the 'snobby' perception but I never experienced this. There was one or two stereotypical 'rich' girls but most were lovely, down to earth, bright.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and would recommend it.

The clincher for you should be that Blundells has an ancient outdoor pool,so no chance of a swimming programme and all that entails..its also by far the best of the three

@propatria

The clincher for you should be that Blundells has an ancient outdoor pool,so no chance of a swimming programme and all that entails..its also by far the best of the three

Yes we do not want to be at a school with a strong swimming programme! I think Blundells or Kings Taunton are the two we will look at closer

[quote BlundellsGirl]@mumto3bearcubs personally I never boarded but only ever heard good things. As far as I was aware, most boarders stayed at weekends, particularly during examination years.

Pastoral care was excellent.

Food was always good

We were well aware of the 'snobby' perception but I never experienced this. There was one or two stereotypical 'rich' girls but most were lovely, down to earth, bright.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and would recommend it. [/quote]
Thanks @BlundellsGirl. Sounds very positive - definitely sounds suited to our D.C.

It’s very difficult choosing with “virtual” open days. Easy for the school to show you what they want you to see.

@DobbyTheHouseElk

It’s very difficult choosing with “virtual” open days. Easy for the school to show you what they want you to see.

Yes! It’s very hard having to make a decision without being able to go and see them in person and DC needs a taster boarding night at least!

I might have misread, but it looked like Taunton school was offering some sort of real life open day.

Usually, you have a taster day as part of admissions. I wonder if this will go ahead or not.