Is St Edwards Oxford the right boarding school?

[drinkteaandrelax]

Hi, my daughter is in Year 10 and will be soon choosing her sixth form.

We originally were going to stick to state education, but she is super academic and thrives in a working environment- and suggested boarding school.
My DD wants somewhere full-boarding with many societies and a driven community of students- nice boarding too with good weekend activities.

What are your thoughts on Teddies, and are there any boarding schools alike that you recommend? I'd be very appreciative!

I mean more academic than Teddies, not CLC and Wycombe.

One of my children went to Teddies - I certainly wouldn't say it was an academic school - definitely not along the lines of Oxford High School which I know is day (and where I went when it had a boarding house). The vibe at Teddies then was more of being a sporty school. Wycombe Abbey is 'more academic' but single sex, St Pauls Girls very academic but day. King's Canterbury maybe? Three of my kids went there - two to Oxbridge. Two at Rugby as well - they loved it, but at time of very good Head who went on to Westminster.

I agree King's Canterbury is another one to explore - smaller school but very established, produces great results and they definitely have an Oxbridge stream.

None of these are bad schools, it’s just a question of finding the right school. Teddies is a very good school, but if you were specifically looking for an academic school it might not be the best choice. It’s definitely a sporty school.

why do you think that st Edward's school is not for academics? I don’t know, I’m just also interested in this school, and I am trying to find, in addition to academic success, good reviews about the teachers, since mine are very gentle and very academic.

St Leonards. International, not too big, beautiful location in St Andrews.

It's an IB school

[quote drinkteaandrelax]@Orangesarenottheonlyfruit Do you know anything about Marlborough? Canford isn't appealing to my DD and I, so we are looking at other options.[/quote]
My DD went to Marlborough at 6th form. I’ve shared lots of my thoughts on other threads. But to answer your specific questions. My DD didn’t experience a big drug taking culture at the school. Probably because they drug test the students randomly. There was certainly some parties at exeats where drugs were around but my friends DCs in other schools probably saw as much. The day schools around here seem to have more problems if I am honest. There was lots of smoking however and the 6th form DC are allowed a limited amount of alcohol at the weekend.

Those who want to work hard are definitely encouraged, broadened and developed. My DD was well supported to get an offer from Oxbridge. There were loads of external talks, presentations, study support etc. But the school doesn’t see academics as the only success of a school. They really encourage music and drama and don’t want DC who are just going to sit in their room and study. They want DC who will contribute to the wider school community. I hope that helps.

And Marlborough don’t try very hard to market themselves at 6th form simply because they don’t have to. I believe this year their applications were higher than ever and they were turning applicants away, not even putting them on a waiting list.