Would really welcome some recent (as impartial as possible) experience of Eton or Winchester College. Our son has been offered places at both (conditional on passing CE or Election) and need to decide pronto as he is year 8. Been yonks since we visited either given Covid times.
Our DS is an enthusiast, hasn’t really worked out how to work (so am sitting here panicking slightly about CE/election) and isn’t at a particularly academically pushy prep school. He loves sport but isn’t an A team player and plays an instrument and enjoys it. He is pretty easy going and sociable.
We really like both housemasters and can see them doing a great job. The size of Winchester is appealing but we do worry that it is so academically focused that the sorts of boys going there will either be super bright (our son is bright enough - curious and would love Div- but is no genius and hasn’t learnt how to apply himself yet) or super geeky. Prep on a Saturday night seems bonkers to me! But, clearly a great education - inspiring place and teachers.
Eton - closer to home so logistics easier but worry that it is a big school and kids may need to be more self-starting to find the right path and get the best out of it. Any views on that point welcome.
Thanks everyone.