Pros and cons/ if leaving Day school for Eton

[pasok1000]

We thought journey time (ds in westminster under) is a big factor and we thought whether to go to Eton, as it would be boarding and less time travelling etc. Ds would like to board. I feel now would would actually Eton add, in addition to saving in travelling time. More clubs/societies, international recognition? Thank you

I agree although I suspect Prince Harry got in for reasons other than academic excellence. However I have no problem with that as it is a very rare exceptional case.

Indeed.

I’m also aware of global celebrities and oligarchs who couldn’t get their sons in for love or money.

Obviously the OP’s implication that saving on ‘travel time’ would be a deciding factor is a bit ridiculous - but the fact is, people (not being British royalty) cannot now ‘decide to send their sons to Eton’, without more. You can decide to apply - and then you wait to see if you’re offered a place.

Yes, that is why I think they should have a go and if he does get in choose at that point (if the boy wants to try). Westminster day or boarding would not be a bad choice either so in a sense he cannot lose (as long as he is able to pass into the serniors at Westminster - if not he might have neither school as an option....)

What year is your DS in?

I have lots of friends with boys in traditional preps outside London and they seem to accept 2 or even 3 schools in year 6 and sit on them until early on in Year 8 when they decide which one is the best fit. Coming from London I was quite surprised by this where everyone I know makes an 11 plus decision in March of Year 6 and sticks to it.
Westminster will fill their year 9 place easily so I would look at the terms and conditions and figure out a good strategy for your DS.

I highly doubt that OP's ds would have a problem with getting into Eton when he is already able to get into at WUS.

Also based on that, I doubt he is unable to get into the Westminster senior school either.

Westminster has great facilities, and depending on what your DC wants to do, there is a lot to do.
They bought a separate building specifically to improve their sports etc. they have a proper professional music studio, even shooting gallery.

Central London schools are moving the fields monopoly away from boarding school nowadays, as most of them actually buy parts of playing fields and gardens around Central London.
Nor does Eton have a monopoly on guest speakers or resources.

The following statement does not apply if your dc got into WinColl, Westminster, St Pauls:
a) Eton has become too meritocratic and competitive for their son(s)
b) They failed to get a place having gone through the process
c) They cannot afford the fees any longer.

My DC went to different schools as they have different personalities, and DS2 did not want Eton.

OP I was hung up on the concept of boarding school outside London, but I am seriously considering London base for my younger DC. You can't go wrong with Westminster. As a thoroughly London person, I love it here, and it's rubbed off on my DC and they see their future here.

Logistically, it would may be better for you to attend to your DS as you are used to doing things at WUS anyway. Your ds has the day option if things don't work out. If he is happy at WUS, just keep him there, his social life won't have that much of a change (visits to local friends, you as a family just around the corner - I presume)

We all see Eton and Westminster in a certain way now, but in my view that perception will inevitably change by the end of the decade. For better or worse, noone can tell at this stage. For that reason, I would prioritise the happiness of your DS in the next 5 years over and above speculating about image or brand.

E and W are some of the best schools in the UK, and established friendships, contracts and stability matter. If your DS is happy at Westminster, there is no reason to rock the boat, unless you feel it is unbearable for various reasons e.g. your DS really wants out of London, or your DS is desperate for more space, or your DS needs more fresh air, or DS needs more competitive extracurriculars.

So the first question to ask... is your DS keen to leave Westminster behind?

What a sweeping generalisation based on what I can only assume is no actual knowledge of the school or it’s alumni.

I know some incredible men and boys that have gone there, that have sent their children there, that have obtained a place there despite hugely difficult backgrounds (not everyone is a wealthy, titled, seated Tory twat), they have set up mental health charities, support for minorities, philanthropic enterprises…

Same as any school, club, family, society, business, etc, there are bad apples in every bushel. This post is just inverse snobbery.

God there are some people with chips on their shoulders about Elton having probably never gone near the place or had a friend of a friends dog who once knew someone 30 years ago.

Whilst my DS didn’t go to Elton a number of his friends did (in the last 2 years) and all of them are charming boys. One of them works in our local pub during university holidays.

I can't comment on Eton as I don't know it personally, but I do know City of London, which I would guess is academically superior, takes boys from all backgrounds irrespective of their parents ' wealth, (many boys have bursaries) providing they meet the academic standards.

Fees are lower than both Westminster and Eton, and my relative is thriving there.
City doesn't carry the stigma perceived by many that an Eton educated generates.

Something else to think about is that too universities are increasingly accepting boys from the state system - a private education is becoming a barrier now - what about sending your son to the local comp?

takes boys from all backgrounds irrespective of their parents' wealth, (many boys have bursaries) providing they meet the academic standards.

You have just described Eton. 😂 Which, as you say, you have no personal knowledge of.

I'm sure Eton is similar in that respect - my main point is that City doesn't hamper its boys with the Eton reputation.

I've met a few old Etonians, they have all been perfectly pleasant. They have not worn the fact they are OEs as a badge of honour. Always heard that they are OEs from a different source. Never discussed school with any of them.

None of them have chosen to send their children to Eton. This might be due to costs, or geographical reasons. They do all send their children to private schools though.

Hello, both our incredibly amazing schools but we choose Eton over WUS . Feel free to reach out for more info .

I agree with @sashh go and visit Eton and keep your eyes and ears open. You'll be surprised.

I agree with @sashh go and visit Eton and keep your eyes and ears open. You'll be surprised.

I agree with @sashh go and visit Eton and keep your eyes and ears open. You'll be surprised.

I agree with @sashh visit the school and keep your eyes and ears open (to things they don't want to show you). You'll be surprised

I agree with @sashh visit the school and keep your eyes and ears open (to things they don't want to show you). You'll be surprised

I agree with @sashh visit the school and keep your eyes and ears open (to things they don't want to show you). You'll be surprised

I have known lots of nice good OEs. However for me it would be a matter of boarding or not and that would decide it. Eg my sons could have gone to boarding school but they (and I) preferred day private school. (Boarding is more expensive too - about double the price so that is an issue too - I have 5 children).

This is not a thread about pros and cons of boarding schools and who boards where, but do bear in mind there is less parental influence over a teenage boy if he doesn't live in your house in term time.

Boarders are at home (or at least, not at school) for roughly 20 weeks in the year.

Parents can visit at almost any time. (Bearing in mind it’s a school - with a full school timetable.)

This in the main part is an excellent discussion thanks posters, I hope to send our son to Warminster School

I think this is a great post and I am learning lots.