Hall vs UCS

[SherryM]

Hello - our son has offers for Reception at the Hall and UCS. Would love to hear of views from other parents who had a similar choice to make in recent years. Would love to hear thoughts on the downside/cons that we have heard on each from our basic research so far. Hall: hot housing, "healthy attrition" of boys. UCS - because you have a virtual guaranteed spot will 18, there is the possibility of boys coasting and not realising their potential.

Ive never know the boys at UCS coast. They are kept on their toes.

Thank you! That is great to hear. The appeal of a through school is very strong

The hall is certainly not a hot house. Very nurture in the early years. Excellent teaching.

both schools are good, the main question here do you want all-through school or or just prep

The Hall while academically demanding is not a hot house. Our favourite thing about the school is the most amazing music program, most boys end up being very involved in several ensembles. The school is small enough that in just a short time you feel comfortable in the community, but large enough to have many different types of boys fit in

UCS any day unless you're desperate for them to go to Westminster. Absolutely amazing school which certainly does not let the boys coast.

Hello- we ended up deciding on UCS. Comments here were extremely helpful. Thank you

Yay! the right choice, well done.

Since you've made your choice I am a bit late to the party. I just wanted to add my few cents worth. I have 2 boys at UCS, now in the senior school.
There is no coasting at UCS with a good programme of tests/exams/assessments and the Junior Branch boys do write the 11+ for the senior school, but it is not used for exclusion etc.
Perhaps something to remember is that preparation for entrance exams for other schools is not necessarily directly beneficial to the longer term academic progress/attainment of a child, often there is a requirement to teach to a specific tests etc. (Yes, I am sure many will not agree but this is my personal opinion). UCS have eliminated the 13+ and there is definite well-thought out path for GCSE preparation while at the same time allowing kids to explore a broad range of topics. Some of this may be lost if you are focusing on preparing for competitive entrance exams.
As the boys get older, I have noticed a freedom to be themselves/individuals without a strong negative peer pressure to conform or display certain behaviours. This is so important!