Eton housemaster visits

[Roses81]

I posted this on another thread but has not answers …hoping someone here will have some answers
Looking for experience from anyone who has been through these before. I was told these are almost like an interview for DS and us as parents. Is this true ? Wondering how formal these visits are.also has anyone had experience of ending up in the pool if not successfully matched?
Thanks

It's more of a friendly chat in the house, as it's an interview not just of your DS but for the whole family. The parents need to be there because it's all about the chemistry between the parents and the housemaster. You are going to be ranking the three HMs that you meet 1/2/3 so it's all about which one you feel is going to be the best third person in your relationship with your son for the next five years - you're interviewing the HM as much as he's interviewing you! When the chips are down, which housemaster do you want ringing you up...who do you feel most that you'll see eye to eye in terms of values, education, discipline.

Thanks for the reply. Sound advice.

Yes, basically. It is not a formal interview but HMs know that the biggest influence on a child is his parent/s…

Having said that, it is wise not to get too hung up on a HM because they change more often than you think. A HM who should, on paper, be in post until your son leaves, may get a better offer elsewhere and you have no idea who will replace them. IMHO it’s one of the downsides of Eton because houses are so important there.