Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Education

Join the discussion on our Education forum.

Tiffin, Epsom College or Reed's

9 replies

BravoTrailer12 · 14/01/2025 22:51

DS has made it to round 2 at Tiffin and Epsom and had automatic interview at Reed's. DS seems to prefer Epsom, DH Tiffin and myself Reed's. Were DS to be offered 2 or 3 of these schools, which one to pick? Pros and cons? Any big reservations on any of them? What are the big pluses for each?
(NB I have visited all 3 schools and read the Good School Guide reviews. Don't know any current or former pupils in any)
Thanks!

OP posts:
Ladytreacle · 15/01/2025 07:35

The big plus of Tiffin is that it's FREE. Perhaps that's why your DH is leaning towards it.

Minuethippo · 15/01/2025 07:40

I would have thought Epsom and Reeds provide more extracurricular activities than Tiffins.
if you’re keen on just academics, then Tiffins

TW11dad · 15/01/2025 12:15

Jumping on this, does anyone know what Epsom’s stage 2 is like? I know it’s a morning or afternoon, and is not an interview, but seems more involved.

VanCleefArpels · 15/01/2025 12:20

Tiffin such a different kettle of fish : urban, day only, less sporty, less “pukka public school” vibe, more diverse student body

What can Epsom / Reeds give your DS to justify the vast expense? Is he likely to be able to participate in and/ or benefit from those extras?

hipuddy · 15/01/2025 13:05

Minuethippo · 15/01/2025 07:40

I would have thought Epsom and Reeds provide more extracurricular activities than Tiffins.
if you’re keen on just academics, then Tiffins

Tiffin has masses of extra-curricular!

But if the OP is wealthy enough for this decision to be a serious dilemma I'd say go with Reeds or Epsom and leave the free Tiffin place for a family that might not have the same luxury.

tennissquare · 15/01/2025 16:23

Firstly it's tricky to get a straight out offer from Tiffin and not be on the WL. If you are on the Tiffin WL on the 3rd March you will need to accept a private school place anyway and commit to 1 terms feee even if your dc doesn't attend.

If you get offers from Epsom and Reeds then choose which you prefer which is possible if you focus on mixed/single sex and rugby hockey only versus football / Rugby plus loads of sports.

You will have until 3/4th March at least to decide. It gets much clearer when the offers are in front of you.

tennissquare · 15/01/2025 16:42

Also to add it's harder to achieve an offer from Tiffin on results day than Hampton, it's very difficult.

SW19MumEmma · 15/01/2025 19:55

We chose Epsom College over Reeds - absolutely no regrets, fantastic school.

Yes the fees are crazy - but you get so much! Drama / arts / societies. Boys / girls are encouraged to try everything, and to be brave. My DC are interested, polite, respectful and curious.

The house system is really unique - unlike any other school I know of, I can't stress how special it is.

abignael · 25/01/2025 04:25

I think the real big difference (beside FEES) is co-ed vs all boys. I’d really consider what suits your DS. Epsom is a lovely school but incredibly full on and would mean Saturday school and commitment to later evenings. My DC’s have had lovely friends at both although I have heard Epsom is a little more wound up in who has what car etc. perhaps to be expected with the fee jump. Reeds also has very different sporting focuses, which might become important for your DS. Tiffins is certainly more urban but Epsom and Cobham are hardly in the middle of nowhere and I wouldn’t fanaticise about pupils frolicking through fields at lunch, boys I find always play some lawless version of football whichever school they’re at.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page