Magdalen college school

[Raisalavinia]

Hello, we recently attended the open day at Magdalen college school in Oxford and were somewhat perplexed by what we saw. We found the school to have woefully unimpressive facilities and the students around somewhat dishevelled in appearance and manner. I was hoping to gain some insights from anyone familiar with the school about what it’s actually like. My fears are that it is a bit of an academic hothouse and the boys aren’t turning out as rounded individuals. Any thoughts welcome! Thanks

The head has been quoted as saying she doesn’t want pupils to be happy in school, only in later life. Did you hear her say that? I know MCS boys get great results but at the cost of lots and lots of homework and pressure. Oxford has so many great schools. I guess MCS is right for some people but not for others. (By the way, I don’t think facilities or clothes tell you anything meaningful about a school, though pupils’ demeanour certainly does.)
What other schools have you visited, and how old is your DS (or DD I guess)?

I don’t really have a problem with the happy comments she made. Some kids really do enjoy studying and thrive under pressure so for the right kid it’s a perfect school. Unfortunately we were shown around by 2 very hapless year 11 kids (I think) who struggled to communicate. Obviously in every school there is a portion of quirky students, but I’m wondering if that’s the majority at MCS…
We’re in a bit of a fix as we do not want boarding and have been recommended by our prep school either Westminster or MCS as day options which would suit our DS in terms of academics. We viewed Teddies and didn’t like it either.
Any other ideas for day options for an academic DS would be most welcome

Abingdon is the other locally, by reputation. Have you been there?