NCO 2027

[DeafLeppard]

Out of the blue we got an acceptance email for NCO Weeks for 2027 - last year we didn't hear anything until October!! Has anyone else got an email? We've never done Weeks before - DC has never actually been away from home for that long and he'll be super nervous. Also HOW MUCH??

My two elder kids have done weekends and residentials. Eldest just coming out of the top of U14 and younger from U12 this year to U13 2027. For anyone new to either, the information NCO provide if you accept is incredibly helpful and detailed. If you are doing a residential they have welcome zooms where they tell you about everything from the schools they are staying at, to the tutors, tuck shop and phone policy etc. The tutors are really supportive and kind and the pastoral care for the residentials in particular is next level brilliant. I have never heard of a parent WhatsApp group and, TBH, would be reluctant to join one because I think it sounds a bit stressful. It's certainly not necessary because we have always been told everything we need to know by NCO. One of mine was quite homesick in U12. They looked after her brilliantly and she still had an absolutely amazing time despite finding bedtime a bit tough. They really know what they are doing. I can't recommend the experience enough. But yes, it is a big expense if you don't qualify for financial support and having two in residentials at the same time was... 😳

If anyone on this thread has a reserve place for Weeks convert into a confirmed place please could you let me know? I imagine they mainly come through in a clump a certain amount of time after the payment deadline so I just want to know when we should stop bothering to cross our fingers! Also a nightmare deciding which dates to keep clear in the diary as if he doesn't get Weeks (highly likely) he has a place on Weekends instead.