Bedales for 6th form - any experiences?

[hmcAsWas]

Dd currently in Y11 and we have started looking at 6th form options for September 2018.

Recently went to Bedales for their 6th form open day (which was really just a tour, short talk by the head and lunch)

DD disproportionately wowed by it (probably overly swayed by the free and easy dress code and laid back vibe)

Any insights into Bedales - especially at sixth form please?

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I looked at it a year ago. Yes the boarding houses were lovely (esp compared to those I experienced elsewhere in the 80’s!!).

However the kids who took us round were not impressive, came across as bored, didn’t want to be there, not effusive. In his talk the Head came across as “I don’t need to sell the school, it speaks for itself, just ask questions” so no mention of A level results or destinations of leavers which for me is important information for 6th form entry.

What killed it for DD was the fact that boarders are in mixed age rooms.

Yes, dd is a little concerned about the mixed age boarding.

Must admit that the three students who took us around were pretty enthusiastic - we may have got lucky

The head is leaving at the end of 2017/8 .....

I know what you mean about them not really selling themselves

I was much more impressed by Frenshsm Heights

I wouid add that a new Head for your DD's sixth form might be tricky in terms of general change (will there be a slew of new teachers for example, change of ethos, more or less emphasis on academics or other things?). It wouid put me off regardless of those other things I mentioned

Don't know about the 6th form but a friend moved her DD from there after 2 years because of the sexism/stereotyping between boys & girls.

I'd imaging it's even worse in the 6th form.