Summerfields or Papplewick

[Marquez35]

Hi all,
I have researched both schools and they both seem to have great results. Before we apply I wanted to see if anyone has any inside info on these schools.
BEFORE anyone mentions I know they are in total different locations but these are the two locations we are debating which one to move to.

My image of both is the below but can't work if I'm being unfair

• Papplewick - good results, but they will concentrate a % of the year who are in the scholarship class? I loved the ethos of letting boys be boys and have freedom but can't work out if your son is easily lead if he will just be carried away with having too much freedom?

• Summerfields - looks more polished but cant work out if that is all show? also not show if many boys go as day pupils as I wouldn't want my son to board at this stage.

any parents to have experienced either school please let me know.

THANK YOU in advance

Don’t know anything about either really other than they send lots of boys to top boarding schools at 13.

I did, however, find this website very useful for getting a feel for numbers of boarders at each school and the split between day and boarders. Here’s the links to both schools you mention.

www.isc.co.uk/schools/england/berkshire/ascot/papplewick/

www.isc.co.uk/schools/england/oxfordshire/oxford/summer-fields/

You will also probably find that boarding numbers increase significantly the higher up the school - with far more Y7 and 8s boarding than younger children. It’s also nice if they offer ad-hoc sleepover boarding. It’s awesome being able to stay over just one night as an 8 year old when it’s your best friends birthday.

I would say follow your gut reaction. These are top schools that always deliver highly on next school destinations. Which style and ethos best fits your son and your family? Don’t overthink it above and beyond that.

Hi @Marquez35 I have two boys at another prep nearby who will be going to Papplewick next year. We've had a number of family members go through the school, who did very well and were very happy there. I have friends with boys there now too who rave about it. I love the Papplewick ethos - it suits us down to the ground. Hard working but a sense of fun. I definitely don't think they concentrate only on scholarship boys. Quite the opposite. They want each boy to find their 'thing' and encourage them all. Have you been round yet? The HM is fab and will spend a good amount of time showing you around and getting to know you and your son. They don't offer places until they've met the boys and feel it's a fit. Feel free to PM me if you like.
I've had friends at SF but years ago so can't help there.

That is great to hear - i think it will be Papplewick for us