Rokeby vs Shrewsbury

[AydinKenan]

Hi all,

My son has been accepted for year 3 in Rokeby and Shrewsbury house and we are hesitating which one to go for.

Any advices to help influence our decision?

Many thanks in advance

Kindly

Hi @AydinKenan just bumping this for you and hopefully some Mumsnetters will be along soon with some useful advice.

Me too

Hi @AydinKenan
I am also looking for some opinions about these two schools for my boy. As far as I have searched, the destination of the leavers are quite different .
I believe that you have made your decision. Could you please share some opinions between the two school? Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
T

I fell in love with SH when we were on their tour. I kept thinking that this is where I’d like to see my kids in. Lots of sport, the buildings and fields neither too small nor too big. French every day, plenty of beautifully framed kids’ art on the walls, story class with billions of artifacts… if we lived within reasonable distance and didn’t secure the offer from all-through school - I wouldn’t give it another thought.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, @2minutesplease.

I just find that reading the ISI Report is also a good way to compare the schools.

@TinaU2017, that’s something I haven’t heard of, thank you! Is it something like OFSTED report but for indies?

@2minutesplease

As I google, 'Both ISI and Ofsted report on independent schools' compliance with the DfE Education (Independent Schools Standards) Regulations. ... Another difference is that ISI inspection teams largely consist of practising senior leaders currently working in ISC schools, whereas Ofsted inspectors have not necessarily run a school.'

We absolute love Shrewsbury and couldn't be happier with our choice!

It is both a very academic and sporty school and we had a small concern before we started that it might be too much for our quieter, creative son who prefers art/design/wildlife/reading etc. However we knew the head from pre-prep, (where my son flourished!) and decided to go for it knowing how fantastic she was.

And safe to say we haven't looked back and it's been the perfect choice for us!

We have in fact found it to be very balanced and nurturing school; (which is really refreshing in SW London!) And they seem to get the best out of all the boys. I feel they've really tapped into my son's different interests and he comes home smiling and enthusiastic about school every day!

I can't comment on Rokeby, but I believe local families are also very happy there.

Definitely read the ISI Reports. Shrewsbury just had their inspection last term and received an outstanding report.

Good luck with your decision.

Thank you indeed for your post @alwaysummer
It is really helpful to have fresh first-hand review from the parent of the school.

Seeing two at SHS and both very different boys. Somehow both absolutely thriving. The school has invested a lot in facilities and is forward thinking. There is a tribe for all despite its older reputation that it is better suited for sporty boys. They stream the boys so the pace is matched to what they can cope with: We declined Rokeby as found staff turnover high and too lack lustre but maybe that’s only an opinion.