Summerfields school

[mumof420]

We are considering Summerfields next year for our son but it would mean moving to Oxford. Are we crazy? Is the school worth the move? We are fortunate we can move if needed but would only put ourselves through this if the school chosen would provide not only a great education but a great school experience for our son.

Where do you live now? There may be schools that suit close by. What is it about Summerfields you like so much? I think it’s a risk moving far just for a school as so much can change, although Oxford is a great city and there would be other school options if SF didn’t work out.

I'd ask where you are now too OP. I've just spent a few years doing the 'which prep school' thing so might be able to help with a suggestion or two for you to consider.

Thank you, so we are looking for September 2022 for one of our sons to start. We are based in central London at the moment with him attending Wetherby.
The reason we are drawn to Summerfields is that the school seems to have a great leavers destination list, but without the pressure pot London school environment. It also seems to have an amazing space and a huge number of activities provided for the boys as far as we can see.
It has become a possibility due to now working from home becoming more of a reality and my office confirming post covid it will be max 1 day in a week to the office in London that you need to be there for.

In terms of type of school we are looking for it is basically the 'dream' :)
somewhere where he will make happy memories, enjoy school, have access to loads of extra curriculum activities so he can find his passion/interest but still provide him with a great education and drive to get into a great next destination school.

My son although social is very sensitive so would love an environment that teaches the boys to be kind, well mannered but not so strict they dont enjoy being there.

Summerfields from an external perspective seems to be as close as that possible.....unfortunately it is in Oxford and with my husband and I not comfortable with him boarding at this age anyway it would mean moving out of London.

We are happy to this as our other 3 children are still very young so the move for them wouldnt be an issue. At this same time dont want to make the move and then realise what we think the school is, was not the case.

Are your other children boys? I suppose you’ll have to look ahead for schools that you’re happy with for them in the future too?
I thought SF was predominantly boarding which would put me off for a day off but I may have got that wrong.
There are lots of schools similar to SF, particularly in the home counties and a bit further south west so personally I would focus on where you want to live as a family first.

Yes I agree - there are a good number of great boys' preps, so it's worth making sure it works on all fronts. At what age are you thinking he might start to board? Are you planning on trying him on flexi boarding first? Key consideration is what the plan would be for the other 3 too.

How old is your DS? Would he be starting in year 4? Or in their new(ish) pre-prep?

The first point is that summer fields is a prep school - would you be looking at boarding or day for year 9? If day, is there a suitable school in Oxford that you have your eye on?

If boarding, do the destination schools line up with what you want? E.g. basically Eton, Harrow, Radley, Oundle, Winchester etc.

Are your younger children all boys? If you have a daughter or daughters, where would she be educated?

Sometimes Wetherby pre-prep sends boys boarding to summer fields - can you be but in touch with former Wetherby parents to see their opinions on Summer Fields?

Another thing is that Summer Fields is a predominantly boarding school that takes some day pupils (as opposed to a mostly day school with a boarding house or a truly 50/50 school). Your son will most likely be fine (perhaps better off!) as a day boy in year 4 and 5 but may be missing out and asking to board after that. If all his classmates are together 24/7 and he's not it maybe be trickier to make and keep friends. I know the school has a pretty generous weekend leave policy but I don't know if they have flexi-boarding?

A good thing about moving to Oxford is that even if the school doesn't work out there are a number of great options.

But there are amazing boys' (and mixed) preps in lots of locations. Have you considered some of the others?

Have you visited the school? It seems mad to apply without seeing it, but suppose it will be very common in covid times - and probably many international boarding families have chosen schools sight unseen!

What would concern me is:

a) can you both keep your jobs?
b) do you own property in London? If so don't give it up! Rent in Oxford and worst case if it's a total mess you can move back
c) do you actually like Oxford and would you like to live there as a family

I don't think you're silly to consider this - it could be a great decision for you and your family BUT it is a huge decision and you may be putting too much pressure on this school to be perfect - which may end in disappointment.

The Eton Kings Scholarship roll has been published. It was a surprise that no one from Summer Fields got it. This school usually has 3 or 4 on the roll. Intriguing. Any thoughts anyone?

@Jo107

The Eton Kings Scholarship roll has been published. It was a surprise that no one from Summer Fields got it. This school usually has 3 or 4 on the roll. Intriguing. Any thoughts anyone?

That's true none this year but more like 1-2 in past years. I was curious as well. That and Dragon School.