Relocating to Windsor - Upton House School or St George's School?

[BigMove2021]

We're relocating from the Spain in July as I have been offered a role at a company based in Slough and luckily part of the package includes independent school fees. I won't be able to visit before we move because of the pandemic restrictions. I've been advised that Windsor, Eton or Datchet would be nice places to live and an ok commute to the office but I haven't been to Berkshire before.

My children have been offered Reception and Year 1 places at Upton House School and St George's School in Windsor. I'm not sure which one to choose - I like the emphasis on music at St George's but Upton House also has a lot of extra-curricular options. My kids speak English, Spanish and Dutch - they are too young to tell if they are particularly academic, musical or sporty and they are probably a bit behind because they missed about 7 months of school last year.

Does any one have any experience with these schools? It would also be good to know if the parents are friendly as I would like to make new friends as I don't know anyone in the area. My kids currently go to a state school and I have no experience of private schools so I'm worried that I won't fit in at the school gates because I'm not English and I know there is a class system in England (for background, I'm a single mother who works full time - I get criticized a lot for this where I currently live as it's relatively uncommon).

Thanks in advance for any insight you can offer on these schools and also any advice on where to live nearby. Sorry for the long post!

Hi I have 2 children at St George's and am really happy with the school

• new headmaster with a lot of momentum and energy!
• the open space and grounds are fantastic- the school uses private land within windsor castle for sports with multiple pitches and a new pavilion (lack of outdoor space was a big draw back for us with Upton)
• loads of extra-curricular activities, especially from year 3 onwards with everything from magic club to baking to fencing. Maybe ask for a list from the school
• most parents are super friendly and windsor based and probably at least half of the mums work
• lots of international families
• wouldn't describe it as an academic powerhouse, but pupils do leave for top senior schools.
• most girls leave at 11 so numbers a lot smaller in Years 7 and 8
• overall I'd describe it as a really friendly and happy school and have never heard any feedback contrary to that from other families at the school

I don't think you can go wrong with either to be honest. My dd has just left Upton. It is a lovely school with amazing caring teachers who know your child so well. There are so many extra circular activities, sports, music and languages to choose from you are really spoilt for choice. The girls all seem so happy there. There is lots of diversity and children from many different countries. As far as the parents it's a real mix, a few very rich, many working mums so the after school clubs are very busy. Some sah dad's. Some children on bursary. Everyone just seemed to get on and there were no cliques I was aware of. Other parents helping each other when running late to pick up from work etc. I made so really nice friends there and even though they've left all the girls are still in touch. The one thing you will find if a girl joins in later years they all want to be the new girls friend! Everyone buys 2nd hand uniform from the PTA shop regardless of income.

Just looking at the previous post looks like the schools are identical except for the uniform!

Thanks Windsormum9 and Wishitsnows for your helpful comments. It sounds like both schools are great.

Hi, can I ask if anyone knows about Windsor Girls school? Any information at all would be really helpful. I have to find a place in year 10 for my daughter this year...

I would opt for St George's on the basis that they have outdoor space.