Millfield | Mumsnet

KBillies1 · 2025-05-24T11:19:56+00:00

Hi, Wishing everyone a pleasant bank holiday. Our son is flourishing at a local prep school and we wondered if we should put him in Millfield for three years at the age of thirteen then take him out for the A level period. He is very sporty but if course no guarantee he would excel. Whilst I could be wrong I am unconvinced that Millfield is strong academically. Also is there any risk of bullying or is that highly unlikely? Many thanks

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Labraradabrador · 24/05/2025 12:35

Millfield has a reputation for sports as well as a reputation for being very good with dyslexia (featured prominently richard branson’s made by dyslexia video). They are non or not very academically selective, so results won’t compare to a more selective school, especially if a number of students are choosing it specifically for send reasons like dyslexia. There are a number of academically high achieving students there, though, so they can cater to the academically able. But if you want a school that will push an average ability / not very motivated child to achieve top grades through relentless focus on academics, I am not sure it will do that.

I know some who have had a brilliant experience and also one family that found the pastoral care lacking to the point they left the school. In general my impression is that it is a good school but not for everyone, so would depend on how you and your son felt when you visited.

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KBillies1 · 24/05/2025 12:38

Labraradabrador · 24/05/2025 12:35

Millfield has a reputation for sports as well as a reputation for being very good with dyslexia (featured prominently richard branson’s made by dyslexia video). They are non or not very academically selective, so results won’t compare to a more selective school, especially if a number of students are choosing it specifically for send reasons like dyslexia. There are a number of academically high achieving students there, though, so they can cater to the academically able. But if you want a school that will push an average ability / not very motivated child to achieve top grades through relentless focus on academics, I am not sure it will do that.

I know some who have had a brilliant experience and also one family that found the pastoral care lacking to the point they left the school. In general my impression is that it is a good school but not for everyone, so would depend on how you and your son felt when you visited.

Many thanks for an excellent post Sir!!

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