Denstone College

[thatisenough]

Would welcome any thoughts on this school. It’s not far geographically from us and certainly is in a beautiful building but anything else would be appreciated, as well as recommendations for other schools that may work.

Ate you still able to take your Pony with you?

I don’t know - they wouldn’t be boarding so that’s not really a consideration

Depending which direction from Denstone you are, have you looked up the other available schools locally? E.g. Repton? When we started looking I admit I wasn't very aware of all the options but curated a (long) shortlist via Snobe and other sites.

Which year group entry are you looking for?

We peeked at Denstone but the awkward timetable and fees put us off looking in any further detail (despite their absolutely stunning grounds and facilities).

Again depending where you are relative to Denstone have you looked at Newcastle under Lyme School? I know a few people who have chosen nuls over Denstone.

We went for a tour and loved it. However, when we went back for the open morning it was just such a different vibe and I didn’t think we’d fit in at all. There was plenty of generational wealth and already a cliche between parents. We discounted it. We are now applying for DHS.

Thanks. Geographically we’re closer to Repton (we live in south derbyshire) but we’d be looking to start in Y7, and I think Repton has entry at 13.

Derby High School is a possibility but I think it would be a bit too small and ‘safe’ for one of my children; the other would love it (I’m not anti them going to different places. I also work near the high school which is convenient!)

When you say “safe”, do you mean it’s not big enough?

i really didn’t like the emphasis on rugby at denstone, literally at the expense of all other sports!

@mulberrybag5 i suppose I mean it’s a very sheltered sort of environment which has definitely got advantages. I can see my DD loving it (and I’m not anti them going to different schools as long as they accept they will have to get the bus.)

DS would love the rugby! I can quite see it’s frustrating if your interest lies elsewhere though.

Mine are big into racket sports so rugby isn’t something they’ve ever even considered!

im not against different schools either - my youngest wants to go to state with his friends!

Whats your general impression of DHS?

Based on my best guess at your location @thatisenough have you looked at Trent College? They have a coach route all the way up to Mickleover, among other places.

Repton is all the way through, with Repton Prep starting at 3yo...

We've looked at DHS, DGS, and Trent. Although we're looking at primary level we had a good gawk at secondary facilities and have made some judgements we will revisit in a few years' time. Pretty keen on Trent (The Elms for us!), personally.

Thank you. That’s Long Eaton, isn’t it? Will have a look.

The problem with Repton is I am not sure at what point to send, as the plan is for entry in Year 7 and currently in state. So it does seem most Repton students are either in the primary part or from other prep schools, which I worry could be isolating.

I like DHS very much, just not sure it’s quite right for DS. I’ll look at DGS but given they do have a sibling discount it would be sensible to send DD there too if he does go!

I looked at DGS and felt it was declining - tiny class sizes and sport was off site. We didn’t look at Trent as it’s a bit too far.