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Secondary education

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Original poster

Winchester college v canford?

154 replies

yotty · 10/01/2011 20:13

My DS1 is pretty bright but not a genius, not sporty, but loves drama. Can't decide whether he would be better off at Winchester, as he is a bit of a quirky character. Or go to canford and know that he would be in the top 30 percent of the year group, so could feel he could excel in something. Anybody got any thoughts/knowledge of these schools.

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freshmint · 19/01/2011 18:07

I think you always need to have a plan b up your sleeve. I don't think visiting schools is ever wasted - they are never exactly what you think they are going to be and they can help you (and him) crystallise what is important and what isnt'

freshmint · 19/01/2011 18:09

but fab that headmaster said that!

Original poster
yotty · 19/01/2011 18:13

Blessingsgalore, interested to know why you think canford is superior to Marlborough.

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Original poster
yotty · 19/01/2011 18:17

Sorry bit of a typo. Meant the other way round. Is it just posher, or is there more to it than that?

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BlessingsGalore · 19/01/2011 18:34

Yotty, is he at Pilgrims? If he is then often an able boy does not seem as able in a selective school. If he gets offered a place at Winchester then it is because the school feel it is right for him.

As for why Marlborough is better than Canford. Well if you don't know then you haven't done very good research. I'm not trying to be rude but most parents considering Winchester would be looking at Marlborough, Radley or Wellington as a less selective option, not Canford.

As for KC, I would definitely choose it over Canford!

thomasbodley · 19/01/2011 18:49

I'm married to a Wykehamist, dated another, and work with several more. It's the one public school that doesn't produce "public school boys". Ironically I'd say the same of Eton, although much of that is because of the latter's size.

I think it's bizarre that you'd mention Canford in the same breath, actually.

thomasbodley · 19/01/2011 18:51

Sorry, that was in reference to your earlier comment about the red-trousered Fulham Road public school types!

Original poster
yotty · 19/01/2011 19:38

Canford gets some consideration because it is popular at his prep school and is close to grandparents, which is a consideration when you live a plane ride away. Just don't know anything about Marlborough other than minor royals went there, which is what kind of puts me off. Just trying to find the best option for a non sporty boy who is very bright but not Einstein and is a bit quirky.

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BlessingsGalore · 19/01/2011 20:42

Winchester then ticks all the boxes. Win Coll is filled with bright boys and a few geni!

thomasbodley · 19/01/2011 21:06

He isn't Einstein yet Grin.

I see what you mean about being close to grandparents, geographically.

I would never send any child of mine to the "Hooray" schools, I'm afraid, of which Marlborough is a prime example. A combination of average IQ and extreme privilege isn't a good one for breeding worthwhile members of society, IMO.

BlessingsGalore · 19/01/2011 21:09

Marlborough's academic standards have risen dramatically with all pupils sitting 4 A'levels.

thomasbodley · 19/01/2011 21:23

It's not an academic prejudice, although surely anyone with average IQ - but access to small class sizes, excellent teaching, and the long public school day - can sit 4 'A' Levels and do well in them.

I just find schools like Marlborough, Stowe and Millfield seem to appeal to parents with a certain lifestyle, and their kids are often very over-confident but rarely very bright or hardworking once they're in the working world.

There are certain schools which are less socially smart, less well-known, but regularly produce kids who are just way more impressive, IYSWIM?

freshmint · 19/01/2011 23:27

agree entirely thomasbodley, we think as one

Also think it is important in a school that educates girls to think they are fit for something other than pr, marketing or "event management". Oh, or just marriage of course.

Funnily enough Marlborough's currently most famous old girl is a prime example of this problem. Princess Catherine, anyone?

BlessingsGalore · 20/01/2011 07:41

I have no self interest in Marlborough so my views are not as a current parent. However they have an excellent science programme and specifically biology and they have now introduced a new entrance method.

Would I send DS to Marlborough - No. Would I choose it over Canford? Of course!

Original poster
yotty · 20/01/2011 21:29

I realise Canford is a very different school from Winchester, ie. Coed, quite conventional, campus school but considering the broad intake they do seem to get jolly good GCSE and A level results. So why is nobody is leaping up and down about it? Is it because people have not noticed how well canford is doing or is it something else?

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BlessingsGalore · 20/01/2011 21:37

It's third tier and Winchester is 1st tier. What I always find strange is why pay the same fees for a lesser school, assuming the child could get into both?

LemonDifficult · 20/01/2011 21:51

Canford, Kings or Marlborough - all quite similar and all v good. Kings most intellectual, Marlborough most 'london/fulham', Canford is all round

WInchester is quite a sect, really. Amazing people with the confidence to be individual. (Genuinely individual, not cool individual.) Though the same could be said of Kings too.

Original poster
yotty · 20/01/2011 21:54

I quite agree canford doesn't have the same kudos as Winchester but why would I go for Marlborough over canford assuming he didn't get into Winchester. Other than the fact that people have heard of Marlborough due to royal connections, what makes it superior to canford in terms of education? Also, I maybe ill informed, but I get the feeling the kids that go to Marlborough come from the hunting, shooting, fishing fraternity, whereas the canford kids backgrounds tend to be more grounded, professional parents.

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LemonDifficult · 20/01/2011 22:07

This thread seems pretty against Canford - why? It looks a great school to me and the peoople I know who've been there seem ... solid, likeable, bright, all round, really.

BlessingsGalore · 21/01/2011 08:01

Forget Canfoed and choose Winchester - aim for the best!

propatria · 21/01/2011 08:11

Different children suit different schools,its as simple as that as Ive said if a child is right for Winchester then Canford is not an obvious alternative just as Winchester is not an obvious alternative for a child who is right for Canford.
It certainly seems that some people just trot out the names of Schools theyve heard of in a one size fits all way that does perhaps show a lack of knowledge of the strengths and weakness of each individual school,

Original poster
yotty · 21/01/2011 09:22

Ok. I think I get the point, but the question is if Winchester don't want him, what other options are there, keeping in mind he needs to fly into gatwick or Southampton and is not a sportsman?

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propatria · 21/01/2011 09:39

Obviously I dont know you or your child but if you dont have personal knowledge of private schools then the head of your sons prep should be giving advice based on his assessment of your child,it really isnt a question of getting a list of famous schools and picking one,you have to know the child and school(and in this case you need to be in the south East I imagine?)
Do you want single sex or co ed,how academic,country or town etc etc,once youve worked out the basics then you can start thinking about individual schools that fit the bill.

farawaymummy · 02/11/2011 12:45

I can't believe this thread - I had just this morning said how I like the look and ethos of Canford !! Specifically because it was for all rounders and inclusive and 'makes the most' out of all the kids.
But the info on Winchester certainly ticks more of our boxes. talk about getting confused by going on here !

happygardening · 02/11/2011 13:41

farawaymummy I'm probably not being very bright here but what are you trying to find out Win Coll is not like canford and vice versa. IMHO and I think you will find in the honest opinion of the majority of parents at Win Col. is
that it is not only unique but also the best school in the world. Canford is not a coed alternative. But it has to be right for your son. I would have thought that if he was going to be really happy at Canford then he would not be happy at Win Coll. Also don't have any illusions Win Coll is fiercely academic the pace is fast and the pressure to do well is on from the moment your son walks in the door. So you need a child who is not easily intimidated or who can cope with pressure.