UCS or City Boys

[TopazClark]

Does anyone have any opinion on UCS in Hampstead versus City of London School for Boys? Just general opinions of both, really. UCS seems really lovely, scruffy and liberal, but is it true that it's largely super-rich? And is City a bit more 'straight'? Any opinions gratefully received. And while we're about it, any thoughts on Dame Alice Owen's (should my son get a place)? Thank you.

Just helping you bump as I'd like to know the answer to this question too!

Anyone?

Me too! Bump

Going to see City of London on Thurs

Prefer CLBS website to UCS, more up my street, solidly academic and promoting it's inclusiveness. My DS is at local primary so a good range of people is important to me.. v interested to hear people's views

Hi
I have a UCS year 9. He's been there since year 4. I think that it suits my son as he is scruffy and liberal. It does have a lot of wealthy kids but all private schools do. It also has plenty of boys on full scholarships/bursaries. I also have friends who love CLS. They are both great schools. You just have to see them for yourself and allow your son to decide where he feels at home.

Thanks horsemadmom. I'm thinking to send my ds to cls. Haven't looked at ucs yet.

Me too! Bump

Going to see City of London on Thurs

Prefer CLBS website to UCS, more up my street, solidly academic and promoting it's inclusiveness. My DS is at local primary so a good range of people is important to me.. v interested to hear people's views

Thanks. I have seen both schools at least twice, and like both. I slightly veer towards UCS, but no scholarships available there, and I wonder if City of London just is more socially mixed, inclusive etc. I'd love more answers and opinions on this one! We didn't want Highgate as it just seemed too trad.
I think I slightly wonder if City might be a bit of a fun-free hothouse, and UCS more scruffy and fun? Opinions, please! Any opinions.
Also Alice Owen's?

Have a search on previous threads for "DAO" and I think you'll find some info on owens.
Its a completely different kettle of fish from UCS or City Boys, so comparisons don't really make sense.
The families are hugely different from city parents, much more suburban and apart from a smattering of islington families I wouldn't call them londoners.

elevenplusforums website also has a lot of info on owens, city and ucs.

Thanks thenevernever. I'll look up elevenplus and just stick wtih my question about City versus UCS. I just wonder what people think of those two, however subjectively? I suppose we're after academic, but a school that allows boys to be individuals, scruffy if they choose, and to have fun. Can having fun and high academic standards go together?