If Winchester College don't accept DS1 what about Charterhouse?

[yotty]

Probably going to apply to Winchester for DS1. If he does not get offered a place would Charterhouse be an alternative? He is bright, quirky and likes drama and music, but not good at sport or art. He would have to be a full boarder as we live a short plane ride away. I'm worried that the boys will all be busy playing sport or going home at the weekend. Should I be concerned or am I just being neurotic?

The reason Etonians stick together is because of the prejudice they are shown.

I think saying you wouldn't send a dog to Eton is really rather silly.

Anyway, I don't need to defend the place, the fact that the thread mentions Eton more than Winchester speaks volumes!

Back to the OP, again I would say a definite not to Canford and Charterhouse but Sherborne would be good for a boy with a Wykemist personality that couldn't get into Winchester.

Thats interesting, could you give some reasoning beyond the Sherborne thumbs up.

Its all down to personal preference we looked at Eton and I wouldn't send the dog there but we've got plenty of friends with children there and in fairness I've never heard a bad word about it.

REALLY???

Not even your DOG???

But you have plenty of friends who have CHILDREN there???

Seems to me your dog is more precious than your friends' Etonian children. Wonder how on earth you could claim their parents as your 'friends'???

Just didn't like Eton too organised, too perfect didn't suit my ethos on life. Every Etonian I've met old and young has been charming but still not for me.

Happy gardening - interesting that you say Eton was too organised for you. That makes me feel happy about sticking with Winchester as DS hates too much structure. At the moment he loves playing with his friends outside, making up imaginary games or making a movie with a digital camera. He hates being told you are going to a structured activity at certain time and will have to listen to an instructor whilst half the other kids are not even listening.

Quattro -

you'll find that neither planes nor helicopters are susceptible to exocet because it is an anti-SHIP missile. If you're wanting a good quality surface to air missile, I would recommend you try one of these -

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/9K38_Igla

I dunno, I thought mumsnetters would be fully genned up on their missile techonology

I very much got the impression at Eton that there is lots of structure offered for the boys at Winchester I felt you have to be a self starter no one is going support you in your every decision. We felt from talking to the boys at Winchester that they are free thinkers who are not being organised all the time.

Glad to hear that Happygardening, I would say my DS is a free thinker. His headmaster has noticed he is not a child who just follows the crowd. Let's just hope he gets offered a place this time next year, then we won't have to think of an alternative.

Eton is not a highly structured school and I really don't know where these ideas come from. I think it probably is a sink or swim school and this is why we chose it. Winchester is nice but definitely mollycoddles its boys and Eton is more edgy and far better preparation for the real world. I know that comment must seem ridiculous but it is true.

The number 1 bus from Town Quay goes past Winchester college so if you happened to sail in...

That's really good to know.

What manner of use are these exocet thingys then? No use at all.

So you think you know everything about the world's most famous school ? That only the rich go there and boys are taught in ancient, buildings without modern facilities ? Think again. This book takes you round the REAL Eton. By Old Etonian, Adam Nicolson, author of Sissinghurst and many other books, and Eric Anderson, a former Headmaster and former Provost of Eton.

For only a tenner and including free shipping, cast that old stereotype monster off your head once and for all.

Just to say I know Bedales fairly well. It's an excellent school, I've seen many different types of children flourish there over the years.

To generalise the children seem friendly, approachable, down to earth and very varied. I've seen v academic children go on to do very well and those with different strengths and weaknesses.

I'm so aghast, I can't bring myself to comment, but I've read many a post!

I think that Charterhouse becomes mixed in the sixth form. I fear that this is the worst possible time for boys to start having day to day involvement with the opposite sex: terrible distraction at a really important time academically. My first choice would always be single sex throughout; but second choice would be mixed from 13.

Wellington really isn't that far from Charterhouse and may be worth a look

I used to feel this way too about mixed sixth forms but apparently it enhances the boys education. Debating is more balanced and the boys knuckle down as they can't bear the thought of a girl beating them academically!

As far as I understand you are right, Pointissima. The girls sleep in a separate house but are part of one of the boys boarding houses at Charterhouse. So they study and eat with the boys. So at 13 the boys are around the girls but the 6th form girls will probably think the junior boys are either cute or annoying! A bit like an elder sister. When they reach the 6th form I think the boys still outnumber the girls 2/1. So most of the boys will be able to 'look' lustfully at the girls but won't get a lookin! From my point of view as a niave mother of 10 and 7 year old boys I think that is quite a good set up. However, not sure I would send a daughter there if I had one!

Yotty

Reading your posts I wonder if you a Channel Islander?

Would rather not say. Not trying to be unhelpful, just enjoy the annominity (?sp) of this sight.

My brother and I both went to Charterhouse (though not at the same time). It was quite a long time ago now but if you PM me, I can answer any questions about it.

We had a very good headmaster, and an excellent housemaster which I think had a very big impact on our experience of the school.

The co-ed sixth form worked well for me (I was previously at an all girls school which I hated) and I'd say for the majority of boys/girls.

I would totally suggest Bedales - especially if OP's son not particularly sporty but loves drama. If there is anyone less cool than an Old Etonian I have yet to meet them.

People that say "cool" are generally very uncool! :p Rather be uncool and loaded!

Eton is the Daylesford Organic of public schools - you might as well have an illuminated arrow flashing over your head saying 'smug middle class'

Well, we did the Charterhouse tour. Very slick organisation! Their marketing person has definitely done their homework. Should we use Charterhouse as a back up? It's very tempting. Or should we settle for Canford as a back up? From my point of view, Charterhouse is more well known than Canford, but Canford has better transport links for us. Otherwise it's hard to choose between the two.
Any thoughts?

Charterhouse certainly is a great school. A few others :

Canford - Dorset
Bryanston - Dorset
Sherborne - Dorset
Lancing College - West Sussex
Caterham - Surrey
Epsom College - Surrey