independent school in herts for sporty son

[mumofbilly]

I'm looking for a good independent school for my son who is 9, in state school now and I plan for him to go independent at 11. He's very capable in english, slightly less in maths and extremely sporty, especially tennis. Can't afford Haileybury! Don't know the area around hertford that well as just moved here. Any tips?

Habs Boys, Aldenham, Merchant Taylors easily accessible and then slightly further afield John Lyon and Mill Hill - all good schools

Don't write off Haileybury so quickly! It's a v good school and a nice one, especially for a sporty, bright child. It has good bursary support which isn't limited to those who win scholarships. Alternatively, a good range of scholarships - these are limited to 10% but bursaries can top up to 100%. Point is that if you wouldn't qualify for a bursary (the new version of 'in the middle' so you're the worst off!) then at least a 10% scholarship could narrow or eliminate the difference between Haileybury day fees and the cheaper day fees for day schools.

Hi mumofbilly

We have looked at all the indies in the area, having moved here from London a couple of years ago. I'd take a good look at Bishop's Stortford College, which is slightly more highly regarded academically than Haileybury and has great sports facilities at normal day school prices. Transport is a bit of an issue - a parent-run coach operates weekdays from Hanbury Manor (near Ware) only, but lots of Hertford parents use it.

Lots of kids from Duncombe (Hertford's prep) goes miles away - to St.Albans Boys or further. Some boys go to Heathmount until 13 & then on to board further afield.

Also take a good look at Richard Hale - state but trad approach (all boys, excellent sporting tradition, Maths & Science specialism but the boys there have fab Alevel English results )- one advantage of not having too many indies locally is that many parents do send their boys to the local state schools, raising the standards of achievement & peer group.

Hi mumofbilly

We have looked at all the indies in the area, having moved here from London a couple of years ago. I'd take a good look at Bishop's Stortford College, which is slightly more highly regarded academically than Haileybury and has great sports facilities at normal day school prices. Transport is a bit of an issue - a parent-run coach operates weekdays from Hanbury Manor (near Ware) only, but lots of Hertford parents use it.

Lots of kids from Duncombe (Hertford's prep) goes miles away - to St.Albans Boys or further. Some boys go to Heathmount until 13 & then on to board further afield.

Also take a good look at Richard Hale - state but trad approach (all boys, excellent sporting tradition, Maths & Science specialism but the boys there have fab Alevel English results )- one advantage of not having too many indies locally is that many parents do send their boys to the local state schools, raising the standards of achievement & peer group.

My DH went to Richard Hale many moons ago, after being at private prep and pre-prep

He loved the sport and he ended up with a 2:1, so academic too!