Independent schools for the quirky/odd/non-conformist/downright difficult!

[Colleger]

Says it all really. If music school doesn't work out then we need to register at a school that will cater for a boy who is bright but only interested in academia when it suits him plus the personality above! I have to assume he won't get into Winchester and although Bedales would fit like a glove I do not want to accentuate the above traits! But let's not argue about Bedales!

Any advice?

So Summerhill is out of the question then?

I suppose you'd be best off looking at the bigger schools as they have a greater chance of accommodating a squeaky wheel, and often have more going on.

Day (roughly where), boarding or flex?

Anywhere and any form. Would be good if music was valued and would ideally like a "known" school but a school that fits him is better than the prestige.

Leighton Park (Reading).

Worth a look.

I was just thinking of Leighton Park as I was reading the OP. Each child is treated as an individual, very child-centred. I've known a few quirky kids who like it!

I only know one kid there. Seems very happy. Colleger, don't panic about the Quaker bit. It's not in-your-face. They do apparently create a calm atmosphere about the place.

Interesting that a Quaker school has been mentioned. Bootham in York was the one that came to mind when I read your OP.

Co-ed? It might be worth looking at Alleyns, and Dulwich College might work too if London is any good.

If day school, King Alfred's in NW london? Very quirky.

If in London I'd prefer boarding as an option as it's so pricy to live there. I am assuming he won't have had the academic rigour so Alleyns and Purcell are out at the moment.

In an ideal world I'd like a traditional Public School where my son wouldn't be a square peg.

Wellington College?

Milton Abbey?

He is too bright for Milton and I'm not sure the music is up to much. :/

Uppingham or Oakham perhaps?

St Edwards, Oxford or Marlborough? Do you want coed or single sex?

I too thought Bootham when reading the thread OP. Like Leighton it is a quaker school and is very musical etc but not sporty. It also gets good academic results but I don't think it's selective so also good for someone not too academic.

This is tricky because IME the "quirky and odd" are often happiest at the more academic schools (Westminster, Eton, Winchester etc).

I think he would suit Winchester but I don't think he is bright enough. At the most he would be bottom of a bright bunch and he would struggle in this position. I had forgot about Oakham - that's one I will definitely consider. Uppingham kids I know are always boozing and sniffing!

would ideally like a "known" school but a school that fits him is better than the prestige.

I wouldn't choose a school based on it being ''know'' - you have to choose a school that will be right for your DS and IME that takes time (decide which ones may be suitable, look round etc).

Good luck choosing, I hope you find the perfect school for your DS (I know it can be a bloody nightmare!) :)

If he's serious about music there's Chethams in Manchester or Yehudi Menuhin in Surrey.

He's going to Purcell so the music is sorted, just keeping options open in case it doesn't work out.

Chethams in Manchester

King's Canterbury?
Good name, older than Eton, very good music.

Kings is also quite selective.

I can second Oakham. My DD was very happy there and the music is excellent. As a practical consideration too, the town has a railway station with good connections. You don't want to be always driving to and from exeats.