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?

TBH I think this thread had probably run its course in terms of answering (or failing to answer) OP's question. Let's hope the Purcell works out for her DS.

happygardening, thanks for the tip about the dog section. I fear I'm going to need similar support all too soon.

I think it has run it's course too. I really appreciate all the comments and I have looked at schools I had never even heard of. The decision would be so much easier if DS wasn't bright. He is very bright but not interested in academia unless its Geography, Theology, English and Latin and he is his own worst enemy because if he doesn't try then he gets moved down sets where he gets incredibly bored. So I don't know if he would be bottom of a very intellegent bunch at Winchester - his IQ says not but I know the day to day reality. Quirky schools such as Milton and Stowe would be potentially dire for his academic needs and ability. It would also be much easier if DS1 wasn't going to Eton as I feel some pressure to find him as "good" a school if Purcell didn't work out.

Colleger, do his peers think he is quirky/odd/non-conformist/downright difficult? Or is this just how he comes over to the education establishment (and his Mum?).

HG :)

I know a boy who left uppingham about 3 years ago now - he was definitely not into drugs or booze - was a brilliant musician and has a promising future in that career. He recommended it for my ds as he said - it is brilliant for giving you options ( they take a car apart in mechanics apparently ).
He was dyspraxic by the way, this boy. I really couldn't have met a nicer young man. ( he gave my ds the most interesting inspiring piano/music lessons for a term or two and we were heartbroken when he left to start his uni )

OP, if you want to PM me about the winchester exams, feel free to do so. The French one is stretching.

But ime, children who have shown no interest at all in specific subjects can suddenly be enthused by secondary teaching - happened with our DS in almost all subjects (save physical geography) - when a more adult approach is taken, the teachers are subject specialists and used to fostering interest in adolescents. That's the case whether the school is state or private, so don't worry too much. A light bulb might suddenly go on in an area you never expected.

Oh, and a seriously talented musician from DS's year has just gone on a music scholarship to Eton - I'm sure it was the right decision for him given that his parents didn't want a music school.

Lurking on this thread, but also going through the big schools debate irl. Do you all not think what happens at home is so much more important than what happens at school? Take 'I know a boy who left Uppingham about 3 years ago now ..... couldn't have met a nicer young man'. I would bet my bottom dollar that he came from 'really nice' parents who had a good home life. Is a child going to really turn out that different whether they to one major public school or another.

Asking because we are in the process of considering a school that is very good, cheap, local etc, but isn't perfect for my son.

pinkpanettone, are you thinking about a boarding school? In what way is the school you are thinking about "imperfect"?

Can only try to answer your post from my experience if I understand a bit more. Ignore me if you don't want to disclose more.

No, not boarding - local day school. Imperfect because it is a sporty school and DC isn't. Also single sex which we'd prefer it wasn't.

We have some friends ("really nice parents") who sent their DD1 to a prestigious girls boarding school and DD2 to a very good local independent day school (again single sex). One is 20, the other 18. I don't think you could tell which went to the "big name" school and which went to the local school. Both delightful high achieving young women. A sample of just one family but it does seem to support your theory. I would say though that neither girl is/was "quirky" in any way (requiring extra special attention to choice of school).