City of London Boys

[ogredownstairs]

Just wondering if anyone who has applied and/or has a DS there can tell me what they think of it? DS has a 10+ offer and we're thrilled, but I know a bit less about City beyond the GSG and what I've seen on the open days than I do about schools more local to us in SW London. Any thoughts welcome.

try this link. mummyinthedark has a DS that just got in 10+ and she may have more info. www.mumsnet.com/Talk/secondary/1392546-City-of-London-School-for-Boys-interviews-2012

If you have a choice, send your son elsewhere. I believe they discriminate against bright students with SEN and their pedantic attitudes suggest a less than enlightened attitude in general. Shameful hypocrisy from the headmaster who speaks about educational apartheid while allowing his head of admissions to discriminate against applicants with disabilities. I have no doubt that many families have a good experience. We didn't and the school's ability to duck responsibility was breathtaking.

My son's friend went to City at 10+ and is loving it. It is an urban, academic school so an obvious thing to consider is whether you/your son are happy with that setting. For example, if your son would love to play rugby then it's not a good choice because they don't play it. If your son wants to be out on playing fields everyday then it won't suit. If he's happy with the afternoon once a week at the City playing fields doing footie or cricket then that's fine. City does do a lot of sport throughout the week but it's the sort of sport can do indoors eg water polo, fencing. If he likes the urban buzz then it's ideal. Music apparently very good.

Thanks both. Really sorry to hear you had a poor experience Thereitis. He's very sporty so that's a consideration. We do have other offers (inc. Colet Court) but the City offer comes with a sport scholarship, which makes me think that they'll keep him active during the week despite the grounds being a coach ride away. Food for thought anyway - I love the idea of City and it makes it so much easier financially.

The reason they do not play Rugby is that the Head takes the view that the risk of injury associated with collapsing scrums is not one he is prepared to accept.

I too am sorry that Thereitis had a bad experience: we have not. And I can only speak of our own, just as Thereitis can only speak of hers. I would endorse Dustylaw's views.

Thanks nlondondad, and thanks also for the PM - very helpful.

i have two boys there, both went at 11+ entry. they are v different but both love it and are doing really well. i have always found my dealings with the school straightforward and love the exciting and diverse atmosphere of the school. imo the hm is fab, a fantastic figurehead for the school. sorry to red you had a bad experience thereitis but a bit hard to comment without knowing more. both my boys have friends with various special needs ad they are well supported and happy. well done to your ds op!

My situation has been referred to above - DS has been offered a place for year 6, following the 10 +, and will also be a chorister.

We liked the school a lot and it was one of three we felt would be great for our DS. The choir place clinches it though, we are very pleased that he will have the training and experiences associated with this kind of choir. Once he was offered the choir place we focused on this, rather than other schools and are very proud of him for getting an offer.

We know other boys who have been/are there and they have enjoyed it and done well - and seem thoroughly nice, easy to talk to, lads.