School conundrum please help

[PhyllisDietrichson]

Orleans vs Inde Schools

We're looking at schools for DS for Sept 13. We can't decide at all and have gone round and round in circles trying to decide. We live locally so there's no school links anymore. We'd probably get into Orleans but are not sure whether to go for it, or we could eat beans for next 7 years to afford the Hampton or KGS fees.

DS is bright tho' passing an Inde exam is not a definite. He's sociable and fun, easily distracted and drawn to 'lively' (cheeky) boys in particular. He's sporty, musical and mathematical. He's can be quite lazy and needs watching or he'll do the minimum to get by.

I know someone who supply taught at Orleans and said behaviour was really not at all good in some lessons. Conversely friends with DC's there are very happy and say it's only a small minority who cause problems and that dicipline's not an issue. Allowing for DC's abilities and character. Do we try for Hampton/KGS where he'll be expected to keep standards high and where behavour's probably better OR follow our ideals and go for a well thought of local comp and accept it's good and it's bad and save ourselves a fortune?

What are your experiences please?

@PhyllisDietrichson what became of it then?

Are you seriously asking what school she chose, 10 years later?? Wow....

@ClaryFairchild any of ur business? Wow

How on earth do you come across a 10 year old thread ? 🤔

It was a long time ago now but he went to Orleans and it was fantastic. I can highly recommend Orleans Park School no regrets whatsoever absolutely fantastic. He left with excellent grades I doubt he could’ve done better at any other school. Our DS went to Tiffin and hated it. Lesson in there somewhere?!

@PasturesN3w thanku so much for your reply! I am house hunting although my Dd is in primary (i know ppl heavily criticise an early move) but i wanted to stabilise roots for us (single mom and dd). While all recent reviews on OP were available (v mixed) i wanted to hear how parents thought OP performed over a decade, in terms of consistency. Its a huge decision and im divided between Waldegrave and Orleans. Waldegrave i hear is very strict, alrhough very academic, but i personally met 5 parents (inc agents) who spoke abt pulling their daughters due to bullying. id love to hear more please, any guidance is gold!

I wish I’d sent both DC’s to Orleans Park. DD went to v high achieving all girls school and hated it. They’re fine if your daughter is very resilient and competitive. She did very well academically there but left as early as she could. My DS did OPS 6th form, still sees all his Orleans mates regularly despite them being scattered about the country at Uni. Girls at Orleans do very well and I think their education is more balanced and less pressurised.

@PasturesN3w once again, many tx!