The Latymer School - please tell me what you'd do?

[PlainBellySneetch]

DS has got a place at Latymer in Edmonton. It's brilliant news and two weeks ago we would have been thrilled - but since then, he's also been offered a good scholarship at Bancrofts in South Woodford.

Latymer was our original goal (local options bit grim) - the indies were 'in for a penny, in for a pound'. But now we're stumped.

Bancrofts: very close - 20 mins. Very good results, amazing facilities, fantastic quirky head. Costs, but scholarship makes it doable - just.

Latymer: a lot further away - up to an hour each way. Worried about location and tensions with local schools. Very good results, free.

I also think - and this is where I'd really appreciate input - that Latymer might have a slightly more liberal, interested-in-politics-and-culture and/or creative parent base? I realise what an ARSE this makes me sound. But am I right?

Another thing that will make me sound like an arse - I knew that I would send him to Latymer rather than local if he got in, so I didn't bother to go to the open day. Never considered possibility that we'd have a choice. Gah.

Have you looked around Bancroft's during teaching time? DS1 got a scholarship there 2 years ago, but we turned it down after touring the school during the working week as we didn't think that the actual teaching was anymore inspiring than our local state school. We had be blown away by it during the weekend open days.

I'd ring up both schools and ask for a working day tour and take your decision from there.

Thanks so much TCA. We've thought/talked about it all day and we're think we're going for Latymer. We did look round Bancrofts during a teaching day and while it was v impressive just didn't love it enough for it to be a no-brainer. We need to overcome a) the financial stretch and b) the fact that we couldn't afford to send our younger dd (7) there even if she got the same scholarship. We're guardianista types ourselves and I think we'll find more of those families at Latymer. Overall, I think we're going to be happy with our choice.

But would welcome other opinions!

hi op,
my dc goes to Latymer and you are exactly right about it being a Liberal school, they really encourage young people to think for themselves. This is good for self development and building self confidence.
It is also excellent for music.
best wishes
tf

Went to the QEB open day yesterday as we were set on DS going there but having read all your comments, will definitely look at Latymer. Thanks!