Hockerill vs Royal Alexandra and Albert School

[noisyhome]

Hi all

I'm interested in applying for Year 7 entry for Sept 2014 full boarding at one of the state boarding schools. I am debating with myself as to which of these schools is better / most appropriate for us. Anyone have views on the pros and cons of each one? No need to respond on the concept of full boarding, thanks, that can be saved for another post! Thanks!!

Only know RAAS as been there a few times but more than 5 yrs ago. Had a bit of a reputation in its local area for bad behaviour and poor quality boarding provision but not sure if thats still so.

No significant behavioural issues locally now from RAAS and academic results have improved over recent years. The intake used to include children with behavioural problems and SEN from outer London boroughs but the current head has made a great play of that no longer being policy. It is often viewed as an alternative for prep school kids who either have mild SEN such as dyslexia or didn't pass selective exams to independent secondaries. They introduced flexi boarding a year or two back and not that many kids seem to remain onsite at weekends, so might be worth asking how many of what age group are really full boarders.

Thank you both! Hope to see some comments soon on Hockerill as well!