Dulwich or Harrow?

[sofh]

My DS currenty in Dulwich and is happy. Originally would prefer Eton but did not get a place somehow end up in Dulwich. Now Harrow is on the list for him in the future. My DS enjoys sporty and know 2 music instruments but not too keen in music, academically strong. So far I am happy with Dulwich and looks like a school suit him. However my concern is DS will go boarding perhaps when he is 15+ and although Dulwich has boarding but Harrow is all boarding school and it seems to have more to offer in the future. Hope to get some views and experience from parents here! Many thanks!

If your ds is already settled at Dulwich why would you want to move him to join a schol at 15 where the overwhelming majority have been together since they were 13?

i mean if he stays in Dulwich he will still board later, but if he starts Harrow it would be starting 13+.

Thhe boarding community at Dulwich (before 6th form) is small and mainly overseas students.

As DS is already at Dulwich, what does he think of the prospect of boarding as it actually is there? Are any of his friends boarders?

If your ds is planning to go to Harrow for year 9 I assume that you are already have applied for a place if he is currently at Dulwich (year 7?).

Harrow pre-test in year 7, but Dulwich don't do CE preparation. But boys are likely to be working at the right sort of level, especially as you say he's academically strong (do you mean in one of the 'scholar' classes?) As Dulwich have a 9+ entry, they're unlikely to be concerned about a parent seeking for their boy to leave at that point, as they'd easily be able to fill the place.

But I think it all comes down to when you want your DS to board, and which of those two schools offers the right boarding community. Both are good schools, and so it's all down to personal preference, rather than any startling difference between standards.

Yes, the boarding in Dulwich is very small perhaps some 40-50 students only and mainly form 6, while in Harrow in the other hand is a full boarding school. Perhaps Harrow is stronger academic??

If you want full boarding then it makes sense to choose Harrow over Dulwich. Personally I'd hate for ds to go to a school where the boarders are in the minority (albeit this is the case with one of the schools we like).

Why do you need him to board at all? What are you doing at the moment? I presume you live near enough for him to attend as a day pupil?

Friends at Dulwich speak of how happy their children are there, and well of the sporting side, but not so highly of the academic although they are happy enough.

I am another happy Dulwich mother, day boy though, so can't comment on boarding, which is the main concern that you raise. However, I wouldn't be sure that Harrow is more academic..certainly wouldn't run Dulwich down on that aspect.

Harrow certainly not as academic as Dulwich . H is resting on old school tie and Churchill historical reputation

Dibbleofficer re your comment 'Harrow certainly not as academic as Dulwich ...is resting on old school tie'. My cursory review of the schools' websites shows:

2013 A level results scoring A*/A - Harrow 71%, Dulwich 67.9%
2013 GCSE results scoring A*/A - Harrow 89.7%, Dulwich 83.1%

I'm no expert but I don't think these results are indicative of Harrow coasting on its Winston Churchill connection.

I agree with bisjo.

If your son is going to be a full boarder, it is good to have as many others around as possible in the evenings and at weekends. The more boarders, the more activities. So from that perspective Harrow would be preferred over Dulwich, assuming he has been offered a place.

Given that he is already at Dulwich, if he is well-settled and happy there it wouldn't be a bad option either.

I have also pm'd you.

Sorry but Harrow is not resting on any laurels it is an outstanding school the teaching is simply out of this world the very very best teachers and unbelievable art, music sport drama. But if you have done common entrance (you say DS didn't get in to Eaton) then what do you mean ? Lots of boys join at Sixth form but its not the same. Your post does not make sense. Yes Harrow offers. Broad education and its a mixed ability school, but resting on its laurels it is not.