I'm looking for a good sixth form with boarding...

[LaurenTheMum]

Dh and I have been considering sending 15 year old DD to boarding school in 2015 for sixth form (after she asked if she could go). She's very keen on the idea and has given us very good reasons as to why she should be allowed.

The problem is, now we've decided she can go if she wants, we have no idea where to start.
DD has given us a huge list of schools which I'll put at the end of this post but there are so many and I have no idea about many of them. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

She's quite academic but not top of her year (usually comes second or third in a few subjects) and very arty. She likes music but isn't particularly brilliant at it and loves to swim.

The schools which she has looked at are:

Shrewsbury
Uppingham
Oundle
Charterhouse (although I think they only offer pre-U?)
Marlborough
Sevenoaks
Oakham
Rugby
Canford
Caterham

I'm sure these are all very different schools but I really don't know where to start. Thanks!

I don't think that's a fair representation of Shrewsbury. It may have some truth lower down the school, but entry for Sixth Form girls is academically competitive. Their results are certainly up there with Ipp

Posted too soon!

Up there with Uppingham, Rugby etc

I think their ethos is to get every child to achieve their potential - which will be AAA for some, or BBB for

I need to stop using my phone!

Basically they get an equitable number into Oxbridge as many of the other schools on the list. Similar results to uppingham, rugby etc. they do the Pre U in some subjects - and I think all schools who do the Pre U recognise the need for greater differentiation for their top pupils than A levels offer, plus want a more academically demanding qualification.

Everyone I know who has had DC at Shrewsbury has been pleased with what their child has achieved - whether they've been pushed to do their best, or stretched as an academic high flyer. Lots of friends pleased with the real all round education.

It does have an interesting catchment. Not very many from the South East - strong Herefordshire, Cheshire, Yorkshire contingents. I think where you live and the prep schools you know really do affect where you hear people going to. I've rarely come across Canford, Sherborne, Sevenoaks for example, but lots to Shrewsbury, Oundle, Uppingham, Oakham

For something a little different, what about The United World College of the Atlantic in Wales? 100% international, 100% sixth form, 100% boarders. IB only.
Scholarship required from - IIRC - either the school itself or from one of the National Committees (with some parental means testing).

Blundells has strong swimming and fantastic pastoral care.

Keswick is a state boarding school, they offer A levels, BTECs and a combination of both. Yes, its a state school but classes in the sixth form average around 10/12 and they have great results. The boarding house has recently been rated "Outstanding" as has the school itself. The head is really into education and getting the best out of the kids. There is a good pastoral system.

I know its not one of the schools that your DS has specified but it is an excellent school.

Also, if you really want independent, then St Bees school is excellent. They offer weekly boarding for the price of a day student (they have ful boarding as well) and they had a 100% pass rate in 2013 for A Levels. They have a swimming pool and are very sporty. They have a music department and offer lessons.
Their boarding houses have recently been refurbished and the new head has really brought something special to the place.

I know they aren't the schools you want but I have had kids at both and they have done very well. I think St Bees would suite your DD better but Keswick is also a good school if your worried bout cost :)

If want somewhere very international and academic with a focus on languages then Hockerill Anglo-European is worth considering although 6th form is 100% IB. It is a state boarding school so different to the others on your list - facilities probably not as good but much cheaper and with a broader social spectrum. Large number of children from all over Europe especially as 10 minutes from Stansted airport so easy for travel.

Woodbridge in Suffolk is a lovely school. St felix just along the coast in Southwold I know less about other than it has a great swimming pool. :)
Also Framlingham College, but I do know of students who have moved from Fram college to Woodbridge for 6th form but I guess it depends on the subjects you are looking for.

St Bees has an open day tomorrow if you are interested.
Good Luck in finding a sixth form :)