Private for sixth form - Moreton Hall vs Adcote

[oneofthegiantsisme]

I'm considering sending DD (currently Y10) to boarding school for sixth form; her current state school doesn't have sixth form provision, so she will need to change anyway, and we're looking at all the available options.

My feeling (based on not having any experience of private or boarding at all ) is that boarding will suit her, and she will do better in a single-sex environment. She's academic, not really sporty or particularly musical, and slightly emotionally fragile (had bullying issues earlier in secondary school, now sorted but it's left its mark).

At the moment I'm looking at Moreton Hall and Adcote, with an option on Queen's in Chester (which isn't boarding, I know). Does anyone have any opinion on any of these, and is there anywhere else I haven't found yet that I should be looking at?

Out of the three you've chosen there I would pick Queen's every time, especially as you say that your DD is "academic, not really sporty or particularly musical, and slightly emotionally fragile". Queen's beats the other two, hands down, on the academic front; whilst still maintaining a very nurturing environment. The new headmistress, Sarah Clarke, albeit not so new now, is an inspiration.

I know it's not boarding, but if you DD is emotionally fragile the environment of all girls boarding may be a bit much, especially for two such important years. She'd be entering when existing friendships are very developed and if she found it difficult would have nowhere to go at the end of the school day.

In addition the secret of enjoying boarding school is to be involved in lots of extra-curricular activity. If your daughter doesn't have this range of interests it may be a bit much for her.

I'm a big fan of boarding, but only for a DC who really wants it. You also have to let go when your DC boards to quite a large extent, and you will have to decide if this is appropriate for your DD. In my experience the girls who arrived for the VIth Form didn't have the same house allegiance and experience as the girls who'd been there longer; even those who started in the lower Vth (or yr10 as I think it is now). Whereas at a day school it is easier to keep up with existing friends, and you are not thrown into it 24/7.

As your DD is in yr10 (which I think is first year GCSE's, correct me if I'm wrong) you've got plenty of time to look round and see which school offers what your DD wants from a VIth form.

Wishing you lots of luck with this exciting move.

That's interesting, Spike - food for thought. One of the reasons I was thinking of boarding rather than day is the travel time - I know she'll find getting a bus to school every day a big hassle (at the moment it's a five-minute walk and she leaves at the last minute) - so I thought being on site would leave her with more time for both homework and activities. She's happy to join in with activities - she's a Guide, for example - and happily does all the residential trips - just not good at team sports. Writing is her thing.

As for keeping up with existing friends - she doesn't really have any - one of the reasons I'm contemplating a complete change rather than just sending her where everyone else is going.

Just received this link, which might be of some help:

It's my understanding that lots of girls travel to Queen's by school bus, as it has a wide catchment. The school will undoubtedly be able to advise you.

Being on site is definitely a major advantage of boarding and gives you more time for exploring your interests.

IMHO you are doing the right thing for your DD and you've got loads of time to look round and find the right school for her.

I'd still champion Queen's for an academic girl, but of course it will only be right for your DD if the whole package works.

Thank you for the link, Spike - just recognised one of the girls in it :)

Does anyone have any views on the other two schools? I've had a quick search on here and found a few comments about Moreton Hall being very "nurturing", which would be excellent for DD, and someone saying that Adcote has a good reputation - any further comments?

I would say both are excellent schools with a good local reputation. Go and visit both and see what you think. I'm Shropshire based and I've heard nothing bad about either. Both offer a good academic record with an a round education. Moreton is coed in the Juniors. Depends on your instinct when you visit and what 'fits'. Good luck!

Thank you! Nobody has leapt in with any other schools I've missed, or anything to put me off these three, so I'll concentrate on them.

I'm planning to go & visit all 3 on my own after Christmas to see what I think, before we take DD for visits. As you say, we'll see which one feels right for her.

Been looking at Moreton for my DD. She would go straight into seniors. Are there any moves to go coed throughout the school and what is the Head like. I know he has been there a while but I had a bad feeling about a male head at another local girls school and I know it sounds silly but I would much prefer a headmistress! You never seem to see female heads at boys schools after all, perhaps I'm just old fashioned. I know that Moreton have done very well with exam results recently so any advice welcomed.