Does anyone know when you have to commit to a final choice for boys' public schools, particularly Westminster and Eton?

[Michaelahpurple]

I know I could ask them but I am in the throes of indecision and so really want to keep my head down. DS is in year 7, so I hoping not until well into year 8, but I have another boy to come and don't want to burn goodwill unnecessarily.

It's just summerends and I having one of our occasional light sparring sessions, no need to take it too seriously. In my mind I'm Glen Close in Les Liaisons Dangereuses, prowling the ballroom, glaring at people from behind a dexterously-manipulated fan. The reality is that I'm a bit bored now that DS is back at school...

Sorry about quiet period. Really helpful commentary chaps - much appreciated.

As guessed, DH is set on Eton and I am in a tizzy. If I was sure I disagrees with him it would almost be easier to debate it but I genuinely haver. DS has changed so much over the last year that my initially strong feeling that W was a better fit is leaking away. I also find it hard to separate all the different ways to think about this - my husband and I both boarded and loved it, but it all feels very different from the other side of the fence as it were.

Sounds as though I can give myself a holiday from fretting at least until towards of the end of summer term and will do a re-audit of facts, feelings and views then.

Again, many thanks for the brainstorming !

Thanks for update Michaelah after Indrid's and my 'light sparring' (I like the image Indrid , certainly more fluttering of fans than aggressive rugby).
If you did end up choosing Eton you could see him at least weekly.
I have a rather dreamy DS but who loves boarding (because he is very social) and from 12 was and continues to be impressively good at multitasking and organisation needed to make the most of full-on boarding schools. So I do agree with Indrid about how much difference in maturity and outlook a year can make at your DS's stage.

Glad to see you back Michaelah (and many apologies for hijacking your thread ).

You are fortunate to be able to choose between two such amazing schools, and although I understand why you would want to get your DSs destination settled sooner rather than later, it is an important decision and is not worth rushing if you don't have to. If you do choose Eton, then it is important that all of you are committed to the full boarding aspect.

I hope you will come back in the future to let us know what you decided!