Coed Boarding 11+

[plainsailing123]

We're looking for a co-educational school with good boarding for our eldest D, starting 11+. She's in a state primary at the moment, and we don't want to put her into prep if we can avoid it. She's probably upper-middle in ability (we've moved a lot, though, so find it hard to tell - she finds maths hard, English easy, but can lack confidence). She's really into drama and singing. I guess what we most want is a rounded school, which will be supportive, but still with some aspiration.

So far we're looking at:

• Dauntsey's, Devizes (near family)
• Sevenoaks
• Leighton Park, Reading
• Lord Wandsworth

Any experience of these, or suggestions? Thanks :)

The Royal Hospital Ipswich Suffolk, just have a look. Wonderful position, mainly boarding which is ( in my opinion ) better. This means there is a full range of activities arranged at weekends.

Gresham's in Norfolk?

My son is at Frensham - happy to answer any questions.

Hi guys. Some great tips. We are investigating Frensham, the Leys and Oakham based on your tips. Does anyone have any first hand experience of dauntseys and Lord wandsworth??

My only comment about weekly vs full time boarding is that if you are going to be living abroad, make sure that the school you choose is majority full time boarding, otherwise it'll be tough for your DD when many go home for the weekend (and she doesn't). When choosing a boarding school for our DC I was adamant it was no more than 1 1/2 hours away from home so that we could easily get to matches and school events, etc.

Have a look at www.gabbitas.co.uk/ - they were spot on with their recommendations when we didn't know where to send DD

We're really happy with Leighton Park, it doesn't hothouse, but expects hard work and is very encouraging. The Quaker ethos is very evident and there is a great sense of community about the school. Day pupils outnumber boarders, I'd say it is probably 30% boarding, with approximately half of those boarding weekly.

I would definitely agree about boarding numbers. Do check them very carefully and also ask what they mean by full boarding. This varies between schools.
IMO it is often quite difficult to find a school that is both a weekly boarding and a full boarding school at the same time and in the area that you want! They tend to go one way or the other. So what is a good weekly boarding school for now might mean that your DC is in the minority at the weekend when you move abroad. My DCs full boarded from 8-18 and IMO I think that only looking for 5+ full boarders, even in a year group is too small. Personally we chose schools that had a majority full boarding. For the first two years (year 7/8)I think you need to look and see what activities the school offers for weekends. Year 9 plus DCs want some down time at weekends, so assuming they have Saturday school and then sport, Sunday was a day to catch up on rest and prep with an occasional trip or activity.
My DB went to Lord Wandsworth and it was definitely more weekly boarding than full but that was a few years ago.

Rugby school is fab! full boarding and sprinkling of day students, very good mix of children both nationally and internationally. I have a ds in in yr 9, none are from Bilton Grange in his house, although they do send lots of children there, i wouldn't worry about that at all. They are all spread out across the various houses and don't let them cluster. DS has made loads of friends. Pastoral care very, very good.

Academically they take a broad mix, very bright children, average, very age. Some super confident (especially the girls) and very shy boys like ds. The balance is perfect. Loads of activities everyday of the week, full weekend programme of activities. all the boarders are in over the weekend, ds sometimes pops into town with his friends after chapel on Sundays. Exeats every 3rd saturday of the month.

Some complain about the town not being very pretty etc, but I'm not going into town, i just going to see my son, so that's entirely down to personal preference.

I would definitely go and see it.

Bit late but Bedales\ Dunhurst. Medium level academic (it sends about 10 a year to oxbridge), arguably the best art, drama & music in England.

Why coed? If you have sons coming up behind your Dd you could look at Cheltenham and Malvern as both have single sex for girls and a coed for your boys. CLadies is very good and still has a strong boarding population and Malvern St James is also worth considering.

Have a look at The Leys in Cambridge. They have an intake at 11+ which is a mixture of day and boarding. The 11+ boarders have a mixed boarding house across the road from the school for the first two years. This is run in a very nurturing way suitable for this young age group. The main intake at the school is 13+ and is mainly boarding. No doubts at all about the school - they are renowned for being a supportive, all-round school which academically covers fairly bright to very bright indeed. It could be a good option for you.

Luckley House in Wokingham? Going co-ed. Check the gender balance at Leighton Park - it used to be quite high boys vs girls, but that was a few years ago now and might be different.

Lord Wandsworth is v good full, weekly, flexi and day co-ed, and has lots of pupils from state schools at 11+, and lots of students with parents overseas. 11+ or 13+ entry.