OP one of the joys of being able to pay for education is that we are free to look carefully at a variety of schools and find one that suits us and our DC's. We don't all want the same thing, some are very impressed by breath taking facilities, an endless list of impressive old alumni, others want tradition, others a 21 century education others are looking for something more nuanced and discreet, we personally love Win Coll's unique daily Div lesson, the following of a non examined curriculum but not all want this and that fine we're all different. As one parent said in a rather loud voice on a tour of a school many years ago "for 30k (36 now) a year they've all got Olympics Swimming pools, manicured playing fields and books going back to the 13 th century what I want to know is what is the ethos that underpins this place?" That in my opinion is that challenge, some ram it down your neck, we visited SPS (3 times) and what it was all about was very obvious, nothing was hidden, I personally loved it, modern, liberal, multicultural, no meaningless ritual, ridiculous uniform, a true 21st century education but we found some staff slightly unhelpful, and it suited a sort of boy that I didn't and indeed don't think my DS is. We found Win Coll is more subtle, I couldn't initially see what it was all about and was frankly unimpressed at the open day but after three or four visits I worked out what it's all about and it suits us and it does suit the sort of boy my DS is. No one is wrong in their choice providing it works for them, the key is to find a school that comes closest to our must have/mustn't have list. It doesn't really matter to anyone else if you want Sanskrit lessons and 1-1 tiddlywinks lessons it's all about you and your DC. Look at as many schools as you can, talk to as many pupils and staff as you can preferably not on guided tours/open days but when they are just going about there everyday school life, look and listen to pupils, is this how you want your DS to turn our, talk to staff, do you feel that you are all singing from the same hymn sheet do they give you confidence? Can you see your DC there, can you see yourself working with the staff in the event of a problem? Decide what you want from education as well. Also decide if you the flexibility of weekly boarding or full boarding, think about travel times etc. The more schools you look at the more you'll start to form a view on what could works for you. Talk to parents with pupils at senior schools. Do these parents have the same outlook on education/life as you do? If something really matters to you ask either the school or existing parent (who are frankly more likely to give you an honest answer). I don't believe that there's a school out there that's right for all bright sporty musical boys and their parents. There are many excellent schools who educate these type of boys (and girls) take time to find one that feels right for you. Do to be swayed by "big names" or "reputations", the school that's currently your prep schools flavor of the month or single rooms and en suite bathrooms these things are all window dressing. I wouldn't spend to lomg pouring over exam results either there isn't that much to choose between many of them. Finally I do believe that as parents we have to really believe in our choice for our individual DC's, of we're positive so will they be.