Hi Caitlin 1970
We did go for Repton and DS is now 2/3 of the way through his second year. I would have to say it has been an unqualified success - mainly because DS seems consistently happy there and seems to be thriving.
The main reasons we chose Repton was its proximity and also the culture/vibe of the school. The midlands is blessed with a lot of good public schools (Repton, Oundle Uppingham, Oakham etc) and whilst they may be similar in many respects on paper, they all have quite different 'vibes'! Not that any are better or worse than others - I think it just depends what you are looking for and what would suit you and your DC.
Repton is certainly not a 'snobby' school and all the children we have met are polite and well balanced. The school seems to strike a good balance between structure/discipline and self-management/independence which prepares them well for the outside world. Shrewsbury school has a similar feel in many ways and is impressive.
Academically we are impressed with Repton. Whilst not 'selective', the school certainly pushes brighter children to achieve their best and, I think, caters well for less bright children too. The teaching staff are young (or is that just us getting old!?) and committed. There is a strong work ethic and DC seem to be expected to work hard to produce their best. There are internal exams at the end of most terms. Our experience is that DS has thrived academically so far...
The new(ish) headmaster has impressed us. He seems to have high standards and high expectations. Parents seem to like him. DC say he is strict, which is probably no bad thing!
Sport is an important part of Repton Life and most play sport, or train, around 4 or 5 times a week. Hockey, football and tennis are very strong while the cricket set-up has always been good. My only observation would be that most of the emphasis is on the A teams and the lower teams play far less fixtures - maybe 10 matches per term instead of 20+ for A teams. That probably goes for most schools though. The new sports hall/gym etc will be amazing - a major asset for winter training/coaching etc.
Re boarding, weekdays are very full on (breakfast at 7am, prep ends at 9pm) so boarding fits well with this. It is an even longer day for day-pupils (and their parents), which must be tough. Boarders make up around 65-70% of overall numbers I think. DS really enjoys the boarding side of things, despite 'houses' being quite small. DC all seem to get on very well and form strong friendships.
Boarders can take three weekends at home (called a PW) per term (actually just Saturday night and Sunday as Saturday is a working morning followed by matches in the afternoon) but often choose not to take them if they are busy with other things at the weekend. Our DS has only taken 2 PWs this term, which is quite typical for many DC. There are formal activities of some sort (trips to town, cinema, clay pigeon shooting etc) laid on most sundays but many children seem to want to just 'chill' on sunday after a full-on week! A combination of small houses and a few boarders taking PWs means that there will occasionally be few boarders from DS's year group left in his house on sunday but then there are other years and other houses, so it has not been an issue.
Definitely worth visiting in term time if you have the opportunity as you would get to meet some DC and get the all-important 'vibe'!
I'll private-message you some info on houses.