Sexey's in Bruton

[AKissACuddleAndACheekyFinger]

DS has a boarding place at Sexey's-we want boarding as my dh is in the forces but we don't want a private school for many reasons. DS loved it at interview and when we were shown around. However, we have just been posted a lot further away than we were expecting. Does anyone have experience of Sexey's and can vouch for the standard of pastoral care? We won't now be near enough to get there within a couple of hours if needed so I just need a bit of reassurance...first time I've sent a child to boarding and even though it's entirely his choice I'm worried.

Sorry, I have no knowledge whatsoever, but was trawling 'Unanswered Threads' to see if I could help, and am just checking - is there really a school called Sexeys ???? Seems a very bizarre name for a school.

However, maybe this will bump your thread for someone who can help you

It is a brilliant name!

Sorry, I don't know the school (though had heard of it).

But one general thing is wondering where people like grandparents/uncles/aunts live. Who will be nearby for things like concerts and fixtures, as well as emergencies.

Hi, i have known other Forces families who have been pleased with Sexeys but that was a few years ago. Do check how many full boarders there are in your DCs year as you don't want them to be in a minority at the weekends.

My whole family live nearby-that's why we were so pleased when we thought we would be posted nearby. There are loads of boarders-the school is over subscribed for day pupils and many that don't get a place go through as boarders instead (guaranteed a place) so I guess that should say it all really!

Yes, it's called Sexey's after Hugh Sexey I believe. People nearby don't turn a hair at the name and I guess it's a good conversation starter!!

I once drove through the village and saw Sexeys School - I wrote to Countdown and Richard Whiteley (god rest his cotton socks) read out my letter where I said ' I would love to be a Sexey Old Girl!'

Totally missing your point OP but I actually liked the place. from driving through the area.

I guess I'm so used to it I don't really think of it. I hate to disappoint but I think former pupils are called Old Sexonians. Not quite as Sexey, is it?

a friend went there years ago and loved it
no recent knowledge

I'm afraid I don't know Sexey's personally - only know it seems to have a good rep. I think it is good advice to check how many full boarders - doesn't need to be everyone but just so as your Ds has friends to do things with at the weekends. My experience is that boys (and girls) change so much in the years from 10 to 14 so independence and a growing life happen even if they are at home with you - your little 11 year old will change into a teenager! Secondary school even if as a day pupil is a big leap and change for children. It's a real shame that you won't (for this posting at least) be close enough to pop in to see school matches or plays or whatever but maybe you still can for special occasions. I am sure you have done your research and visits as best you can and there is a point where you have to take a bit of a leap. I suggest you call the school and ask for a chat (head or housemaster say) and you will either be reassured - if they are willing to have that chat then obviously not reassuring! Good luck - I think the odds are that in 7 years time you and your Ds will be thinking very fondly of the great time, education and friends.

We've been a couple of times and our boy loves it. I probably made it sound like we will be a million miles away-it's about a three hour drive so we won't be missing plays etc, we will get there. It's just that boarding is a huge decision for him to have made and I want to support it but the mummy in me is nervous for him X

Sorry, meant to say that if not willing to chat with you then not reassuring! Will PM you with other comments.

The current HT at Sexeys is very keen on boarding & throws a lot of resources at the boarders. I didn't send my son to Sexeys as a day pupil, because the HT put me off completely but had he not had SEN & had boarding been an option I would have been much more likely to go with it.

Yes, if I remember rightly Mr. Latif came from a private school so I guess that's where his boarding ethos comes from. Our boy is so excited to go and I think it'll be very good for him-I loved boarding-but it is still breaking my heart a bit. He's very young for the year (30th Aug!) which somehow makes it worse. Thank you for your comment X