Boarding school for A levels

[ramennoddles]

DD is in Year 10 and she is thinking of posssibly going to boarding school to study A levels. I have no experience with boarding school and I was wondering if you could share your knowledge of what boarding school is actually like?

That's a broad question.

You could start by scrolling through some of these threads. Ignore anything extreme!

Do you have a particular school in mind? Or a list of possibilities?

Lots of questions!

What has prompted your DD thinking about boarding school? What does SHE think it will be like? (Might need some expectation management)

Is she in independent school already? (Might be some social issues - harsh but true- if not)

Is she looking for something specialist e.g. Sports, performing, music, academic (will inform your choice)

What's the budget (or will you be relying on scholarship/bursary)

Is she self reliant, organised, focussed (important qualities when having to get yourself through the day without parental reminders/nags)

I'm sure more questions will occur....

I boarded and my DD has gone boarding for 6th form. It's an entirely different experience now to the 80's (good!) but won't suit everyone.

Burford school is state boarding, so bear in mind that "boarding" does not imply independent.

My DD chose to board at 6th form. Really worked for her because she was convinced it would be right for her and made a huge effort to throw herself into school life. She also spent a lot of time chosing the right school for her (wasn't my choice but she loves it). Chose a school where they have a relatively large intake in 6th form and ensure it is full boarding as for 6th form that gives them the social life with friends.

Please PM me if you want more info.

We moved one of ours at sixth form and others transferred lower down school from a state comprehensive. It was a really good stepping stone to university and helped build useful networks. They all loved boarding once the first week/fortnight of feeling strange was over.

Given your DD hasn't boarded before I assume part of the idea is to give a transition to university. I would therefore look at schools a. No further than 1hr 30mins away so you can visit easily, b. With separate 6th form boarding which will provide a better transition than being in a 13-18 house, c. That send large numbers of pupils to the universities and on the type of courses that your DD is interested in as they will have experience which will help her and d. That have a large(ish) intake at 6th form which will make it easier for your DD to settle in quickly. Without knowing which schools you are interested in or where you're based it's hard to be more specific, but if you're looking to create a shortlist those are the criteria I would use. Also act soon. A friend of mine left it too late and missed out on the schools they really wanted as they were full. Good luck.