catslife thanks for doing the link.
I think you're right about considering his feelings. He had a taster day at Sidcot first then just a regular visit at Monkton. He made some friends at Sidcot, so naturally he's more comfortable about going there.
I think if he was gonna be at one of them long term, Monkton would be better as they offer some less academic subjects, but we don't know yet if we'll leave him there when we have to move next year.
Honestly, I think both would be good for him. Monkton, because boarding would help with his independence and maturity (he's woefully immature), Sidcot because it's small and very nurturing (he needs it because of the awful time he had at Henbury). We are hesitant because the logistics of Sidcot, driving him to and fro, are gonna be a huge pain, and because Monkton is a Christian school, and we may get a bursary, and loved the passion the staff have for enabling children to know themselves and their strengths.
He's also recently joined a trampoline club which he loves, and if he were at Monkton he would have to stop this. So I feel bad about overriding his feelings in this.
I never thought I'd have to make a choice like this, and it feels super self indulgent, picking over two very expensive, very good schools. I'm way out of my depth...