13+ offers dilemma: choosing between Epsom, St. Georges and St. Johns

[graineydee]

After all the stress of 11+ revision and exams (aaaaagh! never again) DS has somehow managed to secure three 13+ offers, so now we have an unexpected dilemma of choice for 2020 entry. I'd so appreciate any parents with DS/DDs at these schools weighing in.

We are leaning towards Epsom as we were wowed by their all-rounder appeal/facilities/pastoral care etc, however their lofty fees and no doubt myriad £ extras will take a heavy toll on our finances. The right school though, will be worth the sacrifice.
I've heard (indirectly) nothing but positive things about the school, however could any EC mums let me know their experience and particularly how their DC/DS coped with adjusting to a very immersive 6 day week? On the other hand, St Georges is an attractive (and obvs cheaper) contender, liked the new head, the location is workable but nothing at the school really 'wowed' me. Did I miss something?
St Johns - also solid and great pastoral care; the location is a bit more of a faff and it's back in that upper £ tier of fees. DS is not spectacular at anything but a good all-rounder across sport, academics and music.

How academic is your child? Do you have any CATS scores or progress test data to share?

I’m not convinced by Epsom since it opened its 11+ section, the standard the children are reaching anecdotally doesn’t seem to be nearly as high as the standard reached by the pupils in a prep until 13. I know just above average children coming from our prep school are bored with what is being covered in class in subjects like Maths and languages.

Personally I think the fees at Epsom are exorbitant and I have no idea how they can justify them.

Hi trinity0097, son is quite bright but needs a constant shove to apply himself. Top set in maths, average at English. Recall a 126 score ave from last CAT, I think ranging from 131 (numeracy) to 116 (verbal).

Jeanne16 - yes their fees are ridiculous but they're only a smidgen above Reeds & St. Johns. Surrey bubble madness.

What does your current head recommend?

Will consult with school after half term but it's really parents with DC at these schools (particularly Epsom) that I would like to sound out their experiences. Thanks.

Have a DC at Epsom now in 6th form. We've been v happy with the school. Academics v good - excellent tracking of performance each half term with v specific feedback as get towards GCSEs.

V specific help quickly provided if needed.

The 6 day week and long day is exhausting for them particularly first term or so but our DC thrived and threw themselves into all was available. Our DC did a lot of homework too in evenings and weekends. (Some kids don't seem to do as much and still get top marks.).

House system v strong and HMM are v on top of things. Tutors too. Was at an event a couple of years ago and was amazed how many teachers knew my dc even though hadn't taught them. The teachers all do activities or tutor, coach etc so they seem to know all the students.

Kids seem to have high standards for themselves in everything. It suits a child who wants to do well and get involved.

Some of trips are v expensive ... but that might be true of the other schools you mention too. Ski trip to Banff, geography to Sicily and Iceland, drama to NY ... but not all kids go by any means. Our DC has only been on one plus a sports tour which wasn't too expensive. The curriculum days out during term time are pretty local and all v reasonable.

Just to add - other than uniform (which was bought at start of Y9 and lasted Bar the odd thing lost ), and bus fees each term, there really haven't been many extras. As mentioned above, the optional trips during hols can b v expensive but not everyone goes.

Thank you itsnotdifficult for sharing your positive experience, that is hugely appreciated. It's helpful to hear that backup is on ready standby to ensure kids stay on track, challenging / supporting them as needed. My DS isn't hugely self motivated (a typical boy) and does constantly need a good shove. We've got more two years to work on that! Good to know also about the trips situation and other costs.

Which did you choose in the end graineydee and were you happy with your choice? We will go through the process next year with DS1 who sounds very like your son in terms of his "profile" and we have Epsom, St Johns, Hampton and Reeds on our current list. Hampton is the "stretch" but struggling to figure out which would be the best out of the other three?

I really rate Reed’s. It’s got a smaller feel, and you get the impression that everyone knows everyone.

I was amazed at the offering they were putting in for able mathematicians, I was not expecting that from them at all.

Epsom is very much a boarding school, as is St john’s I would not send a child to a full on boarding school as a day student.

Is St Johns very boarding orientated still?

Hi graineydee I just wanted to check which school have you chosen in the end and whether you are happy with your choice? My son has precisely the same dilemma and the fact that we cannot visit any of them due to covid is certainly not helping the case. Your views would be very much appreciated. Thanks