Epsom College or St James School

[westlondonparent25]

So DS has got places in both. Our dilemma is St James School is 20 mins away but Epsom bus will take him 1 hour there and 1 hour back in the evening. He is a quiet boy who has not yet found his passion, hes not sporty, not yet into academics but does try very hard and gives 100% when at school.

In terms of schools we really like Epsom although the downside is the long day. If we choose Epsom he will be leaving home at 6.50am and returning at 7.15pm. Not forgetting Saturday School too.

Whereas St James is very close but does not match the facilities Epsom has? We got a very good feel from Epsom both from the nurturing side as well academics. St James feels a lot more relaxed, and maybe not value for money? Having said that, the boys we have spoken too are all very well mannered and seem to enjoy the school.

Any advice on either school much appreciated!

Re Epsom it's true that academics and pastoral care v good. Lots of activities and sport training help kids find some kind of passion and interest. Other than the odd free period, they are fully occupied especially in lower years. Kids all seem happy - very few leave at 16. All of that adds up to long day and short weekend. Your DS would have pretty much longest journey with those travel times. Most people who travel that far probably board.

I don't know St James - whereabouts is it?

Hi, I turned down a place for ds at Epsom for lower school entry this year and I use to live near St James's.
They are quite different schools in terms of mixed v single sex, fee structure and Saturday school. I wouldn't be taken in by the facilities at Epsom as they are a class above most other schools I visited. 1 hour is a long journey time plus a lot of the intake in the lower school is local to Epsom town, would you consider boarding from Year 9? Does your ds have a view? At least Epsom give you until 16th March to decide, is St James's the same?

Thank you for your responses. DS has been offered a day place in Year 9 (2020). Boarding not an option straight off, although he wouldn't mind weekly boarding later in either year 10 or 11.

We have given him the option to go to which ever he feels more comfortable with. Having said that he can just about decide what clothes to wear in the morning, let alone school lol

Our thoughts at the moment are to play it safe and go with St James and then maybe at 6th form he could go elsewhere.

Does anyone know apart from St Georges and Hampton which schools offer a 12+ entrance exam? Also how many places are available?

Thanks

If you are going for Year 9 then you have got time on your side to make a decision.

We have to decide by March 16th (next week)...

Sorry I know this is an old thread but I as just wondering what you decided. Currently considering Epsom and very keen to hear form someone who is there.