St Peters in York

[hodgeheg1]

Can I have some feedback on St Peters please?
We are lucky enough to live in catchment for 2 very good York schools but I am wondering whether we should, if we can possibly afford it, go down the SP route.
I think huge opportunities would be offered, but possibly at the expense of trips and experiences as a family. It doesn't fit as comfortably with me as it does my DH - I was state educated, family and friends too in the majority who might be judgemental! I can live with that if it's right for my kids though.
I would like to hear what current parents feel - bad schools would make it an easy decision! There are some mixed reports - I hear fantastic things from friends of friends, on here I've read 'exam factory' and pressurised.

Very few independent schools do not take exams seriously. I think schools such as this expect students to work hard and play hard. I do not know the school personally. However, you do get a broader education at many good private schools and this is what you are paying for. If you do not want this type of education, then walk away now. There will be competition and a certain amount of pressure to do well and succeed.

I do not take much notice of friends and relatives. It is not their decision and if they drop you because you have been able to make choices that do not coincide with theirs, then they are not really friends. They ought to have the manners to be quiet. Ideally you should not boast either.

However, you really do need to consider if you can afford this. Lots of extras at schools like this are the norm. If you have to sacrifice a lot, can you really afford it? Fees tend to go up a lot as the years go by. If you are certain your income can keep pace, and it sounds like you do not have savings, then consider it. However, be very careful if you are really having to scrimp and save. Your children may not thank you for that. They may want holidays - like everyone else.

York catchment areas don’t overlap and aren’t a guarantee of a place.

Not the question you asked, but 2 of my nephews to go Fulford and are very happy there. (I'm guessing it's one of the schools you're in catchment for).

There are many very impressive secondary schools in York, which at least partially explains why the price of housing is so high relative to nearby. So there are many schools where motivated kids can do well (I especially rate Huntingdon).

St. Peter's is world renowned. Yes there is a lot of pressure there and I don't know enough about it recently to say whether it is peer pressure or pressure from the school.

It is very competitive for places and has somewhat bucked the trend seen in other northern independents since the Great Recession. Many have reduced numbers or shut. St. Peter's has a long history and many traditions. It has a community feel about it.

The staff are by and large extremely experienced and turnover is quite low.

Agree with above financial advice.

Go to an open day. See how the place makes you and ds feel.

Thanks all. We wouldn't commit to it if it meant crippling ourselves, but it's the extra nice to haves, the enriching stuff I fear we'd miss.
Yes Fulford is one we'd consider. Excellent rep but again not right for everyone. Have arranged tours of the top 3 in the running including SP.
Helpful comments, thanks

St Peters is quite snobby. Bootham has a more diverse set of families.

Hodgeheg1. Is it possible to know which way you decided in the end? Having the same dilemma here!!

Wondering if there's anyone with knowledge of what the entrance exam entails for those going at 11. Will start new thread if not. Thanks

We had a similar dilemma elsewhere, as you say bad schools would have made the decision easy but we're lucky enough to have good state schools in our area. However we decided on private. Two years on we don't regret it at all even though we are financially stretched.

Sorry old thread.

Good to hear, Stealth Polar Bear