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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

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Original poster

Oxford schools

13 replies

ponzo · 15/09/2018 18:34

Can any Oxford parents give me advice on the differences between Oxford Girls School, Headington and St Edwards for my DD? She is fairly academic but also loves drama and singing. I would also like a school with strong pastorial care and where the girls are friendly and kind. Any advice most welcome!

OP posts:

HPFA · 15/09/2018 21:49

Oxford High School is highly academic - probably not the right choice unless you're sure your daughter would be able to keep up and won't be made over-anxious by competition. Headington generally less pressurised I believe - and has lovely buildings! No knowledge of St Edwards.

Have you looked at Wychwood? Much smaller and a reputation for being very nurturing.
ttps://wychwoodschool.org/

Kidsnowteenagers123 · 16/09/2018 00:28

My DS just started at St Edwards - sporty, above average academically, sociable and loves drama. He's always enjoyed school but I can honestly say I've never seen him so happy. He loves everything about the school (as do we) and pastorally it's brilliant. I've yet to meet a child who isn't buzzing with excitement who goes to Teddies. Gets a huge thumbs up from me.

Oratory1 · 16/09/2018 08:40

I’ve heard similar good things about Teddies. We only did t consider it when looking at sixth form as it really is full boarding which we didn’t want at the time. Hear good and bad things about the other two but all good about Teddies. If you have an above average but not top performer who enjoys sport and drama/music and is sociable and you don’t mind them being there 24/7 then go for Teddies.

claraschu · 16/09/2018 08:58

If you want a small coed school with a huge emphasis on kindness/ open mindedness/ not putting people in boxes, also take a look at D'Overbroecks 7-11.

They are good at genuinely nurturing the individual child. Classes are small- so 10-15 kids at most. They have an excellent singing teacher though there isn't a huge amount of music, but this means that interested kids can get some great opportunities. The head of drama is brilliant.

The minimal uniform and first name basis for everyone is symbolic of the generally friendly and supportive atmosphere.

Marathon18 · 17/09/2018 10:49

Hi moms
Can pls shed a light on Teddies? Haven't heard about it. I am not British and I am on the lookout for a well Disciplined, High on Pastoral and good academics boarding school

JynErso · 17/09/2018 11:04

Oxford High is good for all those things but drama. They give all the spiel about lots of musicals, but in reality there is one for lower school another for upper school, on their small multi purpose stage, and with a high percentage of girls who like drama and singing not nearly enough parts to go round. Most of the girls into drama there don’t get opportunities and do it out of school or switch to Magdalen for sixth form where there is no drama in curriculum but extensive plays and musicals.
Teddies and Headington have their own theatres so loads more opportunities.
There’s plenty of singing in the past at OHS but new head of music and as DD just left I haven’t met him. Presumably it will continue but there were some fears the school might take the opportunity to downgrade music in line with the (limited opportunities of) drama and sport, like they’ve just done with DT. I guess maybe something has to give when it gets about the best results of the Oxford girls’ schools for the lowest fees?

I don’t know Wychwood personally but hear good things.

Marathon I wouldn’t describe Teddies pupils as well disciplined!

BubblesBuddy · 17/09/2018 11:06

I mentioned this school on your other thread about St Swithuns! Get in touch with the schools I mentioned to see if they have places.

If children board, they do have a different experience from non boarders St Edwards does have what you are looking for, but you need to establish if they have a place. Oxford to Heathrow is very easy. There is a coach. I certainly would shortlist this school and know children who have boarded there and been very happy. That’s why I mentioned it!

Marathon18 · 22/09/2018 16:03

@bubblesbuddy Thank you dear. You have been very helpful. Teddies look great but why some parents think Teddies students are not disciplined..
@JynErso.. can pls advise? Why you think Teddies students are not disciplined

BubblesBuddy · 22/09/2018 16:22

When my friends looked at St Edwards there had been issues with day children on buses. This is going back a bit now and I don’t believe it involved boarders. Subsequently a friend has had sons bisrding there and no discipline issues that they were concerned about. I think you really will find children that push boundaries in most schools. The majority are well behaved and get on with school life!

Original poster

ponzo · 24/09/2018 07:59

Thanks so much for this info. Very useful to know about the drama at OHS. My DD is very academic but also needs an outlet of drama and singing. She would also be entering in the middle of year 9 as has gone elsewhere and hates it! I think I should go and look at Headington.

OP posts:

ifonly4 · 24/09/2018 11:26

My DD is at Teddies. Had a hard time settling after going from home/state to boarding. The school is well known for it's pastoral care and they more than proved themselves with listening to her, phone calls and a meeting. She decided to stay, has been there just over a year and loves it (she didn't want to come home for the holidays).

I know they do drama there, often have performances and shows. DD is a member of choir and also does singing lessons. They have a great music building, if your DD wanted I'm sure she could use a music practice room for singing if she wished.

My DD is great friends with six in her house and girls in other houses. They all just love having a chat, fun and are so supportive with eachothers interests, DD will watch a friend in a show, her friends will attend a music recital she's in.

Like any school, you do get children that struggle but there are some high achievers there, one of her friends got 10 A*s and 1 A in GCSEs.

You've just missed an open day for Teddies, but if you phone I'm sure the would arrange for you to look around the school and any particular areas of interest.

Pattymc1 · 01/10/2018 10:26

Hi we are also keen to send our ds (and the rest I hope!) to teddies next September because it seems to suit our family and our values. Would love to hear more views as we are just going through the final decision making and although heart set on teddies it would be good to have a back up!

boyslave · 28/10/2018 18:44

Moved our ds to Teddies beginning of this term coming from another Oxfordshire boarding /day school after issues, so far he is loving it. Massive change in him, his confidence and willingness to have a go at different things. Pastoral care very good, he is not academic but is being challenged and stepping up. So glad we moved him.

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