Eton, Harrow, Winchester, or Westminster?

[MECC]

So our son is in prep school, and it's around the time that we begin considering which schools he should apply for.
His marks are very good and he enjoys reading. He is apathetic to sport, so we think an unashamedly academic school may be good for him. That's why we initally thought Eton and Harrow were probably not good choices, although we don't want to completely rule them out.
The issue with Westminster is that os only boards during weekends. It is also partially coeducational, and we want our son to have an all-male education.

Another one you could consider is Tonbridge.

I know three boys at Winchester and they really like it. None are sporty.

"and we want our son to have an all-male education."

Why? I'm not being goady, just curious.

Well, we really think the point of an education is to learn. We worry that being next around girls will make him focus on frivolities like dating at the expense of his studies.

Dear god....

Problem?

Nah.

We worry that being next around girls will make him focus on frivolities like dating at the expense of his studies.

Once hormones kick in he'll find his own way to get round that.
It's not something within your control.

So good luck with that Mum & Dad!

Hasn't it been demonstrated that students do have better academic outcomes in single-sex schools? Having said that, we'll be going co-ed for the sake of DS's social skills.

What if he is gay? The distraction of all those frivolous young men.

God almighty

Hasn't it been demonstrated that students do have better academic outcomes in single-sex schools?

Girls do. Boys don't.

Aren’t his prep school advising you about this? It’s their job after all.

Can't be arsed to do any research so ask a lazy show off question. This site is full of normal people with their kids at comprehensives. Go ask someone who cares.

OP it would be best if you allow your prep school to advise you on a suitable shortlist - that is what you’re paying them for.

Once you’ve decided which schools to apply to MN is great for specific experience and anecdotes. But the initial discussion needs to be with his current school. What do they think?

And, by the way, there is ample opportunity to play a lot of sport at the schools you mention. Perhaps you need to do more research? Or visit the schools in term time.

Of those, I'd say Winchester. It suited the quirky, studious boys I've prepped in the past .

@RedSheep73 one classy comment... and very helpful too.

OP, do look at Tonbridge as it's an academic, traditional boarding school and boys only. The top top academic schools tend to be day schools rather than boarding.

Keep him away from girls at school and he will go mad at uni and fail his degree. HTH.

Actually, you could also consider St Paul's. I think most students are day pupils but they do offer boarding and are as academic as it gets.

What if he's gay, OP? And falls in love in school?

Tonbridge is very sporty though. Not sure how well a boy indifferent to sport would fit in. Also empties out at the weekends.

My DH went to all boys prep school, public school and all male college: result ... socially inept wreck!

@Moominmammacat And you married that socially inept wreck? I know a few men with similar educational background but generally it just led to them being awkward at uni/in early 20's but eventually they were fine.