Royal Russell

[Delices]

Is this a good option and how does it rate against an outstanding state school ? I keep hearing negatives and poor reviews against whitgift and trinity

RR is a mixed ability school, all children progress on from their junior school if they want to etc. Whitgift and Trinity are highly selective top 100 indies.

Have you been to RR? I wouldn’t say it compares to a state school. Extensive grounds, fab facilities, small classes and far far higher attainment than state schools (other than grammars).

@Delices,
What is your DS into? Sports, Music, Drama?
Did he come from a prep or state primary. Has he expressed a preference in attending a single sex school, or do you think he'd prefer a co-ed school?
T & W are part of the same foundation but are inherently different schools, as is RR.
What is the measure of comparing it to an outstanding state school?
Brampton Manor in East London were offered over 50 places to Oxbridge this month. T had 15 offers and 14 at W.
Does that make Brampton Manor a better school?
RR certainly has the grounds, and facilities, and which Brampton Manor could not compete in as it's an inner city school, as opposed to being on the leafy edge of Surrey.
Some may argue that independents are not worth the money at all.
Indies offer far more than academic grades. It's more about the opportunities.
RR also facilitates boarders. Even if your DS is not a boarder, he may have the opportunity to board once in a while, and will certainly mix with those who do board. This arguably could prepare him better for university should he go in that direction.
If you feel you have been given an indication that he will be offered a place, wait for the confirmation in mid Feb and make an appointment to see the head and visit the school again.
You know your child best, and you probably already have a feeling of where he would be best suited.

Thanks so much for your thoughtful response DS is from state school passionate about football would do it all the time if he could is in an academy - wants to go to RR but me and my husband both teachers with big mortgage and daughter in state secondary always camp in Cornwall no extra money for hot hols so would be really stretched and would need bursary etc but it’s a opportunity of a life time for us if it even becomes a reality

RR is amazing at football. Have you checked if you might qualify for a bursary?

However, if it feels to much of a stretch, then I think you mentioned Glyn on the other thread? It’s as good as it gets in terms of comps so I’m sure he’ll have a good experience.

Thanks JojoSM2, I think I am over fretting have applied for bursary but I think they are limited in funds as a school so will have to see what the news is on feb 13th. Thanks everyone for your posts trust mums to know what’s really going down....

Girls have received their results/offer this week. Really pleased we can now concentrate on other things. Lovely school grounds, staff and pupils and the developments of the new science department will be a real treat for 2020 onwards entries.

Feeling very lucky for DD right now. The head has most certainly got the interest of each child at his forefront. No brainer for us. Unless a scholarship offer comes in for one of the other schools, we will be accepting this place come March.

Best of luck for all those still waiting!

Did you have an offer from royal Russell ?

Delices: Girls get their offers 3 weeks before the boys - RR won't offer to the boys until the same day as the other boys schools.

Just seen this on their website - did you apply for bursary ?

No, no bursary application made. You should know about this in Feb when the boys get their offers. All the best!

I don't know if it's changed but RR had a reputation for most of the kids being overseas boarders so if you are looking as a local day school pupil it could be quite difficult to fit in.

inwood My child won’t be a boarder and we are from the U.K, as are a number of DD friends who are also considering accepting places. I can only therefore imagine, as you indicate, that your knowledge of the school is outdated. When did you last visit the school?

Report from 2016 says 651 students age 11-18 and of those 127 were full time borders, so hardly a majority of international boarders. I know loads who are looking at or know people there and they are all local day students

Got our letter he’s on the waiting list

Us too WL. Called and she confirmed they won’t look at the WL again until after 7th

Really sorry for you both... do you have a back up or other options? State offers will follow soon if no Independant alternative available. Have you asked how long the waiting list is?

Thanks rockchickrocks and toomany.... we are very likely to get Glyn which is a very good school but do feel deflated we need bursary and less chance of that in WL toomany... are you going to go for WL ?

I really love the school but we are lucky and do have other offers, one of which is my sons favourite. There’s a lot to love about RR...so I’m a bit sad. I’m speaking to his school first day back from half term so won’t make a formal decision until then. Delices - all the best. Will post again when we decide x

Got a place at glyn for DS so pretty happy not sure when RR send out offers to WL