Winchester: King’s school vs Westgate vs Henry Beaufort

[Amelie141076]

Hello ladies,
We are moving to Winchester in April and I am still unsure about schooling.
Our boys are 9 and 13. The 9yr old needs more patience. The 13yr old is super achieving in sports and won’t want to miss that.
Would you be able to give advice on which school is better?
Many thanks in advance and thank you for allowing me on this group.

You'll need to contact the schools and see which - if any - have spaces in the year groups you need. HB is more likely than Kings' for yr 8 or yr 9.

You'll almost certainly be able to get the younger one into Western Primary, which is linked to Westgate. However, you'd be advised to move into catchment to be certain of getting a place at Westgate when the time comes.

Thank you all.

All 3 are good.
DD's school plays all 3 in sports matches.
I've heard good things about HB's pastoral care (relevant for your 9yo?).

Doesn't Westgate now have its own primary section as an 'all through' school?

It does - but it won't have in-year places. It's oversubscribed because it guarantees entry to the upper school, meaning that once you're in, you can move as far away from catchment as you like. It's why Western has lots of spaces.

I chose this school based on the excellent sales pitch given by the Head. If I could turn back time I would pick any school over this one. The Head is focussed on running the school like an exam factory and does not listen to the school community (including her staff). The children’s well-being is not high on her list of priorities. She is all-talk and no substance and does not practice what she preaches. AVOID if you want your child to have a positive, memorable and enriching experience.