Marlborough College - any insights?

[Makeshift44]

Does anyone have any insights into Marlborough College - particularly the 6th form if you are joining in sixth form as a girl. What is the vibe generally and what are the kids like etc. The results look ok but not amazing? Anyone have experience of the school?

Have just seen your message and have a daughter that joined Marlborough 6th Form last September. Do you still need feedback, or is it too late?

I don't have experience of the school but one of my absolute best friends works in a very senior role there.
If we could afford the fees, I'd be happy for my children to go there because he is a great guy...in fact we just done our will and our kids will go to him should anything happen to us. If you're sending your kids to board, I think you need to know they will be going to caring people.

*we have just done our will

I'm really interested in applying for Sixth form entry for daughter. May I ask what indicative grades your children got during Y10/Y11? Thanks 🙏

I'm afraid I don't have much direct experience, so this comes with lots of caveats!

Results can only tell you so much about a school - what you really need to know is whether they will 'add value'. Many schools with great results are super selective..hence being at the top of the league tables. Marlborough is relatively selective, competitive to get into and from what I've heard suits outgoing, sporty types. Lots of London/home counties students and lots of wealth. Amazing facilities and very popular at the moment (perhaps partially because it's a potential future choice for George/Charlotte/Louis)! Some people in the past have mentioned that due to the fact that it's boy heavy, girls can feel as if they are joining a 'boys' club', but obviously many people are really happy with the provision and the opportunities a school like that will open up. If you visit you'll undoubtedly get a feel, and hopefully current parents will be able to give you an insider view.

Fwiw I visited a couple of years ago and got the feeling that they really believed their own hype, and it seemed less down to earth than schools such as Malvern and Rugby, but it was a brief visit so I may have got the wrong impression.

We sent our daughter to 6th Form at Marlborough, and she left last summer after a really positive experience both academically and socially. Girls do have an advantage applying at 6th Form, as Marlborough is still slightly boy dominant. My daughter performed well at GCSE, achieving 11 8/9s - but performance at Marlborough entrance examinations is key, as well as the interview. As a full-boarding school, Marlborough are looking for candidates that are not only academically good, but that will fit/contribute to the school culture - which is really powerful. My daughter came out with great grades at A Level, and had a really wonderful experience at Marlborough - making life-long friendships and learning all the benefits of being part of a real (as opposed to a virtual) young, vibrant community. It's a special place, and I would highly recommend it.

Thanks doglover, kippy... wow that's straight high A's for GCE grades. DD is bookish but not quite that smart :( And with it being a potential school for the royals, I guess we don't stand much of a chance.
I wonder if there are other similar coed schools we can consider? I'm thinking Wellington college and looking for one more to try...

Bear in mind they were allocated grades during Covid! A lot depends on your daughter's personality - I would urge you to give it a go - it's such a big-hearted school and is not an academic machine.

Yes, I'd still consider Marlborough if I were you. Is your search criteria limited to Berks/Wilts, or would you be willing to send your DD further afield?

Thanks for the encouragement. Would love any suggestions, further afield is fine. Many rave about Rugby but she's not keen. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Rugby is lovely, but the town isn't nearly as nice as Marlborough. Would recommend looking at Charterhouse - now fully co-ed, reasonably academic with plenty for high flyers, close to London. Sevenoaks is very high achieving, as is Oundle.

Would you consider further afield? I have friends with children at Mount St Mary's College, just south of Sheffield. Apparently the new Headteacher there has transformed the school, and if your daughter is remotely sporty or musical (particularly choral) they are really doing well. Might be worth a look.

Thank you doglover and backtoreality. I will look at Mt st Mary's, as I haven't heard of this one...👍

Hey! What did you do in the end?

same advice as I’d give anyone considering school, especially a boarding school: visit

you have to visit!

my opinion on Marlborough is very different from all my friends (they all like it, I didn’t) but that’s because schools are very much about feel and fit.

how does this place make me and my DS/DD feel? Would it be a good fit for them/us? They are the key questions.

Marlborough is a very well regarded school but it may not be right fit your child or your situation.

if you are looking for a mixed school with decent academics and sport which is full boarding and you are happy with the macro location, then go visit. It’s the only way to tell.

The town is lovely BTW. Not as nice as Oundle IMO but still fab and more conveniently located than Oundle for us and many other people. Much nicer than Rugby, which is grim. Kids are more down to Earth in rugby and oundle than marlbough. Which is to be expected given the catchments.

definately a certain sort of girl goes to Marlborough. They also have some mixed dorms, in case you weren’t aware.

if you like that mixed/full boarding profile see also Shrewsbury. They are big on cricket and cross country, in case those are of interest.

Was at M 62 to 66
Hated it though represented it in all sports
Shades of Tom Brown Schooldays - bullying assaults cold atmosphere
Toughen you up - yes but left scars - and bad memories
Am 78 and just want to get this off my chest