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Secondary education

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

Original poster

Sixth form boarding school

36 replies

exoskeleton · 29/10/2020 20:02

DD wants to look at boarding school for 6th form. South of England preferably. They've boarded before (not currently boarding). Happy with single sex or co-ed. 6/7s comfortably at GCSE.

Does anyone have any they can recommend, or not?
Thanks!

OP posts:
Dancingdreamer · 30/10/2020 00:18

Are you looking for this year or next? If next year, have a look at Marlborough (although not sure what grades they want now. They may want higher). They have a dedicated intake of girls in the 6th form who largely join boys houses. My DD did this and had a wonderful time. She is still good friends with so many people from her time there. PM if you want more information.

orangeicecream · 30/10/2020 00:27

Eastbourne college.... Fab school!

Original poster
exoskeleton · 30/10/2020 09:39

Marlborough I've got on my list, so thank you for that. And Eastbourne College I didn't, so will also look in to that.
Thank you!

OP posts:
OhCrumbsWhereNow · 30/10/2020 10:11

Bedes?

What are her main interests?

Original poster
exoskeleton · 30/10/2020 10:45

Bedes... another one to add to the list, thank you.
Interest wise, she was super sporty, but that faded away. We're definitely not looking at anything super-selective, as we've been there and done that at 11+ and it's not for her at all (she doesn't manage in a high-achieving environment from a mental health aspect).
For her, boarding school would be for the social/community side of it. She likes to be around people, and needs structure and peers to keep her going.

OP posts:
DogsandBoysmeanMud · 30/10/2020 10:50

Have a look at Bedales. Very different! Quite arty.

Original poster
exoskeleton · 30/10/2020 11:07

Thanks. Yes she's had friends at Bedales, so it was on my radar. I know it can be a bit marmite for people, would you agree with that? I'm not sure about the pastoral side, as hasn't heard great things about that aspect of school life, and would welcome any thoughts on that?

OP posts:
Noideawottodo · 30/10/2020 11:10

Sherborne.

CarrotCakeSupprise · 30/10/2020 11:17

Bryanston.

Sporty and arty, and support for a wide range of academic abilities.

Original poster
exoskeleton · 30/10/2020 11:32

Thank you. These were also both on my list, so it's helpful to have those mentioned here also!

OP posts:
lobsteroll · 30/10/2020 11:36

Have you considered Lord Wandsworth?

Wishitsnows · 30/10/2020 11:43

Have you considered St George's Ascot or Heathfield?

houselikeashed · 30/10/2020 11:44

St Edwards (Teddies) in Oxford?

Original poster
exoskeleton · 30/10/2020 11:54

Thank you, I hadn't considered any of those, so that is helpful!

OP posts:
Theyweretheworstoftimes · 30/10/2020 11:57

Millfield?

Good mix of arts, sports and academic.
Great mix of kids many on financial aid.

VanCleefArpels · 30/10/2020 12:14

Hurtwood house - sixth form only so everyone is new so no issues with breaking into established friendship groups you get at “through” schools

Londonmummy66 · 30/10/2020 18:06

Christs Hospital? Good facilities for sports and arty/musical kids.

CaraCruise · 30/10/2020 18:40

Stowe School - great 6th Form.
They have a social club for 6th Formers called StoweBucks 😂 kids all very happy and not a pressured environment. Staff are so kind and caring, nothing is too much trouble. Head was in final selection for Tatler Headmaster of the Year.

Original poster
exoskeleton · 30/10/2020 19:04

Oh I love the StoweBucks... brilliant. Thanks v much everyone, all really helpful.

OP posts:
Valenciaoranges · 30/10/2020 21:54

My daughter went to Sherborne girls and absolutely loved it.

Original poster
exoskeleton · 30/10/2020 22:51

Thanks!

OP posts:
Newme2016 · 30/10/2020 23:04

What is your DD like? Nobody has asked this.

I strongly believe the school has to be right for her. Otherwise she will not do well.

Noideawottodo · 30/10/2020 23:22

@Newme2016

What is your DD like? Nobody has asked this.

I strongly believe the school has to be right for her. Otherwise she will not do well.

Knowing what she's like won't help particularly. All the girls at my dds boarding school are very different.
Newme2016 · 31/10/2020 11:19

But it really does matter for some schools

Noideawottodo · 31/10/2020 11:23

Yes, of course, you want to feel that you'll 'fit', but an excellent boarding school will cater for all types.

If she has any particular sports or hobbies that might help to know

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