Experiences in Y9 Ardingly and Epsom College

[sjps]

My DD just got accepted into Y9 2021 entry for both schools. As we live overseas, we couldn't visit the schools due to COVID and chose them for their location (close to international airport). My daughter isn't particularly sporty or musical, above average academic (97% in Maths, around grade 7 IB level in English(didn't understand that)in Ardingly, 88% Maths, 82% English Epsom and VR 130,) and loves reading and craftwork (pottery, crochet, jewellery making). We just want to know if anyone has experiences in any of these schools as we're worried about the pastoral care, particularly any bullying as unfortunately she was bullied at her old school due to her weight. If it was up to me, I'd rather she not go overseas, but DD is insistent that she'll have more learning and extracurricular opportunities over in UK after a stint at summer school there. Already explained that summer school and actual boarding is different, but after 2years, she still is determined to go. Any thoughts would be appreciated !

I'll reply just to bump this.

In generic terms, for Y9 I would want to know that there are a good number of full boarders at these schools. Many schools have fewer full boarders than they admit, with most going home at weekends. The few remaining boys boarding schools have tended to retain compulsory full boarding, but few of the co-ed ones have. I think Marlborough and King's Canterbury are properly full boarding. Other than that I don't know, but I would guess these particular schools have few full boarders in Y9. Also, and this is personal preference only, I favour town-based schools for boarder girls as they can get a bit of a break by going clothes shopping or go out for a hot chocolate with a friend at the weekend when there is nothing else to do. I always think being stuck in the sticks is a recipe for boredom and the temptation of smoking in the woods.

Can't comment on Epsom but at Ardingly in my opinion it helps to be either sporty or musical. Also agree with other comments about girls being boarders in the country side. Historically girl boarders in Y9 at Ardingly are local and weekly. I would check how many international full boarders there are. If she is creative what about Mayfield or somewhere that does ceramics as a subject...

My niece went to Epsom as a day girl and finished 6th form last year. Pastoral care was excellent and academic was superb. She achieved 9s and As in all GCSEs and As in all A levels and I understand even for less academic pupils Epsom really goes the extra mile to ensure pupils achieve their best. Epsom are also there to support pupils even after they have left the school. Hoping my son goes there shortly. My continually thanked my sister for having sent her there and said they were the happiest years of her life. She would have loved to have boarded, but it was not an option for her as my sister was not in a position to pay extra fees for boarding.

Cannot tell you about full boarding experience though I am afraid.