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Secondary education

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

Original poster

Millfield Prep

52 replies

SarahIsMe · 28/12/2020 10:15

Hi all

We are thinking of moving our children (both boys) to Millfield Prep when oldest starts year 7. We will have to move house to accommodate this, so it's a big deal. We are not keen on boarding (just not the right option for us, but understand it works for others).

Oldest is very sporty but youngest less so, he's more musical.

My main questions are:

*Is the move from state primary to Millfield Prep a big jump?

*Do kids from average income households (we r aiming for scholarships and no way could afford the fees) manage ok? Do they get singled out?

*Is there much elitism/toff-ness/arrogance etc...? (Expecting a bit, but hoping most of the kids are nice and well balanced!)

*Are children largely happy there?

*Are day pupils integrated there and treated similarly to the boarders? Do they enjoy it?

*Do non sporty kids fair ok? (our youngest is fairly 'gentle' and while he's fine playing football and mucking in with martial arts and stuff at school, I'd worry he might get bullied as he's not a rugby type guy (yet anyway - he's v young and I don't know what path he'll take as he gets older) and more into playing instruments and singing and drawing (might become a bit geeky)

*I have seen threads from a few years ago on Millfield where it seems to have been somewhat slated/got a bad press. Hoping things have changed!

If anyone knows anything about the swimming provision, would also be keen to hear stories of transition from prep to senior for good swimmers (is the prep ok in how they coach yr7 and 8 swimmers? I know the senior school is good in terms of swim coaching, but no idea how the prep school fairs).

Thank you v v much for your opinions

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Original poster
SarahIsMe · 28/12/2020 10:15

Sorry that post ended up being longer than expected!

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Original poster
SarahIsMe · 28/12/2020 17:32

Anyone..?

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Original poster
SarahIsMe · 30/12/2020 10:39

Bumping in the hope of an answer :) ...

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AveEldon · 30/12/2020 11:00

Why are you planning to move house for a school you cannot afford the fees for?

You would need a scholarship and a bursary

clary · 30/12/2020 16:08

@AveEldon

Why are you planning to move house for a school you cannot afford the fees for?

You would need a scholarship and a bursary

Yes that was what I was wondering too. "no way could we afford the fees" - no, same here, hence state school all the way.
NowellSingWe · 30/12/2020 16:24

The only child I know that was at Millfield was very musical, and is actually now in a specialist music school. I think the school they're at now is a better fit for them, and they seem much happier in themselves.

I believe you should choose the absolute best school for the child that you can access, even if that means having your children in different schools (my siblings and I all attended different schools according to our needs/strengths).

I don't think your plan is a sensible one, considering your lack of knowledge of the school. Why pick Millfield?

Original poster
SarahIsMe · 30/12/2020 16:40

Hi. Thanks for your comments. I'm not known to make traditionally sensible decisions! Thanks for pointing it out! How helpful (Hmm). Though actually in this case there are specific reasons why Millfield for the older one, and for own own personal circumstances, which I don't want to go into in case one or both DC do end up going there, as it's all rather specific and could become quite outing.

In terms of doing my research, well I've read the websites from back to front and all the official propoganda from the school, which all looks amazing! A great fit probably for DS1, and maybe for DS2 too. I'm now trying to get a flavour or feel from people who actually have experienced Millfield, hence my questions on here! Where else should I be going to, to get info on the school? Any tips for how I can find out out what it's really like from parents who know? Obviously we'll be doing visits etc..

Thanks for any info on this school..

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Llareggub · 30/12/2020 16:44

So older son is a swimmer and that’s why you are targeting Millfield? Seems a risk - what if you don’t get the scholarships and bursaries you need for both? What is the state provision like and will you be able to access good swim coaching if you don’t get in?

MrsRobinsonsHandprints · 30/12/2020 16:50

Millfield is not a place for a child who can not afford the fees unless they are extremely well rounded in sports and excel in one. I don't think op child is into swimming as they would have most likely already had a competition there. We are not talking about being the best kid in a state primary either. I know this sounds mean but from what you have put I think this is fantasy.

Hersetta427 · 30/12/2020 16:52

would you need a bursary for both? what happens if you get one for your first but not for your second or get a place for your first but no bursary?

Moving for a school when you have to not only have to qualify for a place in some way, but also both be high achieving enough to get financial help seems a little rash.

Original poster
SarahIsMe · 30/12/2020 17:36

"Millfield is not a place for a child who can not afford the fees unless they are extremely well rounded in sports and excel in one"

Thanks MrsRobinson - this is the kind of thing I want to know. Why is it not a good place for average income kids? Is there bullying if u r not rich? Do the non-super rich get singled out etc..?

(We plan to sell our house (it's in an area where house prices are thru the roof!) to fund the school fees. If worst came to the worst, we could therefore buy a small flat and pay the full whack. However, we are aiming to get at least one decent scholarship or perhaps bursary (or both) as DS1 does excel in one sport, and hopefully a bursary for DS2, but if DS1 gets some decent reduction on fees we could probably fund DS2 with money from house sale and still live in a nice ish 3 bed house. - If kids live in normal houses (3 bed semi) is that ok at Millfield? Or would size of house lead to bullying? Hopefully at prep age kids are still pretty nice and non prejudice(??? wishful thinking?)

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Original poster
SarahIsMe · 30/12/2020 17:39

Llaregub - yes swimming. Situation is complex, but Millfield would really help us help him.

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BackwardsGoing · 30/12/2020 17:46

I don't know Millfield well (visited a few times as DD competed in the pool there) but there's absolutely no way on earth I would compromise the entire family's finances for one child's sporting talent. There has got to be different ways to deal with your challenges/opportunities.

Have you spoken to the bursar about the reality of scholarships/bursaries? They tend to be less generous than you would imagine.

Clymene · 30/12/2020 17:49

Their scholarships are max 15% of fees unless your child is absolutely exceptional / you qualify for a financial bursary.

I think you are putting a huge amount of pressure on young children. You are basically sacrificing your financial well-being to fund a school place.

What if they don't do well?

LIZS · 30/12/2020 17:53

A significant number board, especially at secondary age, which costs £££. You need to be really honest about how good he is and potential, bearing in mind many pupils will be competing at elite levels. Many do not maintain it long term, despite coaching and opportunity. Can he really not be served by a good local club and school?

Sarahandduck18 · 30/12/2020 17:54

Honestly you are getting carried away.

Use the money for more coaching instead. Home school if more time is needed for swimming.

Original poster
SarahIsMe · 30/12/2020 17:55

I'm not sure it's compromising the entire family's finances - I'd be happy enough in a smaller house. So would DH. (We've only accidentally found ourselves in a big ish house which has sky rocketed in value after a bit of work on it, and the area being sought after). Glastonbury and Street and the while area looks nice and pretty. We r happy to move. Happy to get new jobs.

If the school would enable both children to flourish and stand them in good stead for the future (which is what I'm trying to research and work out before going for it! Hence this thread!), then there seems few downsides to me (or DH) (?)

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NataliaOsipova · 30/12/2020 17:57

I wouldn’t rely too heavily on a bursary in the current climate, to be honest. Private schools are facing falling numbers as recession looms...and they’re looking down the barrel of losing their charitable status. I’d bet that the minute that happens, bursaries will be a thing of the past. (They’re also a) very competitive and b) not as generous as people think).

NewIdeasToday · 30/12/2020 17:59

How can you plan your family’s life and house moves on the assumption you’ll get substantial scholarships for both children? This makes no sense. The number of scholarships at any private school will be very limited indeed.

Mrsmadevans · 30/12/2020 18:01

You may like to read this thread from 4 years ago OP
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/secondary/2797155-current-Millfield-School-parents

Original poster
SarahIsMe · 30/12/2020 18:06

Aww.. bit disappointed everyone is so negative!! But appreciate your honesty.

He is good, but even if the swimming doesn't work out (if he goes off it, or stops swimming at his current level (he is v good)), then I thought the school looked good anyway? (though swimming wise, it would make life a hec of a lot easier for one reason or another). I don't think it's pressure. We will.only move them if they like it when we visit and they want to move. We plan on visiting, but I can't see that they won't love the look of it! DS2 is in love with the horses on the website (he's never ridden a horse !!! But wants to now!!) and the pictures of the orchestra already, and DS2 is slightly in awe of the 50m pool! This is about me wanting the best for both boys. There is no pressure. They don't need to know the financial situation and how we've paid for the fees. If he gets the scholarship I'd tell him well done, but he also already knows that swimming is his thing and his alone. If he wants to stop, he can stop anytime. I just want them to be happy and want to support them and give them all the opportunities I can.

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Chickoletta · 30/12/2020 18:07

I’ve taught in a couple of independent schools in that area and am now in another one a bit further away. I met with Millfield regularly at events and went there quite often for conferences etc. I would say that Millfield is one of the most snobbish independent schools I’ve come across. The facilities are incredible but there’s not as much of a social mix as at other comparable schools.

I would do a lot more research in your position personally. There are many schools in the South West which are much better for music than Millfield, notably Wells, Salisbury Cathedral School and Truro.

For sport, Colston’s and Clifton College in Bristol are both excellent.

Original poster
SarahIsMe · 30/12/2020 18:10

Thanks Chickoletta, that's what I was a bit worried about.

When you say 'do you research' - any suggestions? How can I get more insider perspectives like yours?

Do you think a small number of snobbish kids gives a bad impression, or is it more of most of the kids being snobby and it's a theme throughout the school?

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Mrsmadevans · 30/12/2020 18:11

In the thread l recomended to you OP, the one poster mentoned Plymouth for Swimming , if that is your Dc sport maybe you need to do a lot more digging for info before you decide . Good luck! Also found this .
www.plymouthleander.com/

Daisydoesnt · 30/12/2020 18:12

Bless you OP it is a nice area on the whole but Glastonbury and Street are rough and very run down. You might be able to afford a 3 bed in one of them, but if you came and had a look I think you’d be horrified. You even mentioned a small flat which I’m frankly stunned by- presumably you’re thinking of selling a london house to possibly move into a flat in Street? Ye gods. NB Property in Glasto/ Street is much cheaper than the surrounding villages. Millfield families live in villages like Butleigh, West Pennard, Baltonsborough, Babcary and surrounds.

And all this for a child of what, 10? He might be talented but he might get fed up with the early starts and hard training in another year. They do! I’m sorry but I think making such a drastic and enormous financial decision for such a young child is bonkers.