Bloxham school v Stowe school

[DishyDad75]

My DS has been offered a Day in Boarding place (Sept 2022 start in year 9) at both Bloxham School in North Oxfordshire and Stowe school in Buckinghamshire.

We like both schools but we don't know any current parents at either school. Are there any Mumsnetters out there with first hand experience of these schools or can give us your objective and honest opinion? If so we would love to hear what you think of them and any inside knowledge that you can share, either on this chat or by DM.

Our son is average academically and needs learning support but very sporty (in either the A or B team for rugby, hockey and cricket) - he is also keen on DT and enjoys music and drama. He is a lovely boy (I would say that!) and makes friends easily but pastorally he will need a kick to do the academic work now and again.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Have DD at another independent who fairly regularly play Stowe at sports and the attitude and rudeness of the girls is always commented on.

During one match 3 or 4 Stowe girls hounded a girl on DDs team calling her names and making inappropriate comments because she had short hair! Their coach heard it all and didn't call it out.

Obviously this will only be a certain age group (current Year 11 equivalent) but it has always put me off Stowe.

One of DDs friends is going to Bloxham for Sixth Form as a Boarder.

Stowe School Sports Scholarship vs Sports Exhibition.
Hello,
Can anyone please advise what is the difference between the above?
Thank you.

I can’t answer for Stowe School but usually Scholarships are worth more than Exhibitions. In my experience a scholarship could be 10 - 50 off fees whereas an exhibition could be 5-10 % discount. Depends on the school, it should say on the website, if not then call admissions.

Also many schools allow students to have more than one scholarship. So you could apply for a scholarship in sport and a scholarship in drama and an exhibition in cello, in theory at least. I know children who have a couple of scholarships from the big public schools. It is hard work though, you are expected to be at every match/concert etc.

@ Labbaby, it's decision time for us..... I'm worried about your anti bullying comment? How is it going? Anyone else have updates?

Hello, my child has offers from Stowe and Bloxham. Is anyone able to offer an upto date opinion? I am worried about the comments on here about both schools! Thanks

Don’t opt for either. What are your other choices?

Thanks for this Beachcomber. Are you able to say anymore about why you feel this way please? We don't have any other choices at the moment.

@JuliaDpink If you live in that area and want a local school you don’t have much choice. It’s important a few dc in the wrong school don’t entirely cloud your judgement. Obviously most dc aren’t leaving in droves. If you have the money, and can get in, Rugby.

Thanks @OhDear111 I hope it's okay that I have PM'd you. I'm very confused. As you say, from where we live, school options (for day places at least) are incredibly limited.

@Beachcomber74 I'm going to PM you too. I hope that's okay. I'm just hoping for any further insight that you can offer. Thanks