Cheltenham College vs Teddies

[Onlydowntheroad]

Hi any views on either of these schools for an academically OK (upper end of average) but sporty boy? Is one clearly a "better" school than the other. I've read all the online reviews but it's hard to get a real feel for them (I will visit when I can get booked onto an open day!)

Or are there other schools I've missed in the Berkshire / Oxon / Glos area?

Thanks in advance

Boarding? Radley? Wellington? I think both the schools you mention are great. Stowe might be on your radar too, perhaps, but I think city/town schools can be better. Cannot comment on sport but you can look at that and decide. We looked around St Edwards years ago for DD 6th form so not up to date. What does your prep suggest?

Hi looking for either day or weekly boarding as depends on how far west we move. Current Prep school are very encouraging about Teddies but don't know much about Cheltenham as not a destination school for where we live now

I always find Cheltenham strange in that you have CLC but Cheltenham College isn’t the same academically for the boys. It’s a beautiful school though. Hopefully someone will give you up to date info.

Marlborough?

I’ve heard great things about both - Teddies isn’t renowned for high level academics but new head is thought to be looking to improve that.

We’re also looking at Bradfield, Wellington, Abingdon.

Unfortunately what I want is a weekly Radley bit that doesn’t exist.

Does anyone know if Teddies allows a Monday drop or is it strictly Sunday night?

Teddies would be my choice.

@Onlydowntheroad
The truth is that not all schools can, or should be, academic hot houses. When heads say they will want results to improve, they probably mean more international children.

It is really not necessary for an academic DC to be with similar in school. Enough academic DC is good enough. What really counts is high quality teaching. Then everyone does as well as they can. Often being surrounded by the very bright, if you are a tiny bug less bright, can feel daunting. Sometimes being the best you can be with decent DC for friends is just fine.

@toomuchchoice2021

I’ve heard great things about both - Teddies isn’t renowned for high level academics but new head is thought to be looking to improve that.

We’re also looking at Bradfield, Wellington, Abingdon.

Unfortunately what I want is a weekly Radley bit that doesn’t exist.

Does anyone know if Teddies allows a Monday drop or is it strictly Sunday night?

Teddies is strictly drop off by 9pm on Sundays. Your child can only leave after sport on Saturdays (circa 4pm) even if not playing/selected for a match.

Sport wise Teddies offers a comprehensive sports programme, Cheltenham College also do, in fact they regularly play each other.
Academically Teddies is very broad, some very clever, others less so.

So I suggest the OPs son will be ok at Teddies. I have never actually been to Cheltenham College so can not provide much insight on them.

Unless you are so close to a school that "day boarding" makes sense, late Sunday evening return to school can be great as much less pressured than Monday morning and usually much less traffic so quicker!

Thanks both - I understand the logistical benefit, particularly for parents that are further away - but I just don’t like the idea of 6 nights school, 1 night home.

@toomuchchoice2021

Thanks both - I understand the logistical benefit, particularly for parents that are further away - but I just don’t like the idea of 6 nights school, 1 night home.

That is understandable. Obviously I don't know exactly where you live but if the number of days boarding is important to you maybe you could consider Pangbourne College (west Berks) or Bloxham School (North Oxon). Both of these offer more flexible boarding options. Pangbourne offers weekly and part boarding (4 nights per week) whilst Bloxham offers weekly or a 2 nights per week offer with the ability to buy extra nights.

You also previously mentioned Bradfield which is very much weekly boarding, so that might also suit better.

Thanks DishyDad - we’re near Marlow so grammar school area and no decent day schools.

Also looking at Bradfield, Wellington & Charterhouse which are more flexible. Alas, no perfect school. The little guy is now saying he’d be happy with full boarding if he loved the school so we’ll look at Radley. Spoilt for choice and Champagne problems!

I am currently at teddies and have been at the prep from Cheltenham college i highly recommend that you steer clear of Cheltenham as the bulling is off the charts there