Daunstey's or Monkton

[jasonchilli]

Goodevening. We are in the position where my child has a place at Daunstey's and Monkton for year 9. It's a hard choice as they are both lovely schools. They are quite academic and feel that due to Daunstey's being selective it would be more academic and therefore would be more competition and children would be more interested in studying ( all of which is important to them). The clubs are important too as loves to be busy with robotics, enterprise, DT, etc. Would love any opinions/experience on this. Many Thanks

But Dauntseys isn’t really selective? There own website says they aren’t “overly selective” which in PR language tells you what you need to know!

Academically I dont think theres much in it really. I would choose Monkton Coombe purely because of its location in Bath.

Whilst I realise that there isnt much freetime at these schools its good to have the whole city of Bath with its range of cultural attractions, shops and other services on your doorstep for the limited non-school time. Dauntseys is in the middle of nowhere both literally, requiring buses/ other transport to get anywhere and culturally as WIltshire is a bit limited

I should explain that I come from WIltshire. Years ago I was in a similar position - I passed the exams to Dauntseys, Monkton Coombe and Kings Edwards in Bath. All were approximately a 30 minute bus journey from where we lived- I chose to go to King Edwards.

My sister, in a similar position, chose to go to Dauntseys. And whilst we both did alright academically I had a much richer experience in Bath. (I should say that another friend who went to Monkton then went on to Marlborough College but he does speak highly of his time at Monkton Coombe).

of course it might all be different now...

Got kids at this school - ever since the last deputy left the running of the school has simply gone downhill and fast. Serious bullying incidents, staff off with mental issues, poor student discipline, demotivated staff, next to no leadership...I do seriously regret sending my kids to this school - thinking of moving them over to a bath school.

@theoaveryjones1984 dp you mean at Dauntseys?

Yes

Interesting. Could I ask what year group you have experienced the bullying in?

Dauntesy's is not 'quite academic'. I'm sure it's a lovely school and as most independent schools are, with the right sort of facilities, but it's not where you go if looking for a very academic school. The only people I know who went there from dc's non-selective prep could not get into any of the even fairly selective schools locally but got into Dauntsey's.