Watford grammar boys v.s. private schools (MT, HABS)

[Smilingapple]

Hi my son is doing 11+ this year and haven't got the results yet. Private school entrance exams are yet to start next month. However I'd like to ask for some opinions about the schools we are considering. My son is very musical and he's applying for music scholarship from the private schools. He's more of an all rounder than being super academic. We went to visit Watford boys and were really impressed. It felt like they run the school in the same way as a private school and the boys we met on the open day were all very well mannered and confident. However can I please ask some honest opinions if it's still worth sending my boy to Private schools like MT or Habs? Obviously Watford boys is only partially selected whilst the other two are 100% selective. Thank you!

I have a ds at Watford Boys, had a dc at another local state, and have friends with children at all of the local state and private schools.

I am very happy with the Boys School. I haven't heard any stories about bullying or gangs (not saying there aren't any, but I haven't heard any mention at all from ds).

Academically, it's solid. Good ethos, teaching is generally good. It has a fantastic music department, which is why my ds is there.

And, yes, I have many friends who sent their dcs to MTs or Berko or RMS because they didn't get into the Girls or Boys, so that is definitely a thing around here.

I don't like SCDs. I know many dcs who did experience bullying, and my two were adamant that they didn't want to go. Again, just my experience.

Saying all of the above, my eldest dc went to another local state secondary by choice, and is now at oxbridge.

Guess the answer is, don't overthink it tbh.

I have had two at MTS (we also had a place at Habs) and know quite a few parents/boys at Watford Boys (we also play them regularly at sport) . Happy to answer any questions (one son is still at MTS).

Thank you all so much for your input and sharing your experience! My son has done well in the exams. We are pretty sure that he should secure a place at Watford boys based on his academic and music test. He's now at the interview stage with MT&Habs, also has been selected for the music scholarship auditions. So it seems that it's quite likely we are going to have some decisions to make. I guess academically he will do well in any of these schools, as I have heard that boys do get challenged enough at Watford. But I'm just wondering if Watford boys pastoral care would be as good to help him to grow as a true all rounder, and find his direction in future? I guess that's where the difference lie between private & state? However would this difference be enough to justify the amount of money we need to put aside for the next 7 years, plus we've got a younger son who's likely to go to the same school as his brother! Also I have heard that when it's near GCSE time, a lot of the kids at private schools have extra tuition outside to help boost their results. Is that true?? Thanks!

Also I have heard that when it's near GCSE time, a lot of the kids at private schools have extra tuition outside to help boost their results. Is that true?? Thanks!

Ironically this is more the case for my friend at Watford Boys than at our school.

But some parents were obsessed with tutors from early prep school onwards although I never really understood why as the teaching was very good.

Hi @Smilingapple , which school did you choose and is your son liking it so far?

I was interested to re-read the thread too and hope the boy made a choice that has gone well (I am sure every school in the country has some bullying and it is hard to stamp it out).

Hi thanks for thinking about this thread! We chose Watford boys in the end. Our son didn't feel significant difference among the 3 schools. Watford boys was very accomodating and arranged a private tour for us to look around the school again on the normal school day to assist our decision making. We are very happy with the choice. Our son loves the school and he has made some lovely friends. He looks forward to going to school every morning! The school does have high expectation from the boys, not only academically but also on personal levels as an all rounder. I did have a bit of reservation, but so far so good I'd say😊

That's amazing! Thanks for sharing

Hi @Smilingapple a year on - how is your son finding Watford boys? Thanks so much!!