Caterham vs Sevenoaks

[Isobel9786]

Hello All, We’re based in the Kent / Surrey borders and are considering independent options for DS. He is currently in a boys prep, but we think he would enjoy a Co-Ed for senior school. Both Catherham and Sevenoaks are on our list and have been suggested by his Head. Apart from A-levels versus IB, has anyone got any insights on culture, approach, diversity. DS is very academic and a little quirky. Thanks

Ah, it's a very tricky decision!

There's a thread on here about both but I'm not sure how to link it.

We had places at both schools and went for Sevenoaks. My quirky son seems happy there (it's early days though).

We liked Caterham because of the focus on pastoral care and the sense it gave us of a real passion for STEM. That said, the facilities weren't any where near as impressive. We also got the sense that they were trying a bit hard.

Sevenoaks had a natural confidence about it. We really liked the child who toured us, he was polite, engaging and confident.

I get the sense that Sevenoaks is more academic overall. Not sure if that plays out in results though.

The other biggy for us was the international-ness of Sevenoaks. It's more international than Caterham. I think they said they had students from over 70 nationalities (which we thought was a positive in an increasingly connected world).

Sevenoaks also seemed to have a lot of extra-curricular and sport opportunities. 100+ clubs.

Here's the other thread

Sevenoaks vs Caterham www.mumsnet.com/Talk/secondary/4740955-sevenoaks-vs-caterham

Thank you so much for the reply (and the link to the other thread). Did yours start in y7 or y9?

Sevenoaks is easier logistically, but I think A levels may be better for us long term - DS is very strong in maths and I could see him going down that route for 6th form (/beyond). If he transferred in y9 not sure another switch 3 years later would be good for him.

Plenty of food for thought….

I can see your point, I think there's quite a lot of movement at the end of Year 11 in all schools.

The one thing I would say is that some of the subjects your son enjoys may change when he starts at secondary school. We've really noticed a change, DS now loves Latin and Spanish (he did French at Prep) so your DS may like and be good at maths now, but in the future it may be philosophy, psychology, economics, Russian, classics etc etc. He might end up appreciating the range offered by the IB.

We joined in Year 9 but wish we'd joined earlier as my DS outgrew his prep school in year 7.