Reeds/Epsom College/St Georges

[Conundrummum]

We are very lucky to have offers from these 3 schools for our DS to start in September and would really appreciate any insights from current parents at these schools or people who had to make the same choice. The long day and Saturday school element at Epsom is the biggest sticking point. We’re leaning towards Reeds. Any advice much appreciated! Thank you.

We have two DS at St George's, it's been amazing for both. Rachel Owens is a wonderful and inspirational head teacher. What would you like to know?

I don't know much about the other two other than we play them in sport.

@Getin did you consider St G’s against Reeds or Epsom and if so was there something particular that swayed your decision in favour of St G’s? Just finding it hard to differentiate (apart from obvious factors of co-Ed and journey times). Thank you for replying!

Hi there, we were in a similar position a few years ago. The same schools. We went with Epsom. To be fair to all I know people who have children at St George’s and Reeds. It’s really down to the child. Reeds don’t do football so that was a big issue for my son. St George’s has a large cohort from the junior school so we were concerned about ‘set’ friendships.

we too were worried about Saturday school but actually it’s been fantastic. For the first two years it’s just sport which is fabulous as it’s all on one place (we figured we’d be driving them to other clubs during this time anyway). My son now has two lessons on a Saturday followed by sport.

my children have, without gargantuan effort, made two grade increases in all areas of their education and are incredibly happy with solid friendships.

I can only speak of Epsom but as mentioned, I’m sure the others are fantastic also.

Thank you @Didsomeonesay ! It’s such a fabulous school (they all are) and I hope the offer holder days will help us decide. How did your DC adapt to the long days - do they really come home having done all their homework? Do you feel they get any/enough down time to compensate for such a full on schedule? Worried my DS will be broken by the long days but he really loved the vibe of the school. The problem is me and missing him and just feeling like he will be gone for so much of the time! 😫

We didn't apply for either of the others, Epsom is too far and Reed's is boys only and we wanted co-ed. I'm so glad we chose co-ed too as many from our junior school went to boys schools and they have little interaction with girls if only boys at home.

With regards to the PP who mentioned the large cohort from the junior school, apparently 30% of year group. I had also heard the same, mine didn't go to the junior school and joined in Y7, it was completely fine and the only thing I ever noticed was that the parents knew each other. Both have fabulous groups of friends and I wouldn't even know where most of them went to juniors.

All of your options sounds great, most important considerations will be ease of journey and sports preference. St George's also doesn't do football as main term sport. Rugby, hockey, cricket, tennis, rowing (latter two may be after 1st year). To be honest you can do pretty much anything as a club.

@Conundrummum oh my gosh. Tell me about it. Missing my kids was the top issue with Saturday school and long days if I’m honest.

after the 11+ and trying to get them doing work after school, I realised I wanted home to be a place of ‘chill’. At Epsom, they get home, all homework complete and revision done. They don’t have to wait a day to ask a teacher a question as there’s a teacher there.

The long days were a worry but you’ve got to look at it from the ‘whole day’ perspective. Say they were at a school that ends at 4pm

4pm-4:45 by the time they’ve faffed about- travel home
5pm-6pm- homework
6:30-7:30pm: sport clubs/fun

my kids arrive home, through the door at 6:30pm having completed all work and had their extra activities/be it sport or ‘United Nations club’ (not kidding).

it might seem like you have more time if they’re home but in reality there’s not much in it.

i don’t want to argue with my kids about getting homework done. Nope. No thanks.

Also try to think of your child as a teenager and not this glorious tiny dot you’ve got now. My son seemed far too small and timid to be doing so much away from home. Trust me, over the summer they Ccccchhhaaanngggeeeee ha ha

hope that helps.

@Didsomeonesay that is such a helpful view thank you so much! Having flogged got my DS through the 11+ I really am DONE with overseeing homework. I have a very studious elder DD who is home by 5pm but just gets on with it and a younger DD who I have totally neglected parked during the 11+ ordeal and need to turn my attention to.
You're right, aged barely 11 he’s my gorgeous little baby boy and I can’t imagine him withstanding that long day….. but I must take the long term view.

Reeds is boys only with co-Ed sixth form. Can be a bit boisterous in a boys only sporty school

St George’s has large classes, so difficult to settle. Not sure I would describe the head as “inspirational”. She relies on trendy and fashionable language for sure.

Epsom C is the most academic, Saturday school can form good habits in the long term. Co-Ed and the focus is very much academic standards.

Thanks @ampletime we couldn’t get past the long day and Saturday school at Epsom so went with Reeds. Relieved to have made a decision and looking to starting 😊

You're wrong about St George's. I have 3 there, it's a brilliant school and Mrs Owens is an excellent and indeed inspiring head teacher. I'm guessing you don't have children there.

And the large class sizes comment is also incorrect about St George's. I have DS in years 7 and 9 with 20 and 21 in each class and DD in year 11 with 20. I'm not sure how that equates to large!

OP I'm glad you have made your choice of Reeds and good luck to your DS. Maybe see you on the sport's fields 😀

Thanks @Getin ☺️
I loved StGs too. It all boiled down to logistics in the end. Glad your DC are so happy there!

I have to say that you are coming across as an employee rather than a parent. How would you know the exact numbers to all of this?

I had a DC at St George’s and both of my nephews are at the school. A new boy joined my nephew’s class, the form teacher had to bring in another desk that would not fit in the classroom!

@Getin what is inspiring about the headteacher? I moved my DC to another local indie, her classes are smaller now and she has formed friends.

@Conundrummum glad you were able to make a decision. It is very hard to know any school before joining.

It looks like we have had different experiences then with St G's! I stand by my comments and I asked my children how many they had in their classes for the person who suggested I'm an employee, just because I being positive about my kids school and know how many kids in their classes, weird.

Again, OP Reeds is also great and we have friends and neighbours with very happy boys there👍.

Can't comment as a parent, but my DB andSIL both teach at Reeds and are passionate about not only their respective subjects but the pastoral care and evolution of well rounded students.

@Caffin thaf is so lovely to hear! Thank you for commenting ❤️

Hi there, can anyone recommend a similar level private school to Halliford School? TIA

Claremont Fan Court School is a good one

Not boys schools but -
King Edward's
Seaford
Cranmore
Salesian
Cranleigh

Plus lots prep schools opening into senior schools so should be more pickings