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標題: State boarding vs independent boarding [打印本頁]

作者: 1g2bmum    時間: 12-4-12 12:54     標題: State boarding vs independent boarding

State boarding vs independent boarding

How to choose Gordon's school vs Dauntsey school.
作者: roar!    時間: 12-4-14 14:42

I've sent an email for application to Gordon's School also.
I think it has a good study environment and it's near London.
It has a good GCSE result, 75% A*-B.
but i cannot find the boarding fees of Gordon's..
作者: Tommy    時間: 12-4-16 00:41

roar! 發表於 12-4-14 14:42
I've sent an email for application to Gordon's School also.
I think it has a good study environment  ...

Boarding fee of Gordon's School is probably the most expensive among all the UK state boarding schools.  For current school year, full boarding fee is 4,459 per term and weekly boarding fee is 4,114.

作者: siufans    時間: 12-4-16 12:20

Tommy 發表於 12-4-16 00:41
Boarding fee of Gordon's School is probably the most expensive among all the UK state boarding scho ...

GBP 4,459 per term is much cheaper.

Mostly GBP 7,000 - 9,000 per term.

作者: 1g2bmum    時間: 12-4-16 15:19

Thanks for all your answer. Actually we are quite concern about the choices for GCSE and the public exam result, the U destination etc as most of this info are absent from the web. Moreover, amongst the state boarding schools, it seem not much talk about this school.
作者: Gimum    時間: 12-4-18 10:45

How is your decision for your child ! Which school u choice ?
作者: 1g2bmum    時間: 12-4-19 18:53

Hi Gimum,
Pls check pm and would to like to have a chat with you.
It's really hard to make a decision. I have done a lot of research that saying both school are great. In terms of ranking and facilities, of course independent school is much better, but in terms of $$,state school can save a lot as I still have 2 younger sons. I prefer independent but my hubby prefer public.
I subscribe to good school guide and mumsnet to check, both schools are climbing up the league table and all comments are positive. So, it's really hard to choose.  Hope someone with similar case will give us more valuable insight.
作者: Tommy    時間: 12-4-22 22:06

回復 1g2bmum 的帖子

Overseas education is really a luxury.  It could impose a big burden on our families.  I am a father of two sons.  I would expect both of them have the equal opportunity to get similar education.  If money is my concern, actually it really matters to me, I would go for a less deluxe option as long as it is a decent school.

If the major source of household income comes from your husband, his concerns should be well considered.  Please do not mind, it's just a personal view from the perspective of a man.

Tommy

作者: 1g2bmum    時間: 12-4-24 01:24

Thanks Tommy,
You are right. If we are wealthy enough, of course no need to be struck there. Do you have any ideas on Gordon's? I worry much I make a wrong decision which will bet/risk their future. For me,edu is on the top priority as that is the wealth we can provide for and get along with.  
作者: CPU1995    時間: 12-4-24 07:45     標題: 回覆:1g2bmum 的帖子

I also struggle between making a choice whether to let my son to study a state school or independent school。In either case, I have to compensate a full term s compensation which amounts to over 10,000 pounds for private school  or one term boarding fee for state school .

According to my experience and my friends' recommendation whose kids are studying some good ranking ind schools,these independent schools all have common characteristics:
- good discipline, if your kid is late for one second,the teacher will not let you go to class。
- excellent coaching, the headmaster will email to y even if your kid does not concentrate to attend the class lesson
- many activities, sports and music which might last until 6:00 pm
- heavy workload, at least 2 hours needed to complete all 6 to 7 homework everyday
- many assessments
- good conduct of students
- intense prep for public exam such as let students do at least 10 years past papers

So I wonder whether state school will provide such environment to students. Also,I understand state school will offer weekly boarding instead of full boarding。




作者: 1g2bmum    時間: 12-4-24 18:39

Hi CPU 1995,

Thanks for your info.  

Sorry to know that you need to pay such a great amount for compensation.

How old is your son or which Grade he will be studying? I thought the heavy workload should be applied to those senior who will attend public exam, no matter independent school or state school.  I just reminded by my friend to consider the ultimate University our kids/we aim for, as the GCSE result and teachers/principle statement for your U application is very critical.  And sounds those Hot independent schools may have advantages/experience to well prepare the students. That's why she recommended us to think of the overseas students ratio, they may fail the interview even they have  very good  Exam result.

As my hubby and I have not yet sure our daughter is independent and discipline enough to strike for her best academically (for her own best only), it seems independent school would be better as peer group/environment  may influent her much,especially we are not going with her.  
I know Gordon's is pretty good in the comprehensive schools category, however, I do learn from my fan whose daughter studying there saying that those local may not even aim at attending U ultimately...that make me worry much.

However, Gordon will provide full boarding and it may cater for her siblings (2 more younger brothers), as per Tommy, financially will give us peace of mind.  So... we still cannot make up our mind.

What's school you are holding?  Reading Vs decent independent school?
   


作者: CPU1995    時間: 12-4-25 08:18     標題: 回覆:1g2bmum 的帖子

Yes, I have paid several hundred pounds deposit for the schools you mentioned but the terms of contract mentioned in the acceptance letters that I have to compensate one term school fee even  I withdraw now.

My son of course does not want to study the state school but indeed it has a very high ranking which surpasses the ranking of some top notch ind schools like Harrow Charterhouse and saves me 21,000 pounds a year.

For ind girls school, I highly recommend 3 schools such as st Mary Calne (20% Oxbridge rate), Badminton & CLC. My friends' girls studying here all went to my dream u such as imperial.

I have no knowledge on state school except for ft rankings. Even though some mention full boarding, there are no boarding facilities provided for weekends.




作者: Maynard    時間: 12-4-25 10:42     標題: 回覆:CPU1995 的帖子

官校很雜,設施有限,好的派位好廖廖可數,入U都是中下游。




作者: HKdevil    時間: 12-4-25 13:11

回復 CPU1995 的帖子

Congratlation CPU1995, for your son getting in Reading, it is really very very difficult to get in, can you tell me how your son did it? and which grade is he getting in for ?

This is a my ideal school for my son. It has very high ranking and also high oxbridge rate too. the only thing is that it is a weekly boarding instead of full boarding, but then again we could easily get a hosting family which would accomdate the kids for one night, it should not be a problem. This is the trouble worth taking for getting in this top school (ranked before 20 in 2011 ft and was the state boarding school of the year).

I plan to send my son there for year 9. I would appreciate it if you could let me know how your son did it.

Thanks

作者: CPU1995    時間: 12-4-25 13:31

本帖最後由 CPU1995 於 12-4-25 13:34 編輯

回復 HKdevil 的帖子

Unlike independent school which requires written test and interview for over a hour by the Headmaster in UK, just fill in the application form from the website, then the Registrar would request the Headmaster of your present school to fill in a confidential school report. After considering the present school report, give you an offer and request you to pay 500 pounds deposit.

No written test and no interivew - just based on the confidential school reports and on individual merits. The whole process just takes 5 days via email.      

作者: Maynard    時間: 12-4-25 14:01     標題: 回覆:CPU1995 的帖子

有那個綱可看到官校的Oxbridge 位




作者: HKdevil    時間: 12-4-25 14:15

回復 CPU1995 的帖子

CPU1995 are you serious? I can not believe it, for Reading School and it is just that simple? My two girls applied for another state boarding school Wymondham college last August , they were required to attend the interview with the principal and written test for both maths and english and we did not find the result until last Dec...and a lot of people were turned down too. I mean Wymondham is not even as high ranking as Reading...wah...that is great .. I can relieved now.

Thanks mate,  I will do that for my son in due course. By the way, there is another state boarding school which rank number 1 of all schools: Colchester Royal Grammar school, oxbridge rate 25%, Royal Grammar school and Lancaster royal grammar school, all excellent state boarding schools.

If I were you, I would definitely choose Reading. Is your son coming from a good local school?


作者: HKdevil    時間: 12-4-25 14:19

CPU1995, how old is your son by the way? My son is only 8 years old and I want to wait until he is 13 before sending him there. My other two girls are now 16 and 13 and they are going to Wymondham College- another good state boarding school, but this one is co-ed.

Not many people are qualified for state boarding schools, but if you are, then why not take the advantages?
作者: HKdevil    時間: 12-4-25 14:24

Colchester Royal Grammar school, check this out
http://www.crgs.co.uk/
作者: HKdevil    時間: 12-4-25 14:25

but the only problem about CRGS is that , they only provide boarding for 6th form boys only!
作者: CPU1995    時間: 12-4-25 14:28     標題: 回覆:HKdevil 的帖子

I don't like Cochester as over 50% boarding places are HK students.




作者: HKdevil    時間: 12-4-25 14:35

本帖最後由 HKdevil 於 12-4-25 14:38 編輯

CPU1995, I think if you have only got one son and money is not your concern, then it does not really matter whether you send your son to ind or state boarding, but if you have more than one like me (i have three), then it really matter a lot. one year ind boarding for one child would equal to three state boarding a year. Besides, for those high ranking state boardings schools, they are just like those government band one schools in HK, e.g. marymount, maryknoll, La Salle or QC ...would you consider those schools bad?

Some state boarding schools even have bigger campus than ind ones, for example, Wymondham is 82 acres in size and offers large variety of activities including horse riding etc. No school in hk has that kind of size or offer that kind of activities. Boarding school generally is a eye opening and life long experience for the kids. I highly recommend it.


作者: HKdevil    時間: 12-4-25 14:46

回復 Maynard 的帖子

http://www.crgs.co.uk/component/ ... 78-oxbridge-success

Check this out and you would agree that all are top universities they are going.

作者: HKdevil    時間: 12-4-25 14:50

another one of high successful state boarding schools
Royal Grammar School
http://www.rgshw.com/default.aspx?id=86

作者: Maynard    時間: 12-4-25 18:15     標題: 引用:Colchester+Royal+Grammar+school,+check+t

原帖由 HKdevil 於 12-04-25 發表
Colchester Royal Grammar school, check this out
http://www.crgs.co.uk/
真是很好。




作者: HKdevil    時間: 12-4-25 20:25     標題: RE: State boarding vs independent boarding

回復 CPU1995 的帖子

This is the oxbridge rate for Reading School which amounts to about 16%

http://www.reading-school.co.uk/uploads/document/R80106_RS_Sixth_Form_Booklet.pdf

By the way, which year has your son applied for can you tell us pls? So that I can do the same for my son.



作者: HKdevil    時間: 12-4-25 20:27

回復 CPU1995 的帖子

By the way, what is wrong with 50% of them are from Hong Kong? I do not know why you discriminated against Hong Kong students!



作者: HKdevil    時間: 12-4-25 21:47

回復 CPU1995 的帖子

CPU 1995, i just got an email from Reading and it does not seem to be the same as you stated, it does need interview and exams...see below
------

Thank you for your recent email concerning entry into School for your son. I assume you are enquiring about entry in September 2013, if it is for 2012 then I regret that you have missed the entry tests and all places have now been offered and accepted.


For entry at 13+ into Year 9 in September 2013 your son will be required to sit an entrance test here in School on 11th January 2013, we will ask him to take papers in Mathematics, English and Science. I am attaching an application form, copy of our Admissions Policy, details of our fees and information about entry requirements for overseas students, which I hope will answer most of your queries.


There are several points concerning your enquiry that I need to draw your attention to.

·
We do not send papers abroad, it is School policy that all tests must take place here at Reading School.

·
We only offer weekly boarding. The boarding houses close every Saturday at 10.00am until Sunday evening. All students are required to go home or to a guardian every weekend. It is the responsibility of parents to organise a suitable guardian for their sons.

·
We are a state school, all students must be entitled to receive free education. I draw your attention to the attached document concerning entry requirements for overseas students.


If I can be of any further assistance to you please do not hesitate to contact me.


Yours sincerely,


Mrs N Douglas

Registrar

Reading School

E: [email protected]

T: 0118 935 3261 / 0118 901 5600 ext261




作者: Tommy    時間: 12-4-25 22:29

本帖最後由 Tommy 於 12-4-25 22:37 編輯

回復 1g2bmum 的帖子
1g2bmum,

I actually do not know Gordon’s School very much.  I just learn a little bit of Gordon’s from their website and prospectus.  I applied for a Year 10 place for my son in late October last year.  But, they replied me with a straight NO.  The Registrar told me their usual intake was in Year 7, 9 and 12.  By the way, what Year you applied for your girl?

I don’t have the dilemma that you and CPU1995 got because, as a 2bdad, I’m not able to afford additional $60,000 monthly expenditure in pursuit of a boarding place in an independent school.  As such, we only target on the state boarding schools.

After some search, school visits, skype interview and on-site interview, luckily my son was enrolled by a decent state boarding school.  Everything we saw and experienced in the school exceeded our satisfactory level.  We are very much content with it.  Most importantly, my son likes the school very much.

Tommy


作者: CPU1995    時間: 12-4-26 05:26     標題: 引用:回復+CPU1995+的帖子 CPU+1995,+i+just+go

原帖由 HKdevil 於 12-04-25 發表
回復 CPU1995 的帖子

CPU 1995, i just got an email from Reading and it does not seem to be the same  ...
I trust that the application process for Year 12 is somehow different from those lower forms.




作者: CPU1995    時間: 12-4-26 05:44     標題: 引用:回復+CPU1995+的帖子 By+the+way,+what+is

原帖由 HKdevil 於 12-04-25 發表
回復 CPU1995 的帖子

By the way, what is wrong with 50% of them are from Hong Kong? I do not know wh ...
Every year, Colchester will offer 15 boarding places for external students out of the 30 boarding places.  

As far as I know, more than half of these boarding places are occupied by Hk students as Colchester will admit many elite students from Hk thro Academic Asia every year.

I just want my son not immersed in the Cantonese speaking environment after school in the boarding house as the Hong Kong students would sure form a group in the sixth and seven forms,

In fact, my son' s classmate declined Colchester's offer with the aforesaid reason last year though it is the no. 1 state boarding school.




作者: Maynard    時間: 12-4-26 11:41     標題: 引用:回復+Maynard+的帖子 +http://www.crgs.co

原帖由 HKdevil 於 12-04-25 發表
回復 Maynard 的帖子

http://www.crgs.co.uk/component/content/article/42-articles/278-oxbridge-succes ...
一間年年有近30人入到劍橋牛津的唔冼學費的學校,就算日日返宿舍講中文都可接受。




作者: 1g2bmum    時間: 12-4-27 06:55

Thanks everyone replies and sharing.

Tommy:  My girl will attend G9 in this Sept.
As we applied late (Feb) to those UK schools, we did not have much choices and took the advice to better go at G9 rather than G10 by agent,we are luckily enough to have both state & private on hands.  But from your experience, you can secure  your places at G10 though.  Please share more about your experience in applying your state schools so that I can have more preparation for my younger boys. As I found that most state boarding school's favor boys rather than girls.

From my research so far, Gordon is a good school in terms of location, boarding facilities and pastoral and subject choices which exceed our expectation.  However, I do worry much on the academic support and result.  As my girl is still easily influence by peers, I stepped back when I learnt from my fan with girl studying there for 6 years that the locals classmates may not aim at studying U finally and the 6th form only started from 2008. For the GCSE level, they are not much choosing hard subjects (for further study).  
I wonder whether we can afford  2-3 years in private with better learning atmosphere and drive school + 2 years higher rankings/ aggressive state day/boarding + 3 years better U??

Financially, I will compare what we pay for HK vs UK in terms of quality of education and student life.  I think We are so luckily enough to have sponsor for UK education + schools fees in HK + tutorial fees for music & sport and EA in HK + traveling time & expenses + food + housing + maids salary + pressure , I find that we are not paying much on top of studying in UK private provide that I am still a working mum.   Of course, if we  can save much from decent public schools, that is bonus to us.

Thus, I do hope that I can take this 1-2 years to find and prepare better for my 2 younger boys for decent state schools.  







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