TMW, Simon - any decisions yet?

Independent Schools as an alternative to Grammar

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PSP
Posts: 21
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2008 11:12 pm

TMW, Simon - any decisions yet?

Post by PSP »

It would be lovely to hear from you both regarding your final decisions, please pm me. We are even more confused - now MTS or HABS. It is now a very hard decision!
simon
Posts: 77
Joined: Mon Jan 07, 2008 5:21 pm
Location: London

Post by simon »

I don't understand why everyone feels so negative about Habs.
vas
Posts: 106
Joined: Tue Jan 29, 2008 10:28 am
Location: Middlesex

Post by vas »

I am all for Habs compared to MTS, although 80% of my sons class have favoured MTS. Part of the reason I believe is because MTS has a more easy style compared to the slight arrogance usually displayed by Habs. Even while at the interview we were told by a student that you have to be a Habs boy in the making to be offered a place; and the student further explained what being a Habs boy meant. MTS on the other hand have a more nuturing environment. MTS also has its fascilities open to other schools (ie swimming pool, cricket) where majority are more familiar with the school. I don't know if Habs do this to schools near their proximity. Personally, knowing children from both schools I have been more impressed with Habs boys.
filbert
Posts: 67
Joined: Sat Feb 02, 2008 11:07 pm

Post by filbert »

Maybe it's the comparative results. MTS has had a jump recently so rate higher in league tables than Habs. Though generally at that level there's little in it I imagine from a results view.

I can only say we looked at Aldenham, St. Albans and CLBS. I think Habs was the favourite all along. Though I thought the CLBS head very good and their off the cuff Q&A session during the visit impressive. The location, journey and lack of rugby compared to Habs swung it for us. Plus my son preferred Habs and we got a definite place rather than high waiting list one.

I posted this in the Habs Interview letter thread which may be of use if you haven't seen it:-

We got some feedback last night from an actual Habs yr 7 parent. Judging from what they said Habs have noticed, reacted v quickly and well on the pastoral side. Plus, based on parental feedback from parents evening, cut back on homework. So they appear to rate highly for these kind of things. Child in question really enjoying it now and parent very happy with choice.

We're waiting on QEB, DAO, Latymer, MHCH for tomorrow. Be an interesting decision as to how much we trade off private for state. I think if money were no object I would go with Habs. Sadly it isn't.....
TMW
Posts: 34
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2008 1:27 pm

Post by TMW »

We haven't decided yet. And waiting for WG for Boys today or tomorrow.
TMW
Posts: 34
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2008 1:27 pm

Re: TMW, Simon - any decisions yet?

Post by TMW »

PSP wrote:It would be lovely to hear from you both regarding your final decisions, please pm me. We are even more confused - now MTS or HABS. It is now a very hard decision!
Email sent. It has got more complicated still. But in a good way.
PSP
Posts: 21
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2008 11:12 pm

Post by PSP »

It has been a very emotional and difficult evening for us here.
5 offers, too much choice, out of depth......:cry:

MTS is way too far for us but we like it the best, HABS have the best coach routes and at least £2000 cheaper than MTS, QEB will save us oodles of money but class sizes too big and maybe hard for our un-streetwise boy to get used to............. Which one to go for? The other 2 offers (inc scholarship), we are rejecting.

DH is staring at the acceptance, rejection forms and has just taken his cheque book out........ :?

I feel like crying, should be happy but feel unusually sad..... maybe lots of money and our boy to let go of....... a big committment!!

How is it going for you; Simon, TMW, Vas etc It will be nice to hear from you.
ik
Posts: 89
Joined: Tue Nov 14, 2006 6:04 pm

Post by ik »

I can appreciate what you feel, because I was in a similar position last year.

However, no matter how difficult it may be, you need to make a that heart wrenching decision that is best for your son.

Good luck.
vas
Posts: 106
Joined: Tue Jan 29, 2008 10:28 am
Location: Middlesex

Post by vas »

PSP, we sent our cheque out on Friday but the decision is still hanging in the air and by no means is final. We just bought time!
mash
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Mar 01, 2008 5:12 pm

Post by mash »

PSP,

I totally agree with the experiencing of emotional feelings - first the independent results which for me confirmed that yes my DS is capable even though attends a below national average primary where attempting entry for selective schools is the minority.

My DS too is not so street wise but from embarking on selective school entry he has been put forward for gifted and talented programme and a couple of other specialist subjects taking him out of his day school. This has rasied his confidence not just academically but also by being exposed to different students surroundings etc.

Even though he has offers for MTS, HABS, CLBS, JLS I will be going for QEB - I have just filled in the thank you but no thanks responses last night ready for posting today. One of the reasons for this is that even though class sizes maybe larger you can bet yourself that every boy knows what they are there for if they have been offered a place. If the QEB heads speech raises concerns for you or your son then yes you need to think about it further. There is the additional issue about A levels and fewer places than year 7 intake to consider - but again here for my child it will be a warning not to slack just because he has got in.

Having visited the state schools and independents which was a long slog (I did it across 2 school academic years) in my view yes there are differences in terms of facilities but in my mind what is most important is the cohort - QEB entry is by academic merit, period - so are many independents but not to the same degree - again my opinion only.
Additionally when MTS and HABS are looked at and their settings are extolled - I wonder how many children actually really appreciate this kind of benefit - yes adults do but children not to the same degree. QEB is also having a new hall/gym built which raises its attraction. I have look around schools that have latest flat screens and in the case of HABS on open day the registration being handle using laptops etc by students - these are not absolutely best use of funds. Another thread on this forum indicates taking into account fees rises the compounded cost over 7 years - if money is no issue for you then you maybe able to take these decisions lightly. For me my main issue here is that this is taxed income already. I find the busary/scholarship awards are not transparent in that you do not get to know scores your DS got and how much does prep school feeder influence scholarship/bursary. That's my two pennies worth - not against independents and for me used as a backup as this was first DS going through this process with - better idea for his brother and hopefully less stressful for me assumming government does not change the goal posts. I learnt that even if you do not send your child to primary prep doors are still open to you - something I was not so sure about prior to results and offers.
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