I’m really open to comments about these 2 schools.
My DS has been offered a boarding place directly from AGS with 326 score, QM being a preference on the form (not offered) and HGS offered with 211.
What would you do if in my shoes? um, Quasimodo et al

I should think the main issue to consider is how you, your family and your son feel about boarding. Will it be weekly boarding? If so, how far are you from the school and would it be convenient to pick him up every Friday/Saturday?

Alternatively, how far are you from HGS, would travel be easy, do you have childcare issues that weekly boarding would actually help with?

Academically I should imagine both schools provide a fairly similar experience. The social and ethnic mix at the schools is probably quite different if that’s a consideration.

No one can answer that question but you

You have 2 completely different scenarios - first question is are you / your son happy to board or not? If yes, then which school offers more of the extra areas your DS is interested in - sports, arts, music etc. If you’re not happy to board then HGS it is!!

Can your DS get to HGS easily? Which did he / you prefer when you looked round them both?

I’ve never been to AGS, but personally I wouldn’t chose to have my 11 year old boarding, I like to have him at home.

As an ex boarder, and a mum of two boys, I have to agree. I think young men need the support of their mums so much during the teen years and don't make the same sort of close friendships that girl boarders do that you need to be sure your son won't be emotionally stunted by the experience. I had a very interesting discussion with a retiring head of a very prestigious boys school - they were very clear that if they were starting again, they would have banned boys boarding before 6th form. The head felt it was one of the most damaging things for men...

Very insightful. Thanks Mums’.
The thing is I never anticipated this scenario. It was always either BV or QM. I accidentally ticked AGS as venue for exam not knowing it was indicative of a preference. Obviously his score would not get him into BV.
I agree about being emotionally stunted as a boy, cos he’s not keen on boarding and heaven knows I won’t send him where he’ll end up unhappy. These 7 years are the critical formative years.
I have looked and you’re right in saying both schools offer same academically.
I live in Birmingham so HGS will definitely be easier to get to.

The only plus in boarding is the time it will offer being both in full time employment. Nut that’s one sacrifice I’m willing to make. I appreciate your comments

Realistically, in terms of time and you both working, yes for the first year or so you might still need to take time off work for holiday cover but secondary school day is longer - most children come in about 4.30/5pm. Whilst you might want to be around a bit at the beginning, he can crack on with homework until you get home and, before long, he will be far more interested in spending time with his mates than you - they grow up quite fast at secondary - your role will be to be there in the background, cooking food etc!

Before I had children I thought I would want to send them to boarding school.Its something my wife was never keen on but my attitude changed as soon as our first dd was born.Now I want to share as much time with them as I can and not something I would do ever for my children.We are all different and lead different lives.

Whats your attitude and that of your partner assuming you have one ?

It depends on your finances and whether you can easily afford the fees.

I don't think there is much to choose between the schools in the quality of education. They will each offer a good quality of education.KEHGB has had a recent outstanding Ofsted inspection I think last year.I haven't read any Ofsted reports at AGS they will be available on the schools website.

How easy is it to get to each school ?

I would visit each school again with your son and see where he will be fit in the best.I must admit I prefer KEHGB for its openness and therefore because everything at AGS is not transparent I am a little prejudiced.

Good luck with your decision

_________________
In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.

Abraham Lincoln

El-jewel- I am happy to send my son to HGS, for us it was QM but the cut off has increased so much (we have 328). We could also have had a place in KE Aston or BV but the distance makes it a very long day travelling on the green bus. We would have to leave the house at 6:30 am.
I am happy with HGS, we loved it when we visited and felt the head cared more about the wellbeing of the students than the results, which are excellent anyway. His words “This is not an exam factory” stuck with me.
I am not a fan of boarding, I went to a private boarding school as a day pupil and would not send my children to boarding school as a result. As others have said, teens need their loved ones around, it’s a tough time for them and they need the emotional support. I can see though that it would make a working week less demanding on a child if they don’t have to contend with commuting/chores.

Thanks Kenyancowgirl. With questions such as “who’ll kiss me goodnight, I won’t get tucked in and I won’t be home for my birthday”...
I definitely take this on board!

Interestingly Quasimodo my husband was the initiator of all this! . My world revolves around my kids. But I understand where he was coming from in terms of independence, developing social skills and self discipline. Virtues I think can still be imparted from home. But different cultures and experiences.

With regard to fees, it would be nice to stop paying! That’s what we’ve been doing since infancy.

If I’m honest the KE in front of HGS, is reassuring. Not that I mean to be disparaging but the impression has always been ‘bottom low’.

I plan to visit both schools again with him but he’s already been on the HGS website and he likes it.

Thank you!