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DAO or MTS

Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2015 9:05 pm
by 11plusfirsttimer
Hi All. Thank you for all the good posts on this forum. Need some urgent advice, if possible.
Our DS has high a high enough rank at DAO, but also holds an offer from MTS. He is very keen to attend MTS as he is impressed by the facilities on offer. However, DAO is geographically closer, and we have a younger DS to consider. The coach for MTS would pick up from the bottom of our road, so we are very much within their catchment.
We are keen to make a decision both for his and our peace of mind, and to free up places for those other DCs waiting on places.
Any advice would be gratefully received, and would be more than happy if you want to pm me.
Thanks again.

Re: DAO or MTS

Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2015 11:05 pm
by fairyelephant
Hi 11plusfirsttimer,
You and your DS are in a great position. With DAO closer I know what I would do! Tell us a bit more about your DS and his interests, and the younger sibling.
Have a look at the DAO v St Albans thread lower down the page, it covers very similar ground.
Good luck. Let us know what you decide.

Re: DAO or MTS

Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2015 11:41 pm
by 11plusfirsttimer
Thank you for your reply. DS is a quiet, sensitive, bright boy who loves sport. He has been to MTS a few times now and is extremely keen to go there. We are aware of how great DAO is, and have been following the earlier thread discussing SAHS and DAO with interest. What I suppose we are really wondering is whether MTS has any advantages over DAO. Would be great to hear from those with DSs at MTS, about whether they feel they get good value from the school, whether it is worth paying all that extra money for. Our other DS has similar interests to his brother.

I realise there may be no right answer, but am trying to get as much information as possible, before we make our choice. He understands the choice is a difficult one, and has been reading this forum himself and assimilating information.

Re: DAO or MTS

Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2015 1:15 pm
by loobylou
I have no advice about MTS. My dd is at DAO (just started in year 7) and absolutely loves it. I think it's very difficult for state schools to compete with private schools in terms of the facilities - I have friends whose sons sat for DAO and several Indies and their sons also much preferred the Indies (in their cases Habs particularly). All I can say is that there seem to be loads of opportunities for sports at DAO and apparently the year 7 football team has reached some national quarter finals - and all the year 7s have been promised the day off to go and watch the finals if they reach them. I know my dd thinks that's awesome!

Re: DAO or MTS

Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2015 1:40 pm
by CandyCrush
The rugby pitches and astroturf pitches at MTS are enviable. My DS (currently Y9) does after school sports on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and loves the facilities. He also enjoys water polo and the gym (part of his rugby training). I can understand your son wanting to accept the offer.

Many of the Saturday morning matches are on MTS grounds. The school arranges coaches for away games and my DS enjoys the social aspect of this.

The new DT building will be finished this summer which will offer incredible facilities.

The school's communication is faultless. Everything runs so smoothly. My son is thriving academically and has many friends. The new headmaster is very strong and the school dinners (compulsory for all boys) are excellent.

The fees are huge but this is what you get for your money!