Habs, MT or QE - decisions, decisions...

[nervousdad]

DS did us proud and we received offers from Habs, MT and St Albans. He is reasonably confident that he will also get an offer from QE. It's decision time for us now...

Simple question:

Do Habs and MT have that much to offer over QE to justify the £120k over 7 years?

Appreciate it's not just about the results but the friends they make and other opportunities they may be provided. Have asked DS several times and he has not expressed a preference.

[yesaar]

My DS has offers from Habs, MT, John Lyon and City of London. Habs has offered some bursary and City, academic scholarship. However, looking at the 7 year investment, we are facing the same situation. I don't think I'll be able to afford any of these schools year after year for the next 7 years. His school teachers have been implying that QE is always better than any of the indies, unless they offer really substantial scholarships.

[yogkruti]

Same situation here! - offers from all (including scholarship)

How much would you define a substantial scholarship? 20%, 30% or more than 50% ?

[yesaar]

More than 50%

Last year, one of the boys got a 50% offer (bursary / scholarship) from Habs and an offer from QE as well. He chose Habs. His teachers felt that he should have chosen QE..

[yogkruti]

Ok... that % figure kind of matches my gut feeling too.

I'm slightly tempted by the Habs/MT offers but not sure whether it will be worth it over 7 years... just thinking how we might utilise the *** GBP per month better on personal coaching/tuition while going to a Grammar school instead.

[Loopyloulou]

Clearly the decision depends on how much of a limiting factor the money is.

[yogkruti]

Agreed.

My main worry is that we might calculate the upfront fees per month figure and convince ourselves about the feasibilty, and then would be surprised when expenses for "extras" start mounting - which I believe will be coming in the shape of music lessons, sports lessons, skiing trips etc etc.

Not sure we can live with another mortgage!

Will sleep over the thought tonight and by tomorrow hope to wake up with "Gosh!.. why did I even bother considering"

[nia1999]

Strange how the boys schools go early when girls have to wait till next week ?

[mum3b]

Hi All,

Got offers from MT and Habs...awaiting 1st March now.

Yogkruti - your post sums up my feelings perfectly.

[yesaar]

True yogkruti - however, I feel it is better to have tried and known that DS is really good rather than not having tried at all