Boarding School in the UK | ExpatWoman.com
 

Boarding School in the UK

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Wurzelgirl
25
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 May 2014 - 09:27
Thank you Denmark x We have done our research and we do have friends whose children attend the day school where DS will go as this in our home City, their sporting facilities are outstanding and this is what he loves the best. We can all only do what we think is best for our children and to give them everything we can to get them the best schooling possible which hopefully will give them the opportunities they will need in this competitive jobs market. Thank you everyone for your time and support, I really do appreciate it. I will let you know how we get on, the Open Day is in a few weeks. Thanks again.
denmark7359
7
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 April 2014 - 15:57
Hi Wurzelgirl, l really feel for you in your dilemma. We sent our son to Boarding School last Sept, after 6 years here in Dubai. For many reasons the system was not working for him here, so reluctantly we took the decision to send him back to the UK. He did not want to go and hadn't lived there since he was 2yrs old. He hated it at first, as did we. Unfortunately, the first school we sent him to was not right for him. We then found a Dyslexia specialist that helped us find the right school and we moved him in January. He is now thriving and happy. It has been one of the hardest things l have ever done, but l know it was the right thing to do for his long term future. He is getting the right kind of support and structure that he needs. He is excelling in sports again and maturing into delightful, young man. ( He was 16, when we sent him). After he has been home, it is still very hard to go back to the incredible silence that seems to fill the house. I miss his noise, his gorgeous smell and the warmth of his presence, but we Skype, what's app, viber etc I fly to the Uk more frequently and the time we do have together is even more special. From an academic perspective l know he would have benefitted from going earlier, but from an emotional perspective l don't think he was ready until last year. I wish you all the luck in the world with your decision and the choice of the right school for him, which is crucial. I hope you don't make the mistake we did, as many schools say they are good at supporting dyslexia etc but actually aren't. All the best.
cushion21491
500
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 April 2014 - 23:29
Oo baby baby it's a wild world....
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 April 2014 - 20:13
Just in case any one is interested and wants to find out more about boarding schools, it is the Boarding School fair this weekend at the Sheraton in MOE. There looks to be a good range of schools, including a few prep schools. I'm sure they would be happy to answer any worries about boarding in general as well as questions about their own school It's Fri and Sat, 2-7pm.
March
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 April 2014 - 11:38
Exactly SD positioning our children to be able to what they want in the future - isn't this what we all aspire to but we do it in different ways. Some choose boarding school others don't, I find this similar to the SAHM vs working mum scenario - whichever route you choose you do it for your own correct reasons and no-one should berate another parent for making one or other choice. Personally I don't think I would ever send mine to boarding school, but I never say never and can see the benefits. I agree. It's a choice you make based on your child, your circumstances, schools you can access here etc. I sent one for various reasons to boarding school, the others not. However, I disagree with some comments which suggest that only at boarding school can they learn to manage money, use public transport, play multiple sports and do other activities and get an excellent education. The first two are up to the parent, you give them limited money and they have to manage it, older teens will use metro, bus and legs if they don't have too much money for taxis. The others are all available in the right schools,clubs etc. if you are lucky enough to have access to them. There are some dreadful private schools in the UK and also here - you have to weigh up your options and circumstances, do your research carefully and do the best you can for your child.
Britgirldubai
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 April 2014 - 10:34
Hi, i'm a 35year old GP born & raised in the UK currently living & working in Dubai. Both my brother & myself went to boarding schools in England, although our parents lived nearby. We both grew up in beautiful Winchester... I went to St Swithuns School & he went to Winchester College. I have the BEST memories of childhood!! We were given the best and most privileged start in life. I made amazing friends FOR LIFE, who are all now wonderful successful people themselves. I recently got married here, and the friends who flew over for the wedding were my school friends. We've been friends for 23 years now through everything. My brother trained as an Anaesthetist, although he was head-hunted by Google & works in their head-office in San Fransisco now. I'm proud of my schooling & what it's helped me achieve :)
Wurzelgirl
25
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 April 2014 - 09:49
Am I the only one wondering why all these ladies want to send their children away? Children are children until they start their adult life and they need their Mum's and Dad's, why send them thousands of miles away to fend for themselves. Something I will never understand I'm afraid. Up until recently, I would have agreed with you, its an awful decision to have to make, hence the questions I am asking. I wont depress you with the reasons he needs to leave the school he is at here in Dubai, and equally I wouldn't send him to any other school in Dubai as some are terrible, nothing more than holding schools. We are however, trying to put what HE needs before what WE need. I cant bear the thought of his empty bedroom but if its the right thing for him and his future, then thats what I will be doing. The education will be far superior, and the activities outstanding and varied.
Sanddy_Dogg
5499
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 21:05
I can't see DS ever going to boarding school, I don't think it's right for him. It WAS right for DD though and she's much happier there, and she's doing so much better academically there. There is no blanket right or wrong, and as you say, yo make the decision for your own reasons.
Scribs7320
297
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 20:52
Exactly SD positioning our children to be able to what they want in the future - isn't this what we all aspire to but we do it in different ways. Some choose boarding school others don't, I find this similar to the SAHM vs working mum scenario - whichever route you choose you do it for your own correct reasons and no-one should berate another parent for making one or other choice. Personally I don't think I would ever send mine to boarding school, but I never say never and can see the benefits.
Sanddy_Dogg
5499
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 20:27
LOL! It's so we can continue to party and brunch without having to worry about looking after our children, doncha know? Nothing at all to do with our children wanting to return to their country of origin. Nothing to do with our children getting a far superior education than they can in some of the schools here (some of us don't get too many schooling options) and nothing to do with positioning our children to be able to do what they want in their future. And as Scribs says, they're not left to fend for themselves.
Scribs7320
297
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 19:43
why send them thousands of miles away to fend for themselves. Well they're not exactly left to fend for themselves are they!
Wife of 777
319
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 19:19
Hmmm maybe you are the only one ?
DizzyDuck
127
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 19:10
Am I the only one wondering why all these ladies want to send their children away? Children are children until they start their adult life and they need their Mum's and Dad's, why send them thousands of miles away to fend for themselves. Something I will never understand I'm afraid.
Sanddy_Dogg
5499
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 18:51
DD said they had the heating on full blast during winter so she was hot. The beds were awful but apparently they've replaced them all over easter so they have different beds now. the setting for the school is beautiful and today she's done one of these high adrenaline speed boat rides out on the sea with the rest of the full-time boarders. I'm less than impressed but she said it was absolutely amazing :D
Wife of 777
319
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 18:49
Sanddy dog reminded me.... Yes it does get chilly in the winter... We had demands of electric blanket, thermal jarmies and a small kettle for cups of tea in bed !!! But then we have also had demands for a beer fridge and domino pizza delivery every Tuesday because its BOGOF!!
bigsue5964016
48
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 17:40
I agree with wife of 777. Do not fell guilty. He is so happy he went to the UK and it is true, this is not a real world. He can now use a train, plane and bus by himself. They walk into town for treats and pizza. He is going France for a school trip this weekend. They keep them busy and active. Also, the teachers stick around for more than 2 years. The kids are included and they just blossom. We whatsapp everyday and email. The first week that they leave it is a bit weird because it is so quiet but you get use to it and back into your activities. If you have the money I suggest you do it. He will thrive.
Wurzelgirl
25
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 16:22
We have already seen the houses and although old I think they had double glazing ...... but wouldn't bet on it ! The canteen is big and there is a kitchen which we were told was fully stocked full of snacks, but I really wouldn't mind ordering him in food, I expect thats good fun to receive. We are looking in the South West of England, a very old and established school which overlooks a zoo etc, its really lovely. I really hope he loves it as much as your children love their schools xx Thank you xx
Sanddy_Dogg
5499
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 15:58
No kidding! The boarding house where my DD is has single glazed windows and those old fashioned chunky radiators. She said the food's not great too.
Wife of 777
319
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 15:54
Ha ha ... You don't get much for your school fees ! The one gripe my kids have is that the food isn't great, so by doing food shopping for them always makes them really happy. Being able to visit grandparents for a full roast and TLC helps enormously too. Do not feel guilty at all. Living in Dubai is not the real world, it's great for them to go to their home countries, learn to use the transport system, learn the value of money, and to learn they can't just keep running to the bank of mum and dad for 100 dirhams when they feel like it ! We give ours between £55 and £65 a month. No kids = clean house !!! Can I ask which area in the UK you are looking at ? <em>edited by Wife of 777 on 27/04/2014</em>
Sanddy_Dogg
5499
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 14:42
We skype at weekends but BBM every day. We are encouraged to give our kids £50 a term pocket money. There's a tuck shop in school where they can buy all kinds of unhealthy cr@p :/ My DD's going on a boat trip today.
Wurzelgirl
25
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 14:35
Thank you all SO much, you are really helping to put my mind at ease, theres a lot of guilt with this decision, although as you all stress it has to be HIS decision. He can always go to his extended family for a bit of TLC as they are only down the road, and he can visit whenever he wants. Thanks for all the tips about shopping too, although I had thought this might be part of the very substantial boarding fees ? ! Can I ask how YOU cope with missing your children ?
Wife of 777
319
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 13:31
My eldest child started UK boarding school 4 years ago , we took him out of school here for very similar reasons to you. The school is very near the grandparents and only 2 stops on the train away from them. It has great sports activities and also there are always trips and visits planned at weekends. I now have 3 children there and they all love it. Always something to do. Always someone to hang out with. They start getting their own independence by managing their pocket money and being able to go to the shops themselves to get essentials . I actually do a supermarket online shop for them around every 3 weeks. They love having their food parcels delver red straight to their boarding house. It also means I still have a little say in what junk food they are eating ! It also gives me the opportunity to replenish toiletries , pens and socks or anything else they need. All of the children have a phone contract that gives them unlimited Internet , so we can Skype or whatsapp at any time. The wifi at the school is not too good , although they do have PC the children can use to Skype call their parents. I was really upset when the kids didn't contact me in the first few days , but TBH this was only because they were having too much fun ! They didn't visit their grandparents for the first 2 weeks. I have a year 9,11 and one in the upper sixth . I hope this help you, if you need anything else , I'm always happy to help.
bigsue5964016
48
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 13:25
We sent our year 9 son to board this year in the UK. It was the right decision and he loves it. He is busy with lots of sports activities that he never thought he would like, he is doing so well academically and they have lots of activities on the weekends. He comes back here for the holidays. Boys at this age have raging hormones and need to get out there and keep busy. We are sending our older boy for 6th form next year and he is looking forward to leaving this area. Happy to talk to you if you would like. We are very happy. I actually talk to him more than when he lived here.
Sanddy_Dogg
5499
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 12:54
Ah, the thread linked to is mine :) My DD is now in her second term in boarding school and so far so good. She's also in year 10. She's close to grandparents but I have her as a full boarder so she can stay in at weekends and it's not putting pressure on my parents to have her a theirs on weekends. She gets plenty of exeat weekends - one a month - plus long weekends an half terms etc where all boarders leave the house.
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 12:53
Ah, so older. At this age he has to really make the decision himself so hopefully the visit will give him the opportunity to get a feel for the school and how he will fit in. The Open Days are usually full of younger kids so I would ask the school if they have other Y10s visiting, otherwise he'll feel awkward around all the 10 year olds visiting in their prep school blazers!
Wurzelgirl
25
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 12:00
I am new to this and just posted a blank post ...... Anyway, yes he visited it last year because his sister is going to go there next year for her A levels, he is flying back in a few weeks with his dad for an Open Day and to have another look round with him in mind, so should see his room and boarding mates then. We really think it will bring him out of himself and let him be himself, he will be going into Year 10 which is not ideal but we feel that it is better than keeping him with us here. Thanks for your comments, I am doing so much reading about this but its always better to hear it from people who actually know and have experienced it xx
Wurzelgirl
25
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 11:56
oops, where was i ... yes, comms. Most schools will set up skype for the children and phone calls are easy with only 3 hours time difference, email ... That said, don't be sad if your child doesn't want to skype/speak as it can upset them to have the clash of two worlds. Many find it easier to just email. In my experience girls are much better at keeping in touch than girls. How old is your son? Has he visited the school? Will he come home for half terms? My kids started boarding in the summer term after they turned 9 and both settled with no difficulty, certainly it will be nice to have the grandparents close by to come along to matches etc
Wurzelgirl
25
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 11:56
oops, where was i ... yes, comms. Most schools will set up skype for the children and phone calls are easy with only 3 hours time difference, email ... That said, don't be sad if your child doesn't want to skype/speak as it can upset them to have the clash of two worlds. Many find it easier to just email. In my experience girls are much better at keeping in touch than girls. How old is your son? Has he visited the school? Will he come home for half terms? My kids started boarding in the summer term after they turned 9 and both settled with no difficulty, certainly it will be nice to have the grandparents close by to come along to matches etc
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 11:38
oops, where was i ... yes, comms. Most schools will set up skype for the children and phone calls are easy with only 3 hours time difference, email ... That said, don't be sad if your child doesn't want to skype/speak as it can upset them to have the clash of two worlds. Many find it easier to just email. In my experience girls are much better at keeping in touch than girls. How old is your son? Has he visited the school? Will he come home for half terms? My kids started boarding in the summer term after they turned 9 and both settled with no difficulty, certainly it will be nice to have the grandparents close by to come along to matches etc
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 11:34
Hi Wurzelgirl, you have obviously put a lot of thought into your decision and know your child better than anyone so your decision is made. Every child is different but the vast majority of kids love boarding if they are at the right school. Schools are so much nicer than they were when I left Dubai to board in 1974! I was put on a plane and sent off to nuns in the north of england which was quite a shock!! Comms are so good now as
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