Prep Schools taking pupils up to 16

There is a very interesting article in the Times today about prep schools taking pupils up to 16 instead of them leaving to go on to senior school at 13. Over the last few years a number of parents have suggested to me, probably not being too serious, that we should consider doing the same thing. 

It is a very interesting argument. The Times article indicates that the reason parents are keen on this is so that their children can be shielded from negative influences at senior schools, that they can be wrapped in cotton wool. The article mentions nothing about the quality of education or the range of opportunities on offer. In my experience, when boys come to the end of their time at Sunningdale, they are ready to move on. They need a new challenge, they need to broaden their horizons and they need to meet new people. I can see that it may be lovely and cosy for them to remain in a school which they know well and with people they feel comfortable with but is that really what is best for them?

The History of the World

Radley

I had a very good day at Radley yesterday. It really is a lovely
place. We had a very good Oxford Group meeting and the lunch which
gave us a chance to meet lots of the Social tutors.

Parents Meeting

We had a very positive parents meeting yesterday. It is always such a
help to discuss things with the parents so that we are singing from
the same hymn sheet.

Revision Talk to CE candidates

This morning the Common Entrance candidates were all guided through
how to revise and which techniques they could use. Let's hope it
works!

BSA Conference

I am currently at the Boarding Schools Association conference in Bristol. Although I do not enjoy being away from school, it is good to talk to other Headmasters of boarding schools who share the same sorts of issues. There are also some excellent speakers. Yesterday Libby Purves spoke very well indeed about boarding from a parents perspective and John Timpson of Timpson's the shoe menders was also very interesting.

Violin and piano concert

What an incredible evening. We were so lucky to have the incredibly talented Diana Galvydyte and her accompanist Christopher Guild to perform at Sunningdale yesterday evening. Diana has played all over the world at some of the most prestigious venues and won many prizes. Christopher was the winner of the gold medal at the Royal College of music and has played all over the UK and on the radio.

The concert was breathtaking  and all the boys sat enthralled throughout. They played pieces from a variety of different composers and introduced each piece with a bit of background.

It was a very special evening indeed. They are due to perform at the Wigmore Hall in November which gives you an idea of just how lucky we were.