Boarding

whitewing

It doesn't have to be an irreversible decision , ie if he doesn't like it after half a term he can surely go back to being a day pupil.

I always stated that I'd never let my son be a boarder, as I couldn't see the point of having children that don't live with you apart from those in the forces. However, there are times now that I realise there are certain aspects to boarding that would have done my son a world of good.

mountainofdebt

Straight

If its any help my son has been away most of the summer on various courses, and is currently away for a fornight again on another course.

Yes I miss him but we've been chatting away on msn most evenings and I probably know more of what he's done in the day whilst he's been away than if he had been at home.

The way I've looked at it is that he has to leave home some time and I see this time as him gaining his independence and learning responsibilty in a controlled way

scotsgirl_3

It is a fantastic school, and an amazing opportunity. My oh went to a boarding school (his parents considered this one in fact) and he turned out far more independent than would otherwise have been the case. He says the thing he values most about his expensive education was the social aspect, and he still finds it easy to get on with almost anyone as a result.

cheepskate_2

Boarding school should be fine if your boy agrees to it, but i would want him home at weekends (or after saturdays homework day, if it's the one i'm thinking of ) rather than only see him at holidays.

straight

Thanks again for all your replies.

Can I say that I am very heartened to see that people on here have been so supportive. Some people have been less than pleased for me and my son on hearing the news that he got into this school. Inded some have put the frighteners on me.

Anyway, We have made our mind up and he will be boarding as soon as.

Thanks again

Straight

Susan_Frost

Well done for making the decision, especially in the face of (quite probably) jealous people around you.

It is a school, not a prison, and must be close if he gets there at the moment daily. Lots of opportunities to visit each other at weekends, emails, mobiles, etc. You wont see him daily, no. But in the general hustle and bustle of looking after a home and 3 children, how much actual one to one time do you really get at the moment Mon-Fri.

I know it is not quite the same as being there at the drop of a hat, but it does not sound like the "boarding school" of yesteryear.

I am sure he will do well, and you will remain a close and loving family.

All the best.

tuggy

I am 23 and went to boarding school from 14-18 absolutely loved it, best time of my life. I cross my fingers daily that when I have children I can afford to send them too.

I cannot stress enough how good it was for my confidence, my independace...and how my relationship with parents was actually better only seeing them weekends and holidays (appreciate them more!!)

DVardysShadow

straight wrote: »

Many,many thanks for all your replies. They are mostly very positive experiences of boarding.

The school in question, is the school that Tony Blair went to, and apparently James Bond went there too. I agree it is an amaing opportunity so yes , I think will let him have a trial run and see how it goes.

Great, seize it with both hands.

DVardyShadow, I mentioned the disability, because it does restrict me, in that I am not able to give him the opportunities that are available there, for example the weekend social activities etc

Don't stop him from having a slice of cake, because you don't think you can put a cherry on top. Sometimes these things just work out - it may be that he does not actually need or want this aspect - or if he does, then something may well work out in a way you would never have seen if you didn't move forward with this.

Be sensitive, it may not be for him, but even if this turns out to be the case, it will work out better to have tried, I am very sure

ljbnotts

I used to be a matron at a boarding school and the kids had a great time, loads of activities and things to do and they were with their friends at all times! All the children under my care were thought of like sons and if any of them had any problems we knew about them and dealt with them. We did have home sickness quite frequently but a chat helped and after half an hour they were off having fun.

The kids all had amazing opportunities and really became involved in school life so please please don't worry about him being lonely/bored.

We had children form all over the world with different cultures, languages and religions and the children learnt so much from each other, everything would be respected by the school in regards to diet etc so please don't worry about this.

I hope this view helps, if i think of anything else I'll post again or you can PM me if you have questions.

My own opinion is that if he is willing to board he should be given the chance, like previous posters suggested maybe he could try it for a few weeks and then make a formal choice.

My OH went away to school at 7 and loved every minute up until 6th form where everything was a bit strict for an 17/18 year old but in the future i hope we are in the position to offer our children the same opportunities.

Also don't worry about not seeing him, when you do seem him, at weekends etc you will have so much to chat about it may make you closer, and also to his siblings. I doubt very ,much he would lose touch with his culture as thing swill still be the same for him at home plus he will be able to speak to you every evening if he wants to. He would also be less tired than traveling every day and receive different opportunities that may not usually available.

MrsTinks

The school my husband attended in Scotland was full of people from all walks of life and origins. I doubt the Saudi princes would have been sent there if they didn't think that there would be adequat provisions for both nutrition and faith provided And I'm sure it will be the same at your sons school to be honest.
The oppertunerties it has provided my OH have been phenomenal - say what you like but it is still very much a case of "old boys" network when you get to a certain level in the business world...
DH loved every minute of his time there and he was a scholarship boy His mum was a single parent, nurse, who worked all hours to pay the bills for DH and his sister and he went to school with people who had their parents private helicopters pick them up for the holidays... and he still loved it

So long as he wants to go then let him. Yes it may be tough but the oppertunerties for him will be fantastic