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Then there were none... mergers and acquisitions in the prep world

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 The days of standalone prep schools are numbered in the UK...  Winchester College and Pilgrims' Radley College and Cothill Charterhouse and Windlesham  Who's next? I can take a wild guess. The fact is that running small schools in the UK has become increasingly challenging in the face of increased National Insurance, Teachers' Pension Scheme contributions, energy costs and general inflation. And that isn't before you think of falling rolls once VAT really kicks in. So the solution is joining forces with a larger entity.  Prep schools feed a range of senior schools; anyone wanting a solid prep for Eton, Winchester or Harrow picked from a wide pool. These days, the pool is shrinking whilst the group of boys entering from UK state schools is increasing as parents turn away from boarding and economise.  How does all this affect your choices?  There are still some standalones who haven't mentioned mergers yet and some which are clearly in strong positions and m...
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Almost there, but not quite - Waiting List Woes

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You get through the ISEB CPT, fly through the interviews... only to get a waiting list offer.  Don't despair!  A waiting list place is NOT a rejection. You are still in the picture. In a record year, five of my boys moved from reserve to general places at Winchester. This year, one of my boys moved from the Eton waiting list and one of my girls has just moved off the waiting list at Downe House to the delight of her parents.  Be patient: it is now May and another of my boys in Y8 has just moved off the Waiting List at Eton. Why do schools have waiting lists?  It is no secret that families apply to multiple schools. If a school makes 10 offers, they can assume that a proportion of the candidates will not accept, or may drop our later. Hence the waiting list.  Why do students move from the waiting list? Some students may have a couple of options to consider. Once they give up their places, the schools will go to the waiting list to fill the gaps.  Other plac...
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Betjeman's Wykehamist - Probably not someone you want to have dinner with (although they would be cheap to feed)

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The Wykehamist by Betjeman is a real delight.  The Wykehamist is a composite of parts of the boys I met during my time at Winchester College.   Although Winchester College has changed enormously since the poem was published, at lunch in College last year, I found that there are still boys who burst with enthusiasm about esoteric academic subjects.  Betjeman is spot on with the interests, although, watching the boys hoeing into pudding, I doubt that the corner of a petit beurre, (possibly the most boring biscuit on the planet), would suffice. Learn it by heart as a piece of performance poetry which you can pull out at dinner parties to awe the crowd.    The Wykehamist by John Betjeman Broad of Church and broad of mind, Broad before and broad behind, A keen ecclesiologist, A rather dirty Wykehamist. ’Tis not for us to wonder why He wears that curious knitted tie; We should not cast reflections on The very slightest kind of don. We should not giggle as...
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I love you in Hong Kong - book of the year so far!

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 I stumbled upon this delightful book in the newly revamped  Kelly and Walsh in Pacific Place (well worth a visit) and fell in love with the fabulous illustrations and joyous text.  Printed on cardboard, the book feels like something which will become a much-loved bedtime story but don't save it for the children! This is a love song for all ages. And for anyone who has ever lived in this magical city.   Buy it here!
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The Top Five Ways to Fail in a School Interview

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Five ways to FAIL in your school interview   I have just finished reading Alice's adventures in Through the Looking Glass, so here is a tongue-in-cheek mirror-world version of my usual tips!    5: Have no idea about the school (including the name sometimes!) Seriously, this is really an issue, particularly when agencies have big fairs, generate a list of schools and then plonk the child in front of an interviewer. If you know you are going to a fair, spend time looking up the featured schools. After all, this is not a decision to be taken lightly. A bit of interest goes a long way; look at school websites and see what interests your child ahead of the interview.   4: Answer in monosyllables.  'What is your favourite subject?' 'maths' 'why?' 'I like it' 'Moving on... ' Monosyllabic answers kill a conversation. The aim of an interview is to share information about yourself and you can't do that without adding in a f...
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The Bible at work in Hong Kong

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Amazing how the Bible pops up in unexpected places... such as in the Post Office! In Hong Kong's Central Post Office on the wall of the ground floor you'll find a wooden scroll with the following inscription from Proverbs:                            As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. As you queue for stamps, imagine the exiles or emmigres who have longed for a few lines of comfort. When you receive a letter from a friend or family member, you know that they have taken time out of their day to sit down, think of you, and put their love onto a page. Between the lines of news is the message Í am thinking of you, I miss you.' Their words are a balm to the recipient.The letter is saved, re-read, treasured.  God speaks to us constantly, through the deeds of others, through the environment, in those moments of calm, and sometimes, on the walls of a Post Office!
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How to get into Eton... or 100 other schools - A Brandon Book

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 I've been preparing students for UK studies for over twenty years. Based on my experience, I have put together a parents' workbook as you move towards school and university planning. Learn how to:  - identify your child's talents - fill in the gaps!  - develop interests - teach your child to communicate Above all. This preparation will help you to encourage your child to be confident, brave and resilient. 
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