‘We chose the school due to its good reputation for sports and educational standards. It is co-ed and full boarding was important as we lived overseas initially. The location is good for parents working in London. If your child shows particular interest in any subject, there has always been a teacher or supporting staff happy to engage and further educate.
As part of the admissions process there was an interview and an online unprepared test which took place at school. Marlborough used Common Entrance results for initial setting in academic groups. The master Mrs LJ Moelwyn-Hughes is engaged with kids to discuss what is working and what can be improved. She has excellent and proactive communication with parents.
There are plans for a new science hub.
There have been many members of staff who have made a particular difference to my child’s time at school. From subject- orientated teachers to enthusiastic sport-team coaches, they all engage the children. My youngest, currently in lower sixth, is still getting tutorials for a small group interested in extending physics discussions over Easter holidays.
The housemasters have a big influence over their time at school. I get as much information as I need from Marlborough. My three boys have all been self-starters, so we leave them to sort out their needs at school. We have termly reports and yearly parent-teacher meetings.
I do see the housemaster and dame when I pick up for exeats or term ends for casual exchange. One housemaster has been excellent at crushing any small issues which may arise. Dame knows the boys very well and she is very caring. The pastoral care has definitely improved over the eight years we have had our boys there.
The older boys didn’t have a problem transitioning to university. They are already independent, and thinking and research is encouraged at school. Parents are invited to the annual play and concerts and parents see each other at pick-ups. There are plenty of extracurricular possibilities for kids wanting to grab them. I think it probably helps that all our boys have been very self-motivated and made the best of their time there. The school lived up to our expectations.'
’Marlborough is a happy and vibrant school. It is kind and teaches children to be good contributors to society rather than focus on themselves. We have three children with varying interests, talents and academic abilities – Marlborough has allowed them all to be the best version of themselves.
My son is now in his first year of university and left Marlborough with good life skills and the confidence needed to enjoy and achieve at university. The admissions process was smooth, warm and efficient. They allowed us to look at all houses and interview all house parents.
The Master has good leadership qualities and is liked by staff, pupils and parents. She is not a showwoman but has a steely strength that commands respect. She also displays warmth and empathy, and has an open-door policy. The house parents have all been important mentors, my daughter’s tutors are an incredible support and my son’s rugby coach in his last year showed them the power of being a team player. His maths teacher at A- level supported him and her diligence gave him incredible self-belief and courage.
The communication with parents is excellent. The Master is very good at communication and demonstrates clear thinking and vision about what the college should strive to be during her time. She is always thoughtful, and individual and group success is always recognised.
The pastoral care is excellent – the school looks after your child from the moment you drop them off. They know your child well and support them carefully and give them tools to deal with modern-day pressures. It is very open and all staff are approachable.
Marlborough does not spoon-feed. It does have a frequent and detailed report system charting how your child is progressing. I would describe it as a school that encourages rather than challenges. My three all are very different but responded well to this encouragement and have all achieved well so far.
The school teaches self-governance and prepares the students for the next stage of education – they are independent creative thinkers. Marlborough has a strong sibling policy and many OM’s are parents. This leads to a warm inter-generational feeling at sports and speech days.
The college is unashamedly full boarding, therefore a PTA is not relevant, but the mothers create house-year-group coffee mornings and all are welcome to enjoy catching up. My new-parent advice would be trust the college – they will look after your child, and under their wing they will grow into a fine young man or woman, ready and prepared for the next stage.’
‘We chose the school due its all-round education and sporting excellence. There is a strong family and nurturing ethos. Co-ed was very important to us, and we really felt that they try to bring out the best in every child. The school came across as very organised and efficient.
My husband’s family attended Marlborough, which was also an important factor. The admissions process was really smooth and efficient – they tried to make it as stress-free as possible.
The housemistress is fantastic and the matron who provides pastoral care in the house is great. The school communicates really well. I feel very involved, although that might be more to do with the fact that my child tells me what she is doing! The pastoral care is excellent, and I feel like the school knows and supports my child very well in a firm but fair way.
The school’s community is pretty close-knit, with most families living close by. It is very welcoming to new families and quite a few social activities are organised. There is no PTA. The school has surpassed my expectations and I definitely feel that it has been the right choice. My advice would be to follow your gut instinct. Choosing a school is a bit like choosing a new house!’