Public schools

So "public" schools here actually means "private" schools in the USA..am I right?
My son, Jordan (9) got phoned today to meet with the Headmaster at King Henry viii school here in Coventry! Im very excited and really hope he can pass the exam. I hear its very difficult. If he passes he will go there for his final year of Junior school and hopefully will win a place at the Senior school. Jordan's teachers suggested he apply when he is ready for Senior school but I wasnt aware they had a Junior school also otherwise we would have applied a few years ago. Jordan is going to be so excited. He doesnt know yet. I got the call this morning while I was taking him to school.
Anyone else have experiences to share with UK public schools? Im hoping if he gets in the tuition wont break the bank. 

This is so exciting!  How wonderful-and even if by some odd chance he doesn't pass the test, it's still amazing!

Congratulations!

My 2 daughters are much younger but both attend a public school - which is ages 4 - 18.  The upper school is quite prestigous; but there is no guarantee of admission to the upper school.  However, most from the junior school do get into the upper school.

The tuition is expensive; but we thought it was worth it.  We have been thrilled with the school in every way.

What a compliment to your son that he was asked to sit for the entrance exam.

Good Luck!

My daughter goes to Public School.  She has done since she was 3.  The school she is in takes them from 2 - 19.  The classes are small and they get lots of individual attention.  You get to know the teachers better and it's easier to find out when they have a problem.

I think it's well worth the money because they get so much moer out of it. 

You may find the school has bursarys like at dd's school they have a choir, which is associated to the church.  If your child gets into the choir you get money off of teh fees.

You may find the school has bursarys like at dd's school they have a choir, which is associated to the church. If your child gets into the choir you get money off of teh fees.

Oh thats very interesting. Jordan is in the choir at his present RC school so it would certainly be one of the questions Ill be asking. Thanks for the information 

Well Jordan did it! He tested into King Henry VIII and will start after the Xmas holiday. Great news! Bad news is we dont qualify for any bursaries so the tuition is gonna sting!

Congrats. The King Henry schools (there are several) are well-known in England as places where very skilled, but not posh, kids go. These skills are as close to a democratic version of private school as you can find. Well done.

Congratulations to your son! _ You must be such a proud momma!

That's fantastic news, Pebs.  You must be so proud; what a great foundation to build upon.

Wow...that's great. Congrats Jordan! Well done.

Oh Pebbles!  I'm so sorry I missed this yesterday-congratulations and big hugs!  That's so wonderful to hear!