Fulhamfather
If your son ends up with an offer from each - ask him where he wants to go. If he has a strong preference - that's where he should be . I think boys get a feeling for where they would fit best.
Personally I prefer Winchester (and so did DS) . In fact DS went round Harrow and was a bit 'yep yep yep - fine" Unfair as Harrow is obviousl y a great school for the right boy.
So tangible differences as far as my limited knowledge of Harrow goes
- Wincoll more house system in that you eat in house (no central refectory )
- Wincoll (from what I remember ) less of a campus - so , you don't get that view of the rugby pitches etc as you pitch up .
- People will sat Winchester is not a sporty school , and it isn't IMHO in the way that Radley eg is , but be in no doubt the boys must do sport - they just have more choice - ie the school wont force you to do a certain sport (aside from Winkies - 1st year)
- Agree with Dustylaw - if you want rugby - Wincoll isn't for him
5. Also agree with Hogwash in one respect - they are both great . Slightly 1st world problem
I would go with your son's gut feeling as to which he preferred. My approach with DS was whichever school he felt comfortable with was probably the one he would get on best in.
So to that extent I do slightly disagree with HW in that I think if the boy feels an affinity with the school , they are likely to get on better . But I agree with her general point in that Harrow or Winchester aren't 'better" they are different and I hope your son has an opinion . If he doesn't then I see your problem.
(And maybe Harrow would be better for him
That was a joke from a mother of a by at Wincoll - please don't take it seriously )
HTH AG