My heart went out to Adam too. I nearly cried when he opened the letter and found he had 'failed' when he did his best the whole time - tried his heart out. It was excruciating to watch him try at cricket compared to the super-competent prep-school boys.

The programme reminded me of my deep anger at the facilities and education available to the children of those who happen to be rich. ALL our children deserve that education, every single one of them. I've yet to hear the government come up with a valid reason as to why they can't have it. OK so it costs money - they should be POURING money into education and turning out well-educated, well behaved young people. It's a long term benefit for the whole nation.

As for Eileen, the programme didn't go into this, but I wonder why the headmaster at Glebe had not offered to top up her scholarship with a bursary from school funds - it's unusual for them not to do so in my experience. My daughter won a major scholarship to a good private school but by school rules 50% of fees was the maximum on offer (same as Glebe House perhaps) - however the school offered to make up the fees with a bursary (means-tested) so that no able child should have to turn its scholarship down on the grounds of funds, and this is standard practice among private shools, I believe. But since this wasn't mentioned, I assume Eileen asked about this and was turned down, possibly the 'rules' are different for prep schools as opposed to secondary ones.

I am glad to say I resisted the scholarship and instead sent my daughter to a state school, but then I live in an area where there is still a very good state grammar. But that brings me back to the same old thing - ALL SCHOOLS should be good. It's a false economy to skimp on the needs of our young children, bright or not so bright. It makes me so cross!

I couldn't agree more, with both of you.

What's going on with Alex is a starfish-on-the-beach scenario, and what we should be striving to do is improve all schools and support parents and teachers and the young people themselves. Easier said than done! But we have to try and do whatever we can, whether it's lobbying your MP or going into your local school to help hear children read for an hour a week.

Like you, invisibleman, I was really touched by Adam and thought he had so much to give. I sincerely wish him and his family well.

Let's hope someone can update us on Alex and whether he does indeed start his new school in the next few weeks.

Hi..I don't know if anyone has done so already, but if you click on the link that vole-woman provided and go on the latest news section. There is an article there on Alex..here's the link: http://www.glebehouseschool.co.uk/features/news/view.asp?ID=52

It seems like Alex is going to get a decent education after all!

Do you know if it means Alex will get to go there, if enough funds are raised?
Also, what happens if there won't be enough? Does the money go Eileen, or to the school?

If you can help.. thank you

Alex's place for this year is assured, I understand.

quote:

Originally posted by vole-woman:
Alex's place for this year is assured, I understand.

Yes, this is correct, I have had a lovely reply to my email to the school from the headmaster and he has confirmed that

quote:

and I am delighted that he will now join us next week

I have logged on to this site just to reply to this. I am a single mum and I know how Eileen must feel, but don't give up. With a struggle I have managed to get my son through Prep School and he is now in his final year doing A levels at Public School. It is well worth the effort. I shall be watching this site with interest and hope Channel 4 do a "follow up"