Sir William Borlase Grammar School Advice needed please!

[mondef]

Hello, I have a girl in year 9 currently in an independent school and another girl in year 6 also at an independent school. For several reasons which are too long to list, I would really like them to get into SWBGS in Marlow. I have phoned the school today and they told me it's oversubscribed. I know being in the catchment area is a must. We are prepared to move and of course both girls would have to sit the 11+ and the 13+, although they're fairly academic I understand there's no guarantee they would pass. There is also the added issue of my eldest and GCSE work which starts during the course of year 9 both at her school and at SWB. Despite all these difficulties I am convinced it would be a very good move for us but I don't even know where to start. Has anyone moved house and tried the entrance exam without any guarantees at all of getting in the school? Are the other grammar or state schools in the area any good? Help!

[mondef]

Hello, I have a girl in year 9 currently in an independent school and another girl in year 6 also at an independent school. For several reasons which are too long to list, I would really like them to get into SWBGS in Marlow. I have phoned the school today and they told me it's oversubscribed. I know being in the catchment area is a must. We are prepared to move and of course both girls would have to sit the 11+ and the 13+, although they're fairly academic I understand there's no guarantee they would pass. There is also the added issue of my eldest and GCSE work which starts during the course of year 9 both at her school and at SWB. Despite all these difficulties I am convinced it would be a very good move for us but I don't even know where to start. Has anyone moved house and tried the entrance exam without any guarantees at all of getting in the school? Are the other grammar or state schools in the area any good? Help!

[MollieO]

Why are you so keen to move them there? It has a reputation locally of encouraging parents to have their dcs tutored out of school to maintain their place in the league tables. We are in catchment but it isn't a school I'd consider.

[mondef]

I know a few parents whose children are there and they're very happy. There are quite a few things I am unhappy about my eldest current school, but of course I know there's no such thing as a perfect school.... But Borlase is co-head, strong in the performing arts but also academic, in a nice village and there aren't any astronomical fees to pay. By the way what does dcs stand for? (I know you mean kids but I can't quite work it out!). Where are your children at the moment? What other schools would you recommend? Thank you

[MollieO]

Beac

[LAlady]

Have you been to see SWB?

We are in catchment for SWB and it tends to be the school of choice for those who pass the 11+ at my DS's fomer school. Having said that, my DS passed the 11+ last year but after looking at SWB and two other grammar schools, we decided that SWB wasn't our first choice (which we were surprised about given that we had gone on hearsay before and assumed it would be our first option). He goes to another grammar in High Wycombe (we weren't in catchment for his school now, as such, but crossed our fingers that the catchment area would go wide enough) and has settled in really well and loves it.

There are other grammars worth considering in Bucks. We are about to consider schools for my DD and will look at SWB again but also Wycombe High and Beaconsfield High. The performing arts aspect at SWB was a big concern for my DS (and us) if I'm absolutely honest.

When you were told it's oversubscribed, is this based on data for this year? Take a look at the 11+ forum and it'll give you an idea on first choice applications this year (and for the other Bucks grammars too).

[mondef]

thank you

[MollieO]

Sorry. Not sure what happened to my post. Beaconsfield High has a good reputation.

[Spinderella27]

You need to speak to Bucks Admissions team first. They will tell you what tests each girl needs to do when and when you need to be in your new address. As you say, there is no guarantee they will pass and no guarantee of a place but you may get lucky. For the older child you need to know SWB starts their GCSE course at the beginning of Year 9 so she will have missed a year plus the younger one will miss out on the school allocations until you are in your new address (if she passes). I have a dc in Year 10 at SWB and one about to start in Sept plus my dh is a governor there. PM me if you want any further info.