Sorry, this ended up longer than I expected!
Back in summer a number of kind mumsnetters gave me great pointers and advice for schools for my academically solid/average and very sporty daughter as we will be moving back to UK from overseas. Hockey playing school important for her. Y9 entrance next Sept.
We visited Cranleigh, Lord Wandsworth College, Epsom and St John's Leatherhead in the summer. Liked all the schools. She wants to be a day girl but liked flexi boarding option from time to time. If we got moved again before A levels we ideally wanted her to be able to board full time so she wouldn't have to move again. But boarding not essential.
Cranleigh say she would go on waiting list as they are over subscribed. Epsom she's down to take exams (English, Maths, VR) in Dec/ Jan. St John's test in Feb (maths, English, VR and non VR). She'll also do sports scholarship assessment for St Johns, and I hope for Epsom.
She did well at school last year - she's very hard working and diligent student, but doesn't come easy to her. We've noticed this since Y6, and just did ed psych assessment because she needs to study so hard for tests and never does as well as she does in class/homework. Assessment shows she has mild dyslexia and dyscalcula, (or as it is apparently now known Specific learning disorder affecting literacy and maths - mild!)
Enough background, now my issue. I'm v concerned she won't pass the entrance exams for Epsom and St Johns. I think she'd do well if she got into either school - she's such a worker and has got the right personality and interests but since they are selective, I'm not sure she'll reach the academic target.
It's really just come clear to me as in last couple of months I've been working with her on 11+ - 12+ maths bond papers and 11+ - 12+ VR bond papers. She's getting approx 60% in maths and 70% in VR. Her English is likely to be lower end for comprehension and OK for writing.
Any insights into the likelihood of her getting in - Epsom said that their pass mark for VR is 118, but of course I can't equate that to a %. As she's Feb birthday, I'm guessing around 80%+? In which case, I don't hold out much hope. She might squeeze extra marks between now and then, but her comprehension/vocab understanding is a challenge and VR needs so much of that.
In any case I'm feeling that we should look into back up options. I'm a total novice at this having lived overseas for so long.
What should I be looking for? We are flexible about area - Surrey or other close by counties in commuting distance of Epsom (office is near there).
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Surrey area schools - selection - chances of getting in and and suggestions for non selection options
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timeforsomethingnew · 05/11/2013 13:18
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