KGS reserve for boys

[lulu399]

Hi everyone, DS has a reserve place at KGS, in the meantime we have to accept another place. I know, old story. But does anyone have any experience with KGS in that matter? What is the reserve list policy?

[KingscoteStaff]

11+ or conditional 13+ place?

[lulu399]

It's an 11+ place. I understand there were a lot of children this year and some will most probably rather take Tiffin boys or other places, but I try to find out how likely it is that there is some kind of movement in the near future. I'll try to speak to the school after half term, but would be most grateful for any advice in the meantime. It' tricky, DS even has an academic scholarship offer from another (less academic) school.

[KingscoteStaff]

When do the boys with Tiffins/other grammar places have to confirm those places? That's when the list will move.

[Shootingatpigeons]

I wouldn't assume children will be taking grammar school places. A lot in this area will have back up options of good state schools with top sets that do as well as Grammars and if you can pay then the facilities in private schools tend to make the decision. It will be more about parents wrestling with a decision between two or three private schools.

KGS has a buzz about it at the moment, it always had a reputation as a school where DCs do well and are happy, Sally Fletcher has added charismatic leadership to that package and it seems her successor has the qualities to continue with that.

That said there will be parents wrestling with the decision v. Hampton, LEH etc so I am sure the list will move. I also know there will be people hanging on the phone to emphasise the strength of their wish to go there so I would ring. Might even be worth trying now, the bursar may be in school.

[castlesintheair]

Most boys choose Hampton over KGS. Unless they are dead set against single sex and then they will usually have sat Latymer and take that over KGS. Great news for those of us whose first choice is KGS! I think the waiting list will move in your favour OP but speak to Charlotte Ribolla the Registrar, she is so helpful and friendly.

[gingerbeard]

Shooting. I'm not as convinced as you are that there's a buzz about KGS. I see you regularly claiming this, but I'm not so sure. It's a fine school, but I think the Head leaving so suddenly is a real problem. The governors must be furious, especially when she is going to a boys school after claiming that co-education is the only way to go. I know several parents who have been worried by recent developments and are hoping the new Head is the right appointment. Still, it's all good news if KGS is your first choice.

[tess73]

Gingerbeard, am about to pay a deposit for KGS... What recent developments?

[reddidi]

"I think the Head leaving so suddenly is a real problem. The governors must be furious..."

Perhaps. Or is there another scenario where Mrs Fletcher felt she couldn't push through changes far enough or fast enough at KGS due to resistance from the governors/SMT/staff and so was open to suggestion when CLSB came calling?

Are there any clues in the recently issued Development Plan which seems to contain some good ideas that could have been targeted in the last four years rather than the next?

[lulu399]

Thank you all for your input and advice. Admissions said they'll discuss the waiting list next week. Does anybody know why Mr Dunlop is leaving, and does anybody know the teacher who is taking over the first form?

[reddidi]

Mr Dunlop is taking on the headship of Clayesmore Preparatory School in Dorset. I would imagine this is a dream job for him and a very rare opportunity; it seems likely the timing is an unfortunate coincidence.

[tess73]

R.Hetherington is head of first form from September

[Shootingatpigeons]

Or gingerbread Sally Fletcher got headhunted to be the first female head at a prestigious boys school, www.standard.co.uk/news/education/boys-need-to-see-women-in-powerful-roles-says-schools-first-female-head-8791293.html one where there is an ambitious programme to encourage diversity, though obviously not in terms of gender I can see why there is a pull, as opposed to push, in terms of her career.

So the Head at Wimbledon High has also felt pushed to LEH , as was Mrs Low from Frances Holland to LEH before her? Like it or not there is a sense of career progression in all these moves.

I have heard only that staff and pupils feel positive about the new Head at KGS. Someone posted the GSG write up from his current school (before feeling it was dodgy to reproduce here) that manifested the same focus on pupils that made Sally Fletcher so popular.

I am sure there are conspiracy theories, aren't there always? But that isn't what I am hearing from current senior pupils

[gingerbeard]

Shooting - I'm not a fan of conspiracy theories either. However, Sally Fletcher leaving so soon looks bad. I know several parents who feel the fact of her leaving wasn't handled well either. As I said KGS is a fine school - but every time it is mentioned, you pop up saying there's "a real buzz about it", all I'm saying is, you may feel the buzz, not everyone does. As someone who works in education, I think there was a buzz, and it remains to be seen whether there will be a new buzz once the new head starts. I hope so.

[Shootingatpigeons]

Perhaps I should define that buzz, and perhaps it is not the right word. However in contrast to some other schools it feels like a happy ship. Pupils feel encouraged and that they are focused on as individuals. My DDs and their peers at another school, were always envious of that happy feel. As a parent I never heard a story of a pupil there that was not happy and fulfilling their potential. A lot of this was already there before Sarah Fletcher arrived. The last Head was rather dry but he built up a good team and that was already the "buzz" coming from pupils. Sally Fletcher added in charismatic leadership and of course everyone is disappointed she is leaving so soon, she has been good for the school, it was a shock but certainly made sense to me.

However did you see the Headhunter's brochures targeted at potential applicants to the two Headship posts that were being filled at the same time? The KGS one was all about the pupils, leading a school that would encourage it's pupils to fulfil their potential , the other was all about the school and it's reputation. As it happens LEH parents feel the WHS Head will bring more focus on the pupils as individuals and their personal development. However I found the difference in emphasis presumably set by existing Head and governors interesting.......

[gingerbeard]

I have not seen the headhunter's brochures at all. But I would say they probably match most people's view of the essential differences between LEH and KGS! That's why choice is important, and why it's important to choose the school which is right for your own DC rather than follow the herd, even if the herd are heading in another direction.

[trader21c]

yes Shooting interesting ... prefer the sound of the KGS blurb there

[padres67]

For those on the KGS reserve list, has anyone been given an indication of where they are on the list? I know there is a meeting next tuesday to discuss but so far we have no idea where we are on the list, and I think I may have already driven Charlotte Ribolla mad. I have no idea how big the list is, have you? We have offers at Radnor and Surbiton and will accept Radnor unless we get KGS before 3rd March but think that is unlikely. Also, does anyone know if Tiffin (boys and girls) places are allocated yet, as I guess that may effect the KGS list too. Thanks

[lulu399]

Apparently there's an email going out on Sat evening regarding state school places, letters are out on Monday. The KGS reply after the 5th is too late for us. We'll have to pay a deposit beforehand. Is there any point in calling KGS on the 3rd without driving them crazy??

[trader21c]

Give it a go nothing to lose :)

[padres67]

Think we will be calling KGS on 3rd too. Good luck.

[reddidi]

No, the pan-London state school admissions will be notified in the evening of Monday 3rd. Last year I believe the emails went out about 5.30.

[legallady]

Padres67,

State school allocations will definitely affect the waiting list for KGS. My DS was one of several children I know who took the KGS exam last year as a back up for the grammars/other state schools. I know of 5 children in our very ordinary state primary who were offered places at KGS, but only one ended up taking the place once they heard their state school allocation. There will be a significant amount of movement. Good luck

[lulu399]

Padres67, good luck to you too!
Reddidi, so emails on the 3rd at 5.30. Thanks a lot!

[Shooting4themoon]

Really sorry to ask...
Did anyone get an offer today that frees up any places for KGS reserves?

[lulu399]

I know 1 boy who won't take up his place... I'm not holding my breath just yet.