7+ entry West London

[receptionmum16]

Hi

New to mumsnet and looking for some advice. DS has started reception this Sept in an overseas international school following British curriculum. We are looking ahead to the 7+ entry when we are relocating back to London and are planning to do some school visits next year when we are back for holidays.

We are looking around West London and would prefer schools that go all the way to 18 or have most of the kids transfer from junior to secondary school. We are fine with co-ed as DS is currently in co-ed but I am leaning towards single sex.

Now we would like to select a max of 3 schools to sit for 7+ entry. I do know that 7+ entry is very competitive especially for the schools we are shortlisting, so would there be any schools that would be slightly "easier" to get in (ie better ratios?)

Looking at:

1. Colet/Westminister/KCS - Very academic and very difficult to get in. We are leaning towards KCS as it seems to be more rounded and slightly less pressured than the other 2 (please correct me if I am wrong)
   
2. Laytmer
   
3. ???
   

Many thanks!

[EleanorRigby123]

I think London 7+ is quite a challenge for DC returning from abroad even if they are clever and have been following the UK curriculum. London kids are pushed so hard and so fast that they can out perform even the brightest at that age. That is not to say they will be doing the same at 11 or that they will be psychologically better balanced. They probably will not.

In your position I would be looking at a good prep school - if not as a first choice then definitely as a back up. Not sure where home is but the Thomas's, Eaton House, Newton Prep will all get the right child into St Pauls, Westminster or KCS at 13. So will similar North and West London schools. They will also prepare for other schools if your DC would be better suited elsewhere.

You do not avoid the senior school entrance hurdle by getting your DC in to a highly selective school at 7 or 8. They are asked to leave at 11 or 13 if they have not kept up with the cohort. So the 7+ option just represents a lot of stress for no particular gain. And all that in spades if you are overseas.

[mary21]

Depends where in west London but
Hampton prep/ Hampton
Ravenscourt back up Kew house
Hill house just prep
New land prep
Newton prep

[Mary21]

Another couple through schools in West London
Harrodian and Ibstock place

[Threeschools]

Avenue House School in west London will prepare well for 11+. There has been a lot of staff change recently but used to be very good.

[BoinkAlongQuietly]

Eleanor has given great advice OP. Good luck.