10+ city of London boys

[Jesusgirl]

My ds is in year 3, and Someone asked what secondary school he was going- I hadn't really thought about it as I thought it was a bit too early.

Anyway, she mentioned the 10+ entry at city of London boys, it's the 1st time I'm hearing about 10+, I always knew about 11+.

So can anyone tell me what the 10+ is, is it for entry in year 6 then? Or do the kids still finish up year 6 at their current school and start in year 7 there?

Also when do you usually take kids for open days? I had thought you'd do it in year 5. But again, I've been told I'm too laid back about things and I should have started looking and preparing as 'everyone' is doing that already. I still look at my ds as the little 4 year old that I took to his 1st day of reception in 2008!

So basically, should I be doing something now, or is my friend just being a bit neurotic about the whole thing?

Thanks.

[EdithWeston]

Some schools do 10+ entry, and yes that means starting at the secondary in year 6.

The timetable for this will be on the school's website, as will timings of open days. You are likely to have plenty of time yet; if you go for a 10+ entry point, then applications will typically need to be in by autumn of year 5, so visits in year 4 are probably a sensible timing. Having some idea by the start of year 4 which schools are likely to be on your visits list and when their open days are is also a good idea. If you decide to go for 11+ or 13+ this all moves one year later.

It's always worth doing the basic information gathering early (online or getting prospectuses) just to make sure you don't miss any key dates. And finding out what sort of school your current school (if a prep) thinks would be a good match. Then add your commuting logistics and you have the start of a short list.

[Jesusgirl]

Thanks, It all seems a bit overwhelming at the moment! I haven't even given a good thought to options for secondary school. Comp, grammar, private?