Dulwich College year 2 entry - advice needed

[Bet01]

Hi everyone,
My son is currently in year 1 at our local primary and doing really well: a year ahead in reading and where he should be for everything else. We'd like to apply for Dulwich College year 2 entry (taking the entry tests next January) but I'm wondering if I'm mad even thinking he would get in. It just seems so hard from what I hear, and although he's a bright boy he can be a little shy, so I'm worried that'll hold him back. We are working on verbal and non-verbal reasoning at home as they don't cover it in school (he loves it!) to prepare him for the test, as it's listed in the requirements on their website. But is there anything else I should be doing? Do I really need to do hire some kind of coach and scary things like that?
I guess I'm just looking for reassurance that 'normal' bright kids actually stand any chance of getting in, and whether I should be doing anything further to help him?
thank you!

[Bet01]

Well I need help with the entry year for a start! It would be a Year 3 entry, wouldn't it?!

[OreoDream]

How good is your Primary? Have you done any test papers? Have teachers said anything about performance or CAT scores? I believe Dulwich usually looks for around 115+, though that information may be out of date.

[Bet01]

Thanks Oreo - just did some Googling about CAT scores as I hadn't heard of them - it looks like an 11+ suitability thing, is that right? he'd be trying for Dulwich age 7 so I guess it won't apply?
His primary has a Good rating from Ofsted and I think it's a good place...he's learning well and they have good teachers. His teacher says he's performing well but doesn't know that we want to try for Dulwich Year 3. Should I tell her now do you think? He's still 9 months away from having to take the test so I thought it was too early for test papers but maybe I should start now?
So many questions...

[Notmynom]

CATs are cognitive ability tests. At 7+ applicants to DC sit maths, english and CAT papers.

CAT tests are sort of like IQ tests - they test underlying ability in a way that can't really be prepped for. Kids in indpendent schools do versions of them from very early on and knowing the score gives you a guide to your child's overall performance.

A CAT score of 100 is average for DC I think they are looking for 120 and above which means about the top 7% of the population.

[Bet01]

ooh flip that sounds tricky Notmynom. So if you can't really prep for them, I should probably just test DS now and see how he does? then at least I'll know...