7+ Sw/W London for a girl. Idiots guide

[Stilllookingfor]

I know this question is ages old but we have finally decided to look into going for the 7+ for one of our girls and it is very difficult to understand 1) curriculum that needs covering, 2) if you are in a prep, how far behind or ahead you realistically are, when do you start preparing, 3) odds/chances of getting into Laytimer/Bute/Putney High and the likes at the moment for a girl.

The covid situation does not help, as the school visits are on hold.

Then there is the "to tutor or not to tutor" question. Depending on the postcode of the person you speak to, the answer ranges from "absolutely necessary" (South Ken/Fulham based) to "you can do it yourself with a bit of work for a couple of months" (TW based). Not to mention, I am finding it very difficult to find someone that can give straight advice.

Finally, I want to make sure I do not miss any good schools that are reasonably academic and are through schools:

Latymer
Putney High
NH&E
Bute House (to 11+)

Any other schools you would recommend? We are based in West London so North London is not an option, and Wimbledon probably not either, due to the difficult commute. Our girl is bright, chatty, sporty and happy, but with short attention span and very opinionated so not the traditional girl who will sit down for homework every day without a fight.

[Qqwweerrtty]

The schools usually say that they should have covered the national curriculum for their age however that doesn’t prepare them for exams so they should have a go at some practice papers. There are lots online (the ones you pay for are usually better) and on school websites. Bond books are also good for 7+.

Lots of people tutor and lots go for parent input instead. 7+ requires one or the other for the more academic schools. You can’t expect a 6/7yr to do it by themselves.

Most girls won’t happily sit down to homework at that age but she will need to be able to focus for a morning of exams when it comes to the assessment.

Order of difficulty is probably Bute, Latymer then PHS but others may disagree.

[HyperHippo]

If your daughter is reasonably academic and strong in her class then you can do it yourself as long as you are organised and your daughter is happy to do bits of additional work for you without major fuss or fights. If she isn't, I really wouldn't recommend you looking at these schools as if you are West London she is probably already at a great prep that will work for her?

I'd agree Bute, Latymer and then PHS but Latymer has the element of less places, all through etc so I think more take up their places. Whereas at Bute if the girl has an offer from an all through, the parents may take that up to avoid 11+ so probably more get in from the waiting list. Putney only takes a handful at 7+ so that is tough too. Although I've also noticed friends with Bute places who said they'd take an all through if they got it then go and see it and fall in love. I don't know what they do there! Friend who went did say they are really pushing the fact they aren't SPGS feeder and don't come here just for that- but they do get good numbers in so perhaps parents go for that element.

You could add LEH or Notting Hill and Ealing commute depending (or city but assume commute not great). I would also think about the all-through Vs prep element as bear in mind the 11+ prep begins in 3 years time and that time will fly so you may not want to be doing all this again.

[Stilllookingfor]

thank you @HyperHippo and @Qqwweerrtty for the tips. when would you start preparing / doing work if you are in an average ok good prep (but not a top prep)? and I am looking a bit far ahead but, when do you tell the school you will sit for exams? as they may not support this since they go to Y6.

[HyperHippo]

Stilllookingfor I would do some over the summer including a maths paper, writing task and comprehension (and verbal/non-verbal if you are going for schools that use it) to get a sense of strengths and things to work on. Work on these gently over the summer in between activities/play/fun. Then up to half term I would do bits each weekend, upping it a lot at Oct half term as the exams are usually November or January.
One thing I would say is read, read, read. Not to necessarily push her on but it helps so much with all aspects of English and discussion. This can be done every day for 10 minutes.