Ibstock/Emanuel/state?

[Putneypa]

Hi - our eldest is just about to start Y5 and considering secondary options in SW London. He's (top) middle of the road so I think, private wise, we'd be looking at the Ibstock/Emanuel tier. We also have the (faint) possibility of getting a place at one of the RC boys' schools (oratory/cardinal vaughan). Fees would be a big stretch but just about doable - we'd be happy to scrimp if we were sure that the private schools are actually offering more than just a glossy prospectus (no previous experience of private sector)... But my question is do they, or are we better saving the money for later?
Any thoughts from people with children at any of these schools as to whether, given their time again, they'd still go for the private or state option that they chose? And also, any thoughts generally on any of the schools named here (or similar). Thanks

[FernetBranca]

Depending on where you are in Putney, Ibstock can be surprisingly difficult to get to. Conversely, again depending on where you are, KGS can be surprisingly easy to get to, so you may want to add that. Emanuel of course is v accessible but check out right now the date on which they close the admissions because it now seems to be bonkersly early and you will be v surprised.

All of these will have open days in September so your timing is perfect. Go to the open days, have a nose round and then see what you think. (Look on websites, you may need to book in for some open days).

[AveEldon]

Are you already registered for Emanuel?

[AnotherNewt]

Emanuel guillotines its list when it reaches 600 for 11+ entry (around 75 places available) and it has ready done so for September 2017.

It's always worth having a look at Dulwich (the coaches run from all over SW/SE/bits of central London, so it may well be an easier journey than you expect).

[amidawish]

does he have any other interests which could be better served by independent rather than state secondary?

how faint are your chances at the RC secondaries? also what about Gunnersbury?

[Putneypa]

Thank you - in answer: yes, registered for Emmanuel. On catholic schools, we satisfy the religious criteria but appreciate these are in demand.

Amidai - I think that's part of the issue. He is (fairly) sporty but not A team, likes music but not choral scholar type. Frankly, he'd be happiest with Lego (assuming that will change in the next few years!).

Ibstock looks best fit on paper (broad extra curriculum, great results but not hot house?) but heard on the grapevine that the head might be retiring soon but again not sure if that's good or bad.

[amidawish]

if i were you i would choose 2-3 independents and see what happens with your state choices

you could also do the KGS 10+ this January, see how he gets on to give you an indication of his ability - the feedback is quite comprehensive.

[amidawish]

not sure if emanuel/ibstock do a 10+
someone else may know?

[NWgirls]

Yes, Emanuel do 10+: www.emanuel.org.uk/admissions/10-plus

But be aware that if you get a 10+ offer and reject it, they don't let you try again at 11.