City of London Boys 10+ and sports scholarship

[cantstopstressing]

Has anyone DS's done this in the last few years? Lots of older threads but think the exam changed in the last few years so interested in recent experiences. I have a bright and very sporty 9 year old who may sit the exam in January. Just wondering how tough it is, how much prep is needed and what the sports scholarship trial entails. We've been tutoring for the last year but not started on past papers or mock exams or the like and really not sure i want to stress a 9 year old out with all that.

[chalkyc2]

Hi - I'm not much help I'm afraid but we're considering 11+. I was considering the sports scholarship too because DS is sporty but the website indicates it's only worth £250 so I'm unsure whether there's much point fo the extra stress?! I actually wondered whether the £250 was a typo but I don't think it is as have seen it in more than one place!

Did you look round the school yet? We managed to miss the open days and they don't allow any informal tours.

DS has just done the local grammar 11+ so we are just continuing with the 10 minute tests in verbal and non verbal reasoning (just for practice) and hope that school is doing its job with maths and English!

[cantstopstressing]

Thanks Chalky. Yes, I noticed that too! Doesn't seem to amount to much! Any other views?

[DarlingOscar]

My impression (from a few years back) was that the school generally wasn't all that sporty? The academic side of things is really prioritised. If you're London based with a bright and v sporty kid, there may be better choices? Certainly there are other schools which offer sports scholarships worth up to £5k PA if that sways you?

[cantstopstressing]

Is that right Oscar? For me, the location is a big drawback even though they do have a big astro turf pitch. Does anyone know if the 10+ is easier/less competitive than the 11+?

[MrsPatmore]

We know a couple of boys that went into Yr 6. One was very clever and would have walked any schools 11+ exams. He has remained top of the class. I would say there is less competition for 10+ entry. Sport is not a huge priority due to the lack of on site facilities but there is a swimming pool (water polo) and an Astro turf pitch and the boys get shipped out to Grove Park once a week or so for matches. If you're looking for a sportier school then Dulwich College might be worth considering depending on where you live? Or St Paul's or one of the other SW schools?

[MrsPatmore]

Maybe look in the forum section of elevenplusexams as City usually features in the independent schools talk thread.