7+ vs 8+ vs 13+

[Mariep25]

Could anyone provide insight as to what is more difficult / competitive 7+, 8+ or 13+?

[AnotherNewt]

There's no answer to that!

If they go to a junior department/guaranteed feeder at 7/8+ then you have thr advantage that unless someone goes wrong, they should be sorted through to 18 (though normally they will still have to pass the exam at 13+ and the school should be telling you the writing on the wall a good couple of years ahead if there is doubt they will indeed pass).

But children mature at different rates, so there's no way of telling at which stage in their development they will be ready to do well in competitive exams.

[AnotherNewt]

Sorry, I spotted this in 'active' and replied in terms of general education, and only spotted after I posted that this is in SEN.

I hope my post isn't totally useless though, because the underlying point about maturity and readiness is (probably) still relevant.

You haven't said what particular features, but seem to be considering the mainstream independent schools. Have you already identified a shortlist of those who can offer the right SEN support? Because another factor is that the level of competition is as likely to vary between schools as as it is at different entry points to the same school.