SW/W London Independent Schools thread part two

Thanks MC a great post.

Pop1ns we chose Tiffin over various scholarship offers a couple of years ago for DS. He loves it and has convinced us to do the same for DD. I still wonder occasionally what we gave up, and whether he might have been better if in any way. we will never know. He definitely has loads of lovely friends, the boys are all really supportive of one another, funny, polite, very diverse backgrounds which I love. academically ds is doing fine, he possibly still coasts but definitely being gently encouraged to ramp up his effort now. There are a few uber brain machines in his (and every) year, and a couple of boys with very driven parents who do all their homework but most of them just work and play and it's a joy! DS not taken on much sport which makes me sad but those that do can get a lot out of it.

Thanks again Emptycoffeepot.
It is a very hard decision.We too loved KGS but we are going for Tiffin.I think we have been swayed by his achievement.In our minds we think money is not a factor but it always looms large in the background.I only hope the pastoral care will be good at the state school.I do not know if we are making the right decision but we are happy with it.

Pop1ns

Very specific to DS. He's a little unconventional and we think it's the one he's likely to be happiest at. Were impressed by staff and children - and could see him there. More than, say, at Hampton. Still somewhat torn as both schools are excellent. DS would probably be fine at Tiffin too, academically at least.

Thanks Tedd, look forward to seeing you and the others on the April 27th. Do I need my leopard print scarf for that night or should I save that until Sept?

Congratulations to everyone who has got the school of their choice. I have been a daily lurker on this thread over the past month or so and found it really helpful, especially the recent comments re the importance of the tests versus extra-curricular.

I was wondering if any of those who are now done with the process could PM me with any recommendations re a good tutor in the Twickenham/Richmond area. DD is a year away from this and I am beginning to realise she needs a tutor. She's reasonably bright and has excellent extra-curricular but she really needs some help with test prep, which I don't feel well enough equipped to do myself. Thanks for any suggestions.

Nice to hear all the good news! KGS is lucky to have you all. Just popped back to see how it was all going and to echo the fact that second time is much easier. We were lucky enough to have a gap so could do 10+ for year 5 DS. And relax....

I have learned that 10+ is useful, looking at VR useful, writing a few stories useful. Sport , instrument, prep school reference , tuition all much less so IMHO.basedon DS2, bless him Honestly. Whatever anyone tells you.

P.S thank you to the mumsnetter (I'm sure it was one ) who gave positive feedback about DS1 giving them a KGS tour. Nice thing todo, made me wish I had done the same

yay Twickersm0m fab news. see you at KGS! (am amidaiwish by the way i name changed and now can't seem to change back!)

Well done Twicker! That's fab.

Yes Dark...we need scarf's!

Thank you Dark! We are thrilled, it has been an experience and unfortunately one we will have to endure again next year as DC2 is in Y5, but I agree with previous comments that it will be easier 2nd time :)
I think I may need to almost over prepare DC2 for the exams as I’m sure the process is not going to any easier.

Will start shopping for Day 1 outfit :)

Well done Twickers! I hope you and choc will also be wearring a leopard print scarf or trench coat on day one!!!

My baby got an offer from KGS just before the deadline of our second choice school yeaterday! Thank you mums, we followed the advice given and showed our interest in the school and it paid off! See you at KGS xxx

Empytcoffeepot-I am not stalking you but I am in a similar position in that I have both KGS and Tiffin.You have explained the differences bw schools but why have you plumped for KGS?
Your thoughts are much appreciated.

I can do one with an LV in the corner!

But a tasteful scarf is surely not going to be too much?

Small MN embroidered in the corner?

Newt, normally any excuse for shopping will send me into a frenzy, but given that I'm about to be adding a shedload more to my household expenses, perhaps I shall lay off the Burberry! Damn, I've always wanted one....

Given the MI6 thread, perhaps it should be beige trench coat and black trilby, copy of the FT and a blue carnation in the lapel?

Waitingandhoping love it!

I think it would ruin my hairdo though tosses mane

So perhaps I might go for a leopard print scarf instead.....

Thanks Another... Sound unlikely for us then...

I agree about exam. We too thought extra curricular would be really important esp for Emanuel.

Now wishing we'd done more practice papers as WL is so close, yet so far...

Waiting any chance of a blue version?

How about this?

Is anyone else on this thread (and lurkers) going to Surbiton? I am considering wearing something quite identifiable on the open day which is 23 June

I agree - much easier second time round, and both of mine were girls. It's so helpful having some idea what you're up against, although it does sound like this year has been a particularly stressful one.

Where have you gone for SonorousBip?

Girls vs boys in SW London there are more spaces for girls BUT you are competing directly with the prep girls.
At least for boys the most academic preps go on to 13+ entry so you're not competing with as many of those very well prepped boys at 11 out of the state system.

definitely agree re the exam being the key. far more than i had thought. i thought these schools all wanted county sport, grade 3 instrument etc but it doesn't seem to sway them and wouldn't be enough for scholarships!

a few years ago i was panicking and ensured dd did squad swimming, drama, musical instrument etc..
it probably helped in the interview (hers were all 1:1) as she had things to talk about, but the level REALLY wasn't important (she hasn't yet done grade 1 in her instrument, the drama is saturday morning opposite of stagecoach type affair!)

chocfinger, what swayed you?