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Original poster

Is it too early to start a 2016 girls 11+ W/SW London thread?

836 replies

orangina · 07/07/2015 11:39

What do we think? DD is sitting 11+ for various consortium schools in January 2016 and I am slightly desperate for a thread to compare notes, pat each others shoulders etc..... I lurked on last years thread, but it didn't start until much later....

Just booking up open day places and filling in my registration forms now.....

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Original poster
orangina · 04/08/2015 21:05

... and we do have a bit of time with the tutor booked over the next 2 weeks, but none after that until term starts again.

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Original poster
orangina · 04/08/2015 21:04

Welcome shirley!

Re: work this summer, we have just been away for 2 weeks.... first week was NO WORK, but in the second week, I'm afraid I made her do some maths each morning for about 45 minutes. Just trying to make sure she hasn't forgotten what we have been covering, and to get her to the stage where she can start doing actual practice papers, rather than just covering fractions etc.

DD's (state) school does absolutely NOTHING in the way of recommendations, so I am feeling my way the best I can. Trying to get info out of the tutor as to what schools she feels DD might stand a chance of getting into. Obviously I think she is clever, talented and all round amazing, but i may not be the most objective person to judge!

We are also trying to read some slightly more challenging books together as apparently Harry Potter won't cut the mustard....

Currently we are booked into open days at G&L, FHS NW1 and SW1, NHEHS, Wimbledon High, South Hampstead High, Queens College Harley Street and (possibly) St James. Also looking at Greycoates Hospital School and St Marylebone CE School (both girls state schools).

This whole process feels slightly insane. Am glad to be gathering a little band of you lot going through the same thing!

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Shirleycantbe · 04/08/2015 16:08

I'd like to join too! I am looking at G&L, Latymer, Putney High, Wimbledon High, Surbition High and Ibstock for my DD.

School have recommended the academic options but DD is quite slow at exams and I am worried the 11+ process really wont suit her.

Also feeling the fear as to what we will do if she doesnt get in anywhere!

Are you making your DDs do much work over the summer orangina and Giraffe?

Original poster
orangina · 04/08/2015 15:44

So sorry everyone, I went on holiday and abandoned this thread!

Thanks for everyone who has contributed. DD coming from local primary school so we are not part of the great pre-school panic that seems to happen (going by what my pals report....). No others in DD's year appears to be going down the 11+ route.

Trying very hard to choose the right number of schools and not succumb to the "what if she doesn't get a place ANYWHERE" panic that gently lurks in the background.

NWgirls, glad to hear your positive feedback of FSH NW1.... I was very impressed at the open day I went to in autumn '15, but DH was less impressed when he went about a month ago, felt that the headmistress had sot of 'checked out'. Not sure why a headmaster has been brought in to head up a girls school either. All feedback gratefully received.

Am aware that G&L is SUPER competitive. DD is bright, but I fear she may not be super consistent, so in terms of exams etc, I think it will be very dependent on how she manages to perform on that day.

Welcome Giraffe44, we can compare notes and hold hands as we get through the next 6 months!

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NWgirls · 16/07/2015 18:52

OP, you have registered for three great schools! G&L is the most difficult to get into (huge number of applicants, very selective), followed by NHEHS, and then Francis Holland NW1 (again followed by FH SW1 & QCL which you also mention, and which I believe are good and a bit easier again to get into). Our experiences and impressions (from two years ago) have been documented in some detail on various threads.

What is new since then is that DD has completed a year at FH NW1 which has been brilliant and a great fit for her - I can give more feedback later when I have more time. New head named and coming in a few months; we really, really hope that the very positive, warm atmosphere will remain unchanged. Many excellent teachers.

mertonmama · 15/07/2015 19:49

We did it last year and are now at the exciting buying uniform and kit stage. Ask away as much as you like. You'll probably get straighter answers on here than in RL.

Are you doing / have you done any mocks yet? Really invaluable practice if you can.

Giraffe44 · 15/07/2015 14:22

I'd love to join this group as my DD going through the process in January and am interested in all above schools. Is it really as scary and competitive as looks?!

TawnyPippit · 10/07/2015 22:41

Ooh, I did this last year so I can be your mentor! Ask away! although we were mostly focussed on co-ed)

Original poster
orangina · 10/07/2015 19:59

Bumping this in the hope that someone might want to join in this thread....

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Original poster
orangina · 07/07/2015 17:26

Hi Blinkinwinkin..... thanks for responding! Just trying to work it out now.... G&L, NHEHS and FH NW1 so far. Am booked to look around FH SW1 and Queens Harley Street. Considering back ups, if such a thing can be said to exist...... Where did your DDs end up? And was the process as painful as I imagine?!

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Blinkinwinkin · 07/07/2015 13:00

good luck, my girls have been through it already but happy to hand hold. which schools will your dd sit?