Moving to Chelsea from NYC looking for Academic private school for 7+ year boy.!!

^ and problem solving (UK)

MichaelaPurple

Yes, it is interesting.
Apparently, when we were on the old curriculum an age 8-9 DC (3rd Grade) would be learning work which was 2 terms (not a year) behind the work done by an age 8-9 (Year 4) DC in the U.K. Now we are on the new system the gap is much bigger, but I'm not sure by how much exactly? I'd have thought by at least an additional 2-3 terms, so a difference in expected standard of 4-5 terms total??

Having said that, the syllabus are very different. The US syllabus is a lot more factual rote learning and the UK one is a lot more inference and critical thinking.

Just for clarity , I really wasn't meaning to suggest that only certain schools were worth targeting, or right for all boys, just that, having thought about it, there are various angles for various schools despite the non-standard timing.

Interesting thought about CATs and different school starting ages - I wonder if it does really work that way. Given that he would have to do such tests for quite a few school entrances, even occasional places, any such gap is one that will have to be lived with anyway, if you see what I mean.

I don't suppose you do CAT tests in the US?

@ OP: CAT tests are scored on the same scale as IQ tests with 100= national average, 115 = 1 SD above average etc.

The problem with CAT tests would be that they're based on national averages for a given year group and in the US kids start school a year later, so a child scoring 100 in whatever the US equivalent of a CAT test is would be average for their age but below average for age if they were tested in the U.K. Because they'd be in a different year group over here.

So if St Paul's & Westminster want to see a minimum of 125, that would equate to a higher score on whatever equivalent to a CAT test they have in the US.

And really don't get stuck on Westminster, Winchester, Eton and St Pauls. I don't know if the same is true of New York, but there is an odd Central London snobbery about schools, which seems to assume a clear pecking order. To the extent that it can feel like social death in some circles not to have your child in the right school.

Westminster is fine...for the right child. But there are lots of good schools which do well by bright children. And having gone through it all, I cannot see compelling evidence that, say, a top set kid at Dulwich does less well than a pupil at Westminster.

Do not even think of trying scholarship exams, unless your son is very special indeed. And if he is that special allow a good prep to show you the way. It is a lot of extra work, at a point when your son will be having to catch up with gaps in his learning, and wanting to adjust to life in a new country. And don't worry about SATs either. They are tests more normally used in the state sector to track pupil progress,more normally will set their own exams/test if they need them. SATs can be very unreliable.

I agree with AnotherNewt about asking Dulwich, though expect a no.

Probably worth pointing out that all the schools that have been mentioned here are popular choices from chelsea which has a handful of prep schools (Sussex house, st Philips , hill house ) etc but no independent secondaries. So boys bus to dulwich or Wimbledon and lots go to the north battersea schools (Thomas's and Newton) etc
Just in case you thought they were odd suggestions for geographic reasons.

If you lie the look of Dulwich College, that's probably one to try in parallel with approaching preps.

Yes, 11+ offers just made, and school full with waiting list. But, it's a big school and there's always the chance of someone dropping out. And as the school has boarding houses and a number of international students, it's one that is more experienced in integrating from other educational systems. So seeing if you can get on to that waiting list even at the eleventh hour could be worth it - the worst that can say is 'no'.

There's a school coach service for the Dulwich schools, and there are two routes which cover Chelsea.

Marlborough have just finished their intake for 2018, not 2019, judging by my God daughter. But their registration list might be closed - I don't know strict they are about that

The other angle from a good prep, if your boy is v academic, is that some schools (Westminster and winchester yes, eton and St. Paul's maybe - I haven't checked) allow boys who haven't registered or pretested in year 6 to apply directly to sit their scholarship papers in year 8. They say that a place is only available as a scholar (which at westminster means weekly boarding and only 9 places) but I know of a boy last year who won a normal place that way. Clearly your boy would have to be very well prepared to essay that route.

And as another poster said, there is probably more movement in the system than at first glance appears - it appears we have consensus on you targeting a good prep school who will be able to find the routes in and , crucially, identify where he belongs academically. (Newton and Thomas's battersea both have a large us contingent which might be nice)

I don't suppose you do CAT tests in the US? I wonder whether that is something one can have done as an individual (or perhaps your current school could arrange it?). They are standardised tests in verbal and numerical skills and verbal and non-verbal reasoning which many independent schools use and are a useful shorthand when addressing which sort of school would suit. There are rough guides to what numbers would indicate super-selective schools. But do practice first (e.g. BOFA website) as familiarisation with reasoning tests is helpful if one hasn't done them before. Might be handy for "marketing" him, if you will excuse the revolting phrase.

It is a while ago - but when we lived in the area - sadly some time ago - I would absolutely agree with Needmore re trying Newton Prep. They do a decent job with London day schools and also (if you wanted it ) some of the better known boarding schools. Also I have heard very good things of the new Head. And in DS's day - there were places in yr 7 & 8 for the reasons explained above ( i.e. some girls / 11 + candidates leave then - but you can easily check that)

Michaelah - Marlborough have also finished recruiting and have a waiting list.

@ OP if you hate the bickering then stay clear of AIBU and of the feminism board unless you're an ultra feminist!

I am not sure it is quite as problematic as Michaela suggests.

If somewhere like Newton, Eaton House or Thomas (Battersea or Clapham - Kensington only goes up to 11), will take you, which they probably would as they will have lost most of their girls at 11+, they will probably suggest catch up work over the summer (French, Latin, Maths) and then within a term or so will have worked out where your DS sits within his year group.

If he is very special - top 0.5% perhaps, a good head would probably be able to engage in some sort of dialogue with a very academic senior school about a late application. Otherwise a bright child will probably be aiming for somewhere like Dulwich (which does not pre-test) Alleyns, City etc. There will also be occasional places cropping up at schools without a formal 13+, like Latymer.

Schools like these would normally prefer to fill their places with a child who is up to speed in the English system, so with a good Head recommendation you are well placed. And if he is not quite right for these academic schools, the Head will recommend more suitable alternatives, some of which are mentioned above.

In short, use a good prep as your educational consultant.

Also starting into an established and small year group will help a child transitioning from a different educational system. An 11+ school might have 200 new students so would not have time to give the extra attention and support your son might need.

I would try Newton first. It is near the new American Embassy, and its head came from Dulwich College, which is a pretty good 13+ choice for a bright child.

I think MichaelaPurple has nailed it!

I was going to reply to your PM, but I think everyone els has already made all the suggestions I would have! All I would add is that because you'd be applying late, you may have to take whatever place you can find rather than being too wedded to the idea of somewhere in / v near Chelsea.

As others have said, these schools are very over subscribed and the ones which do have places may not be everything you hope for academically (such as Portland Place).

And Wetherby senior, but I don't think it would necessarily fit your classic but acadmic profile perfectly.

I think this may be one where you need an education consultant (Gabbitas and Thring is the big name, Good Schools Guide offer it too, others are available).

You've just missed the admissions round for 11+ (as others have pointed out) but there might be schools it is still worth ringing to see if there is any way they can consider a late candidate. What do you mean by a 'classic' school? And do you have any preferences for co-ed or single sex?

How long do you think you will be in London?

If you go the prep to 13 route then Newton Prep and Eaton House the Manor are both easily reached from Chelsea on the 137 bus.

This is based in St John's Wood but still may be handy - nice summary of schools.

This may be helpful.

Rather unhelpfully I have to point out that you have just exactly missed the 11+ entry process for the most obvious academic schools, (Westminster Under, Colet Court, Kings, Latymer, and the north London equivalents) and also the 13+ prescreening for the year 9 onwards most academic London schools (eg Westminster, St Paul's, Kings, City, UCS) who, rather oddly, select during year 6. (of course, it depends on how academic you want to pitch - Dulwich College for instance doesn't select until year 8, nor, I think, Alleyns).

I think your best plan would be to look at prep schools (to year 9) schools which have some boys leaving 13+ and who have less rigid 11+ entry proceedures to buy some time. Thomas's Fulham or Battersea, Newton Prep or Fulham prep leap to mind. But what you do after that isn't utterly clear, unless you would consider boarding (you have missed the most acadmic boarding schools too (Eton, Winchester, Tonbridge etc), but there are quite a few of the next tier which haven't finished yet (Marlborough, Wellington etc), although time is tight.

And there is the American school

Not madly cheering feedback. I think this is a case where an consultant might be a good idea (I am normally a bit doubtful about them) as you are hitting a tricky time. Some schools themselves might also be helpful.

Most schools that start at age 11 will be full for September so you options are a prep school for 2 years then move to a 13-18 school. This is a good option because it will give your ds the chance to move onto the UK curriculum and get advice as to the right senior school. Is he St Paul's Westminster material of more mingle of the road.
Another option is to look at international schools such as South bank international or Halcyon.
Third option to look at brand new schools such as Easton Sq upper. And Fulham prep is opening a senior department.
Portland place and Northbridge house sometimes have space
If everything fails the local education authority has to find your son a school place but it doesn't have to be your nearest school or a good school just one with space

Subscribe to the Good Schools Guide. Then think about a prep that goes up to 13+. Thomas's Battersea, Newton Prep, Eaton House The Manor, Wetherby might be top choices but also Hill House, Eaton Square, Fulham Prep, Knightsbridge Prep and others.

Places at academic secondary schools are very sought after. You are far more likely to get a place for the final two years of a prep, which also allows your child to make the transition to the British system. Good preps have good links with senior schools and will know where your DS might fit.

It might help if we knew what type of school you are transferring from in NYC to find a comparable. PS or private? Were you originally aiming for Sty/Bronx Sci or Horace Mann/Collegiate/Calhoun? The UK system makes NYC look like a day spa. Imagine ERB on steroids !

If you are relocating for work, would they pay for an Educational consultant?

If you want to change the title, click report on your post. Then you can ask Mumsnet to change the title.

You live much further west than me and I don't know west London all that well. It might be worth getting hold of a copy of the Good Schools Guide for north London.