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Original poster

Ds doesn’t seem prepared for 11+

36 replies

mummy2aPrince09 · 22/11/2019 03:28

Hi everyone, I’ve been reading loads of posts but this is my first ever time posting!

My ds is sitting exams in January and in practice exams he doesn’t seem to get more than 60-70% and I’m getting super worried.

We have applied to Hampton, upper Latymer, Highgate, merchant Taylors and Habs.
Back up schools are reeds school and last choice Epsom but don’t really want ds in school 6 day’s.

What my worry is that with all the competition his scores aren’t enough to get him through, especially his English.

He was in a state school until last November and only joined in prep last year in year 5, he’s in the middle sets in maths and bottom in English.

I have weekly tutor but progress is so slow and time is running out.
The school says he’s really bright but needed that extra attention and the curriculum was different in state school so he needs time to catch up, but the issue is we don’t have that much time to get him to the 90% mark.

My question is that is it still possible to get in with 70%?
If he doesn’t get through do we get a chance of being on a waiting list? He is working hard but is also an Xbox addict which distracts him. Please advice me as I’m having sleepless nights and super worried!

OP posts:
XelaM · 22/11/2019 09:20

Have a look at Aldemham next to Habs - absolutely brilliant school but less selective and not such a competitive hot house. I haven't yet heard a bad word about it and I know quite a few students there. Also look at Mount House - they have an entrance exam but are generally non-selective and offer 50% scholarships from what I hear. It's a lovely school and very nurturing. Again, have friends' kid there.

Michaelahpurple · 22/11/2019 09:09

It's all very well saying wait until 13, but surely a lot do that sector is either very academic and/or pre-selects early ie now? Dulwich is the obvious exception, with their year 8 January entrance exam but are there really many others?

There are the new schools - Fulham Prep, Kensington etc I guess

Gingercat1223 · 22/11/2019 09:00

@mummy2aPrince09 , I can't think where you live to consider all those schools, I guess you are relying on the train system. Don't forget you have to drive to school most Saturdays for home sports matches.
Listen to your Prep head & as others say consider moving him at 13.
I have experience of the SW London schools & can say you have to be a good all rounder to do well with your chosen schools, Reeds has a new exam this year so may suit your ds. Have you been for your Epsom interview yet? Hampton is tough, it's an exam for a committed ds. Have you looked at the Hampton recommended reading list on their website? Would your son be excited to read the books on the list? They select ds who can keep up with the fast paced teaching & challenging homework.

Best of luck for the coming weeks.

BubblesBuddy · 22/11/2019 08:49

I don’t think you can expect the prep school to work miracles. Why not wait until 13? He might get a chance to consolidate his work and mature a bit. Assuming the prep goes to 13 of course. He just might not be academic!

LIZS · 22/11/2019 08:41

Does he have the option of staying at prep school until year 8? If not have you made a state school application?

daisypond · 22/11/2019 08:34

Secondary school transfer can be really stressful, so I get it. Even if he doesn’t get offered a place straight away he may be put on a waiting list, and as people firm up their choices, places will open up. He can only do as well as he does - there’s no point if he doesn’t want to work at it, and what 10-year-old would? Did you get advice from his school over which schools to apply for?

sedburn78 · 22/11/2019 08:27

For Hampton he can get away with being weaker in English but he does have to be strong in Maths/reasoning. He doesn't need to get 90% though! Latymer is probably more even but if he excels in one it will help. Don't worry. I have seen so many parents like you over the years and honestly, it all works out. If he's at a prep school and is bright but needs to catch up, why don't you just keep him there and go for the 13+?

FanDabbyFloozy · 22/11/2019 08:25

@sarahjconnor speaks sense. Parents say "it's worth a shot" and true, every year one or two sneak in but they are going to find the pace fast. He's already in a prep and being tutored so maybe it is what it is.

If you think he's going to mature later, why not pick a less academic school now and try again at 13+ if he seems better ready for it?

Where do you live that you can consider North London/Herts schools as well as Surrey ones?

sarahjconnor · 22/11/2019 08:19

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

winteragain · 22/11/2019 08:19

He does not need to be getting 90% in everything! Do not panic!
Most schools don't have separate scholarship papers so the papers also have to identify those who are going to get scholarships.
There will be lots of boys who are better in one subject or another and they will also look at reports etc.
You still have a few weeks - is it a timing issue or silly mistakes or just can't do it.
Also- the maths curriculum in particular won't be very different at a state school, whatever the prep school says. They will just do more 11 plus preparation.

Hoppinggreen · 22/11/2019 08:11

I cant advise On those specific schools but I doubt 70% would be enough to get into a super competitive Grammar or Private school.
If he’s bottom set in English and middle for maths it really doesn’t sound like he’s academic enough for a school that he needs to achieve 90% to get into and even if by some miracle you pushed and pushed him to the extent he did get in then what? He would struggle and be miserable
Are there any other options where he doesn’t have to score so highly to get in? I’m not in London so cant recommend any schools but maybe someone else can