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Original poster

Talk to me about CAT scores and private schools

30 replies

thesunday · 07/03/2021 09:13

Hello!

Please enlighten me on CAT scores, especially for selective London schools. Alright, the super-selectives go for a CAT of 135+, makes sense.

Now our DS has a CAT of 115-119 and we're wondering whether a school with an average pupil CAT of 125 is right for them. DS tried this school for the 11+ (and didn't get in) and now it has been suggested by our headmaster to apply again for the 13+. The administration officer also said why not try again as DS 'fits the profile'.

I'm full of questions.

  • Our DC has a verbal CAT of 108, which might be too low altogether to even be able to pass a private secondary exam in London?
  • Can one improve on verbal CAT score (through VR, reading, etc)?
  • Is there a big difference between CAT 119 and 125 and do DS's come into their own?

And please excuse that I sound like a calculator (I genuinely ask on here because I want to do what's best for my child, and will not try to mould him into something he's not. On the other hand 10/11 years is very young and I don't want to pass on any opportunities that he is too young to understand)

Headmaster says go for the 13+ again, DH thinks CAT 119/120 is state secondary level and that's where DC is meant to be (even though he'd be delighted for DC to go to that private school).

And I'm still debating all this so please do let me know any comments, feedback, experiences. I'd be very very grateful.

OP posts:
Globaliser · 07/03/2021 21:31

Here’s a rough idea of the CAT scores for a range of schools. I’ve included some girls’ schools to give you an idea where the boys’ schools fit.

St. Paul’s Girls’ 130+ G
Wycombe Abbey 130+ G
St Paul’s 130+ B
Winchester 125+ B
Eton 125+ B
King’s Wimbledon 125+ B (G in VIth)
City of London Boys 125+ B
Latymer Upper120+ M
Dulwich 120+ B
Harrodian 115+ M
Emanuel 115+ M

Remember a bright boy will do as well at Dulwich as he will at St Paul’s. The difference is St Paul’s take the top 2-3% and Dulwich take a wider top 15%.

ElonanotAlone · 07/03/2021 19:53

What School were you targeting OP? After our experience this year,
most London day schools will have students with average CATS 125+ as a minimum. Improvements can be achieved with familarisation or tutoring - think 5pts - maybe more - depends on the child/ subject..,

SouthLondonMommy · 07/03/2021 12:10

119-120 is top 10% nationally so well above average and students with that ability profile are in many selective London schools. Has that score been achieved via lots of NVR and VR practice or is it close to his untrained ability?

125 is top 5% nationally for comparison. Very few if any schools only have pupils in only the top 5%, even in selective London schools.

It depends on your son's character but if he wouldn't mind being at the bottom of a very academic school then great. If he would benefit from being top or middle in a less selective school then go for that.

However, with that ability profile, if he works hard, he should have various options.

After8itsgrownuptime · 07/03/2021 11:58

Cats are always worked out so that the average is 100, so if your son is scoring 119-120 then he is above average. In September london that would get him entry to a top middling school and is a good score. The head will want him to stay until 13 so bear that in mind. If you tried at 11+ and didn’t get up do you have another option?
For what it’s worth, I have 2 friends who ready in year 8 and got in for year 9

LIZS · 07/03/2021 09:21

I guess the logic is on a good day he could get in, but with a typical or less good day he may not. What is the 13+ process - pretest,entrance exam or CE? It could be an aspirational choice but do have a back up. Bear in mind the prep head wants to fill year 7/8 so has an interest in keeping your dc longer. Would your dc really benefit from the extras offered at a private school, do they want to try again?