Trinity/Whitgift/Dulwich College 10+/11+ 2021

@suchnonsense W confirmed they only sent the offers electronically. Alleyns, DC and Trinity sent letters taht need to be returned with the form online too.

@northerngoldilocks

Makes sense. It was easy for us, as W was first choice, even though we got other Offers.

Would have made sense for schools to email information and then hard copies, so folks could ponder over half-term, as the schools really don't allow much time.

The whole thing is very stressful, and the schools don't help!

People are waiting for paper copies because there are 3 different schools on this thread and each have different approaches. DC sent out an email saying a place had been offered, but the details of academic and music scholarships were in the letter.

@suchnonsense

My offer was an email which had the forms attached for acceptance etc.
A follow up email which was addressed to my son, which I printed off for him to save as a memento.
Another email received confirming our acceptance and dates to note.

Not understanding why people are waiting for a paper copy? Alot of schools just stuck to electronic as easier. Only 3 of my schools sent letters along with the emails.

Has anyone received anything in the post from W (11+)? We had an offer by email, and nothing since. I wouldn't necessarily be expecting anything, but there's lots of talk on the thread of follow up communications so wanted to check we haven't missed anything. Thanks.

@Sweetnhappy1 yes they have some. I emailed to ask and they sent me a link to book. Not sure where it could be on the website as I did not look. Booking up quickly so I would suggest you contact them soon.

Have W arranged any offer holders 'look again' events? I haven't seen anything by email and we're away at the moment so don't know what's in the post.

@effemme thanks. I will get in touch with school mid week if not received too.

I am still waiting for W and St D letters.Got the others on Friday and no issues with the post. I will get in touch mid week if not received.

Congratulations for everyone getting an offer. I’m still waiting for DC’s letter post offer. Has anyone have same as me who is waiting for the post? Our postal service is usually not bad. No post for us today. I guess i have to wait for the another day.

@ChnandlerBong tahnks, Having the opportunity to try again for a schioarship is aplus, tghough surely even more competitive than 11+ Great they offer it though.

DC Scholars are invited to a range of lectures/talks/lessons throughout their school career - they are open to all but scholars are expected to attend.

There is an internal invitation process for 13+ scholarships. If they do well enough in their Y8 exams they are invited to sit the scholarship exam.

I didn't get the sense from either Alleyn's or DC that being awarded an academic scholarship came with any additional academic opportunities. It may be that i didn't ask the right questions, but I didn't get the sense there were additional opportunities. For music I'm sure there is a greater expectation of participation in orchestras / ensembles and if it was sport perhaps more focus on being on teams, but I didn't think the same held true for academic scholarsships.

Effemne, we were in the same situation a few years ago and booked deciders tours and spoke with admission about possibility of a scholarship and it was a complete non starter, though they did say at DC there is another chance at 13+ and these are open to current students too. Must say it feels a bit random as ds is performing better than some of his friends who are on academic scholarships but I try not to focus on that from what I can gather, the things available to academic scholars are available to everyone interested, at least in the younger years, namely weekly scholars club where they have talks in interesting topics.
We went with the easiest commute in the end and considering how stripped back train services have become I'm glad of it.

Hi, Wondering how Trinity and Whitgift are in terms of S.E.N support, specifically Dyslexia? Spoke with each of the schools SEN leader but I would be grateful to hear anyone's experiences on support received, Is it 1:1 support?

@Adastraperaspera I was thinking about but did not feel right. Though who dies not dare does not get.

@effemme- if your DS got offers from all and scholarships from some then clearly he is very capable. If you are brave, schedule a meeting with the headmaster and try and negotiate a scholarship for the local ones. Aren’t they always discretionary anyway? I no wouldn’t be too demanding but phrase it “it could really help with the decision…”

The scholarships can be very random. For music they do tend to go to the best, but academics is very much down to competition on the day.

When we were deciding. The head of sport offered to take my son around again, maybe worth asking.

On another note, I know that T offers a tour after half term, but it looks like is for families who have not visited yet and I would not want to take away a place from.someone who has not had that opportunity. Do the other schools offer more tours? I missed that.
Thanks and happy weekend!

@MrsHGWells thank you for all your points. I thought the worse was over but this decision seems to be the hardest bit.

Really struggling especially with the scholarship offers. Not only for the financial side ( a good help even if not massive )but also for the possibility of more opportunities/attention etc that come with being a scholar.
We wanted to stay local but Alleyns and DC ( 10 mins walk away) offers come with the full price tag, T and W - schools that love - have the scholarship option.
If feel irresponsible to throw away a scholarship( T us both academic and sports) but life for everyone will get harderd with earlier start and longer travel.
But is a it worth paying full fee and not being a scholar just to stay local?
Number one question for me.

Congrats to your boys!! Now the hard parenting decisions begin.. here are factors we considered making our own selection.

Revisit the school, take up offers day invites, walk around, your eyes will be open to the reality of decision and £££ commitment.

• Logistics - commute time & cost.

Those with musical instruments/Sports kit -
How will your son manage carrying school bag/ duffle bag /+ musical instruments/ +sports
Equipment to school Daily.

Are there personal School Lockers Available?

Drive to the school as a family, what are bus stops / train stations like. Safety is paramount.

You will be at the School more often than you realise (Saturday sports, extra curricular activities, parent teacher functions, general family logistics if your child needs to be collected early).

Friendships : your sons will have new and old friends. Friendships change significantly at Senior school.

School Head & ethos, teaching staff.
Will the school foster and provide opportunities to all children or just those in team A/B or on scholarships.

• lunches are provided by school or additional?

• Scholarships: Are there academic, music or sporting thresholds to retain the scholarship each year?

Sixth form: Check the Sixth form Reapplication process? From experience T and W need high GCSE grade point average to qualify for your child’s place for 6th form.

DC selects the child on potential at the qualifying point of entry yr 7/13 & commits and educates to University entry.

Pastoral care - contact policy for school (pupil only or parental contact allowed) / class size 20
Or 28? / Form Intake / size of year group / year group class camp/ opportunities to broaden knowledge and try new activities/ residential.

Congratulations for everyone getting an offer/ offers. We are on the waiting list of W 11+, hope can get the good news soon.

@mamajubba our DS also received W, DC and Emanuel. We were so convinced on W but now not sure… will go back for another visit. Good luck deciding!

Good advice. I think I will go round again with DS. Thanks

I think it’s so hard to ask people opinions, as they are all brilliant schools, it come down to your gut feeling about your child. If you still can’t decide than cost/travel etc. Maybe narrow it doesn’t to two and then visit again.