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Original poster

All schools rejected at 11+. What now?

187 replies

lirik · 13/02/2023 13:57

Apologies for the wall of text and a clickbaity title. One school, The Leys in Cambridge, put our daughter on waiting list with final answer due March 8th, and 10 others rejected.

We are based overseas, planning to move to UK this summer. Daughter is currently at NLCS (Singapore).

We have hired education consultants to help navigate UK schooling landscape, aid with school selection, applications, etc. We have also engaged tutors to help prep for 11+ over past year or so.

Now that most schools rejected, consultants are proposing to consider Fulham till 13+ and try again after two years, or just stay at Fulham senior till sixth form.
Another option is to try apply to few schools that haven't done their tests yet. Namely we currently have on our radar Eaton Square Senior School and Radnor House.
A good friend recommends to settle in area with good and outstanding schools only and hire tutors aiming for 13+ or sixth-form.
Locationwise we'd prefer London but can entertain outside London commutable to city. In a pinch if need be can consider pretty much anywhere in UK. I recon I can reach an agreement with the employer.

OP posts:
Hersetta427 · 13/02/2023 14:14

What schoold did you get rejections from so we don't reccommend schoold that you have already tried.

TallulahBetty · 13/02/2023 14:13

You'll have to slum it in a state school with the rest of the great unwashed.

Trickleg · 13/02/2023 14:12

Try Ewell Castle or Hall School Wimbledon - both accept applications outside the usual cycle.

ThreeFeetTall · 13/02/2023 14:11

I think there are private but non selective (by academic ability) schools

SheilaFentiman · 13/02/2023 14:10

If you move in the summer, I don’t think state schools will get back to you before the start of term.

hellosunshineagainxxx · 13/02/2023 14:10

Actionstations · 13/02/2023 14:01

It sounds like you can afford to buy anything. Fantastic!

😂

SheilaFentiman · 13/02/2023 14:09

Do you have a uk address?

woohooho · 13/02/2023 14:08

Mysmallgarden · 13/02/2023 14:05

Nearly all schools have done their testing for this year, and results are being given out. Staying at Fulham sounds the best idea, and maybe apply for different schools next year. But as 10 schools have said no already, you might be better opting for a good comprehensive school in a nice location.

OP is currently overseas so getting a place in a sought after comprehensive will likely be harder than finding an independent school place. Prep schools till 13 will have spaces especially for girls and it will be easier to find a place for y9 if in the country I think.

CatOnTheChair · 13/02/2023 14:08

Are you sure a selective school is right for your daughter?
Can you look for an area with a selection of good state schools, and try and get a place there once you are back in England?

I don't know the Singapore school you refer to, but the state school we came back for was better than our previous British International school. My kids went from easily top of the class to top third on returning to a bog standard NE England state school.

Mysmallgarden · 13/02/2023 14:05

Nearly all schools have done their testing for this year, and results are being given out. Staying at Fulham sounds the best idea, and maybe apply for different schools next year. But as 10 schools have said no already, you might be better opting for a good comprehensive school in a nice location.

woohooho · 13/02/2023 14:05

Fulham Prep till 13 sounds like a good plan and they will be well placed to give advice. Once you are here you may also find other options. Certainly children joined both my DCs school in year 8 and 9. ( both schools whose main entry is 11+).
There is a lot of movement in and out of London and spaces do open up. Good luck!

Actionstations · 13/02/2023 14:01

It sounds like you can afford to buy anything. Fantastic!

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