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Original poster

Wycombe A, Downe, Wellington, also need less competitive option?

37 replies

blondiemoose · 03/04/2023 14:00

Looking for thoughts on if would need to also apply to a less competitive entry wise senior school if applying for Wycombe Abbey, Downe House and Wellington College?

What are the chances of getting non of the three? CAT score around 128.

Could add Charterhouse for example, but conscious also means more entrance exams/assessment days etc.

OP posts:
tarheelbaby · 04/04/2023 09:45

Others on here will be able to fill in the gaps and apologies if you know most of this already but here are some thoughts:

  • CAT of 128 is strong so provided the 'pre-tests' go ok you should receive some offers
  • what age is your DD? most of those schools use something called 'pre-tests' run by ISEB in yr6 to make their offers. These are aptitude/ability tests in maths, verbal and non verbal (spatial) reasoning. My local prep school prepares pupils thoroughly for these. They have an extra 45min every day in the autumn of yr6.

It is unfortunate that your prep school person is not very aware since that is normally the first port of call. Does the headmaster/mistress or someone have any knowledge? Definitely visit the schools and try to determine what they're like. Is your DD sporty? academic? arty? mid-level all rounder? musical? If you have not already, check on review sites (muddy stilettos comes to mind). Also, ask parents at your school with older children - where do/have they gone? What does your prep school's website say about future schools - where do leavers go?

Pupils at my local prep go to Wellington, Marlborough, Canford, Radley, Charterhouse, St. Swithun's, WinColl, Lord Wandsworth, Bradfield

2reefsin30knots · 03/04/2023 19:22

Maybe St George's Ascot as your less competitive choice?

Original poster
blondiemoose · 03/04/2023 19:10

We haven't visited yet, registered for upcoming open days. These three being considered due to proximity to home, academics, lots going on in terms of music/sport and ethos. Fully aware might not like them when we visit or think they might not suit our child. Was just wanting to get views on if we needed to also visit others as multiple open days need logistics of getting younger siblings looked after for the day etc.

OP posts:
Decisions23 · 03/04/2023 18:48

@blondiemoose What is your reasoning for those three schools? Have you visited them and do they feel right?

Sometimes the child has to fit the school regardless of CAT scores, which is where assessment days and interviews come in. The schools will have a good feel from the day whether a child is a good candidate for the boarding environment.

redrobin75 · 03/04/2023 17:40

@blondiemoose , yes a tutor who can advise. Wycombe Abbey attracts a number of London based dd who are also trying for grammars and London based day schools like St Paul's. They will in some cases have had years of preparation for the tests and interviews.

HawaiiWake · 03/04/2023 15:49

Since your prep doesn’t do a lot of boarding you will have to be more proactive due to their formats, deadlines etc is different to day schools. You don’t want admin to mess up your application. Charterhouse, Wellington, Marlborough have a list of prep schools they used to dealing with. Worth asking if your prep school on list, if not be prepare to be a strong advocate and getting things done from parents side.

Original poster
blondiemoose · 03/04/2023 15:41

@redrobin75 Thanks, will look into more of a range. You're right she might not be the right type of girl for WA anyway.

By external support do you mean an education consultant or a tutor with experience that could give some insight?

OP posts:
redrobin75 · 03/04/2023 15:27

@blondiemoose , without detailed prep school support you probably need a range. Can you speak to parents in the current year 6 to see if any dc got offers from these schools, it will give you a benchmark. Otherwise you probably need some external advice to seriously consider Wycombe Abbey even with CAT 128. (Your dd will need the right personality too for WA).

HawaiiWake · 03/04/2023 15:23

Charter house and Wellington college was ISEB, not sure about next year. So ISEB is one online test so you don’t sit multiple tests for lots of schools but different interview days. Boarding schools give a few days options for this travelling from afar.
Marlborough or Stowe?

Original poster
blondiemoose · 03/04/2023 15:02

Haven't asked prep yet, they don't have much experience. Few go on to board and the staff member responsible is new to the school and the area, so hasn't yet built relationships with the senior schools. They just said let us know where you are thinking of and we'll contact them.

OP posts:
DPotter · 03/04/2023 14:41

Queen Anne's in Caversham
Leighton Park - Reading

redrobin75 · 03/04/2023 14:32

What does your prep school advise?