Transfer from private to state at 11+

OP, it really is a complete myth that grammar schools are full of “rough but bright kids.” They are full of middle class kids who have been heavily tutored or gone to prep schools. I know a couple of lower-income families who got their kids into grammar school, but both were “culturally middle class” single mothers who read with their kids nightly and took them to museums etc. Your DD will be fine if she gets a place (but isn’t HBS a super-selective grammar that only accepts a small % of applicants? The odds are against it).

Latymer (Coed grammar) is relatively more diverse and easier than HBS to get in, but still competition is high.

OP DD is from a through private school not a prep so the school won't prepare 11+ and don't underestimate the efforts required to get to top London selective for 11+.

I did think this too, but didn't want to be a Debby downer. OP, it is one of the hardest schools in the country to get into. It's not your average grammar. Think about whether that's the environment you'd like your DD in too.
I don't know if you're in the catchment of Latymer in N9, but that's a popular grammar and a lot more balanced. Still tough to get into.

Based our experience last year SPGS is easier.

These two schools test format are very different so it attracts different girls with quite different qualities. We knew some girls get into one but not the other last year, and of course some get in both.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/secondary/4804140-could-any-child-get-into-sw-london-grammars-with-tutoring?reply=126214300&utm_campaign=thread&utm_medium=share

"I know that admissions are tough, but we are in 3 mile radius from it and she got without any tutoring to SHHS, Highgate and CLJS, so, I think, with some help, she will stand a decent chance."

Comprared to the 7+ exam competitions you had with above schools, 11+ hbs is at a completely different level.

Yup. I'd go as far as saying it's tougher than St Paul's girls.

You need to be in the top 10% in the first round even within 3 miles. There are nearly 3000 girls sit in the first round. It requires some luck on the exam day.

I suggest you (and DD) try to get the offer from HBS before considering other things. It is a bit late if you only start prepare from now for Sept exam.

Based on the number it is one of the toughest competition in 11+ of this country. From my observation the girls from private primary has no advantage to a lot of state school kids (and parents) specificly targeting this school from earlier years.

And HBS is very mono culture and not diverse at all, in terms of ehticuty and social diversity.

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/799873/response/1956757/attach/2/FOI%20G%20Singh.xlsx?cookie_passthrough=1

There will be plenty of prep school kids at HBS. I wouldn't worry. And the kids who went to state primaries won't burn her at the stake either! She'll be fine.

My daughter goes to a non London grammar school. A number of the girls in her form went to private primary school and are quite posh. In fact, I would say “non posh” is the exception rather than the rule tbh.

Sorry, I realised I misspoke. I don't know anything about grammar schools out of London. There are some areas of the country where grammar schools are the norm eg Kent. There will likely be far more diversity in those as some of them are easier to get to and there are just more of them.
Unfortunately the London ones, aren't like that at all. They're 'super selective' and very much not diverse, esp in terms of socioeconomic backgrounds.

People are pulling your leg op. It's a very funny show. Definitely not a documentary. You might not want to watch it with your daughter. Quite crude and a lot of jokes that wouldn't be allowed now. A British classic though. Its a very exaggerated version of a private school boy going to a pretty rough comprehensive. It's hilarious.

As for socioeconomic diversity, that's not really a thing in grammar schools. Especially ones like HBS. HBS is pretty mono cultural. Mostly Asian and white girls. Very few will be below what most people deem middle class. State primary schools don't teach what's on the test. Well off parents tutor for years and raise the standards far beyond what most 'poor' kids can get. Not because those poor kids aren't smart, but because they can't afford the tutor or the books. Some parents don't even know how to apply or feel their child won't fit in, so don't. London private schools are often more diverse tbh as the good ones have healthy bursaries. Esp ones like CLSG.

Can’t work out if you’re being serious or not! OP, you should definitely watch this “documentary”.

We are not London so the demographic will be different but my DD is at a non selective community college as we have no grammars. .if we did she would most likely have got a place. Most kids don't know or care where their peers went to primary school. She sounds posh (ish) and is very bright but very quiet. She is thriving in a large diverse school. I think it is good for her to see a cross section of society and some of the behaviours are truly eye opening but don't appear to be impeding her learning and she is flying academically. Probably more so than if she was surrounded purely by very high achieving children as she may have crumbled under the pressure.

Your bigger issue is her getting a place, I suggest you look carefully at all the state grammar options and non selective state schools you are close to. Most schools are not selective

Other pupils may be harsh to your DD for many reasons (I hope not but it does happen, mine got teased for a bad haircut once) - it’s then on the school to take action.

You are very much over complicating things. My son went from private to state at 11 and he was fine and it wasn’t even a selective school!

As others have said, HBS is very tough to get into so make sure you have back up options. Also remember bright kids do well at comprehensive schools too. Look for ones that are aspirational, place emphasis on good behaviour and set for at least maths, languages and science. My son has achieved brilliantly in his GCSE’s and is on track to do similarly well in his A levels.