Anyone heard from Tiffin Boys Sixth Form - interviews?

"What will Tiffin use to score DD given they don't know her at all? Predicted scores? "

@anoukis I expect they will use the predicted scores as their starting point, but will legitimise them using the mock scores. That's what they mean by "our assesment of" the estimated grades. It is completely subjective, and therefore completely in breach of the admissions code, but that's what they do.

"There isn't an average cut off score. It's based on the sum of the best 8 GCSEs ... Minimum cut off score of 56"

This is equivalent to an average of 7, so people sometimes legitimately refer to it in those terms.

Nobody mentioned an average of 8.5 as far as I can tell, so there was just some confusion there.

Communication very poor. I emailed a week ago and yet to hear anything. Would it be worth calling and asking to have an answer either way? The school will be breaking for Easter this week?

There isn't an average cut off score. It's based on the sum of the best 8 GCSEs - evaluated based on Tiffin's subjective assessment of the information received from the candidate and their school. I don't know how they can assess anyone based on that given that each school has different mock system and prediction systems. Different mock timings...

Minimum cut off score of 56 and subject-based minimums should get candidates at least on wait list, right? Well, if only it would be so clear...

I'll give a random example for my DD, for 3 of her subjects.

Nov mocks were paper 1. Feb mocks paper 2.

Subject 1 mocks: 8 in Nov, 8 in Feb. Predicted 9 for GCSE.
Subject 2 mocks: 8 in Nov, 9 in Feb. Predicted 9 for GCSE.
Subject 3 mocks 9 in Nov, 8 in Feb. Predicted 8 for GCSE.

What will Tiffin use to score DD given they don't know her at all? Predicted scores? Mock score? If Mock scores, which ones? February ones?

@INJU79 As far as I can see, nobody up-thread mentioned an 8.5 average. You didn't tag anyone or include a quote, so who were you asking the question to?

No, it's not irrelevant, it's just not the whole picture. Clause 15.2 says they need an average of a 7 in their best 8 subjects, but clause 18 lists minimums for specific subjects.

No, your friend's child's experience sounds perfectly in line with the admissions policy, and in line with everything in this thread.

The admissions policy lists specific subject requirements in clause 18. Some subjects do require an 8.

https://tiffinschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Admissions-Policy-2024.pdf

Yes, it seems much of what we have heard or was done in the past is either incorrect or has changed. I don't know why they don't go down the Tiffin Girls route which is super fair and straight forward = e.g. wait for final GCSEs, submit all on one day, they get ranked and Bob's your uncle!! Much fairer and transparent as we all know mocks aren't the same as finals.

@Richmond001 Thanks , so basically the entire ‘ average of 7’s ‘ thing is irrelevant . My daughter has 3 8s and a 7 in what she wants to do for A level realised she has to work now ! Perhaps this isn’t enough for them at this stage .
it’s frustrating as mums to wait for it especially as her friend has her interview tomorrow . I hadn’t realised the subjects intended are key in early allocation . As he say it is all a bit chaotic and unclear .

@INJU79 unfortunately I don't have any idea regarding the 8.5 average.

The only factual info I have is that my DD's friend got two 9's and one 7 for the 3 main subjects she applied for and was given a conditional offer saying she has to achieve an 8 in the subject she got a 7 in.

This is also contra what I have read in various threads relating to how things have worked in the past. My understanding was that once people were offered places (following their "interviews") they only had to achieve the minimums as written down in the admissions criteria. So once again, super confusing.

Thank you Richmond001 , I completely agree with you.I am sure this would make less work from them too! It was an incredibly impressive place for sure.
Do you have any idea regarding the 8.5 average?

We were very impressed with the school when we attended the open day (hence the application) however, I must say, I am rather disappointed about the confusion around process and comms.

Surely if they decided to change the process they should have discussed this at the open day and also updated their website. From an external point of view it all seems rather uncoordinated and inconsistent. It would be helpful if they clearly outlined exact dates such as:

1. Date x we start considering
2. From x to x date are those who are eligible invited for interviews on such and such criteria
3. Candidates will be emailed conditional offers prior to attending interviews - which didnt seem to happen previous years (?)
4. If you havent heard from us by x blah blah blah

At least that would put those who are waiting out of their misery as we would know if we haven't heard by x it is a no.

I have a friend who's daughter has an interview tomorrow . Chemistry Biology & English Lit. She is doing 12 subjects probably all 9s in her mocks. We have not heard anything. Can I check where you got the magic 8.5 from please ?
Thank you.

The new Head is from the private sector so is bound to do a few things differently.

Most state schools would cal that COO role "School Business Manager" instead, but it's the same thing.

Tiffin does have a new Head this year, so perhaps some of their processes are in flux. In the past it was always the Headteacher and the Head of Sixth Form and other senior leaders that did the interviews.

My DDs friend who got invited to an interview a while back already but hasn't actually attended it yet received an email giving her a conditional offer in which they said she had to achieve a certain grade in one of her subjects to get in. We haven't had any comms though :(

Has anyone in the past few days followed up with admissions? We are still waiting to hear. My daughter achieved all 8’s in early mocks (Nov) and her only mocks. Emailed but heard nothing back.

"Yes, well those other schools are probably aligned with the admissions code. Tiffin isn't."

There's info about it in this thread:
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/secondary/4923154-could-he-get-into-tiffin-school

Yes, well those other schools are probably aligned with the admissions code. Tiffin isn't.

That’s not the case at a couple of the selective sixth forms in SE London (applying as an external candidate). You can get a conditional offer, but that is not a guarantee of a place on results day, there is often a fraught wait of a day or two, due to oversubscription - where I think they confirm the offer to those achieving highest, then work down the list if places are not taken up. They clearly state on the website that a conditional offer is not a guaranteed place, however we did not quite understand what that meant until we had the fraught couple of days, a few years ago!

This was mentioned up-thread. From past experience it goes to the child, and is from the admissions officer (initials ZM).

For those whose DC received an interview invite, did you get an email in your account or your child's?

Tour is usually in a group and meeting is 1 to 1 but with parent present. (It's a meeting not an interview).

Does anyone know if the interview and school tour is in small groups or 121?