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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

CheerfulMuddler · 23/10/2025 08:31

@DolphinOnASkateboard Me too. Really hope it works out for your DS.

Pipsquiggle · 23/10/2025 08:14

DolphinOnASkateboard · 23/10/2025 08:05

Pressed send on DS's selection review last night and the head just confirmed that he's sent all his paperwork in too. We've done everything we can, the school has done everything the school can, and most importantly DS has spent six years doing everything he can, consistently being "above ARE", "at greater depth" and generally working his little arse off. So now we wait (again), this time until 13 February. Which feels a very long way away. Actually felt vaguely sick when I hit submit, it seems like the most important form I've ever filled out, so much riding on it for him and none of it in my control.

@DolphinOnASkateboard I have everything crossed for you

OP posts:
DolphinOnASkateboard · 23/10/2025 08:05

Pressed send on DS's selection review last night and the head just confirmed that he's sent all his paperwork in too. We've done everything we can, the school has done everything the school can, and most importantly DS has spent six years doing everything he can, consistently being "above ARE", "at greater depth" and generally working his little arse off. So now we wait (again), this time until 13 February. Which feels a very long way away. Actually felt vaguely sick when I hit submit, it seems like the most important form I've ever filled out, so much riding on it for him and none of it in my control.

troppibambini6 · 23/10/2025 07:55

@slaybellthat’s great news! Has she got a good chance of getting a place?
It’s a really good school dd1 sailed through loreto and is at uni now she loved it. Dd2 has had shall we say a more bumpy ride 🤣 she’s getting there though and on the whole they’ve supported her well!

ShiningLikeAButterbean · 23/10/2025 07:50

Falling birth rates mean you’d expect 11+ exam numbers to be down. While there’s likely to be an impact from VAT on independent school fees in terms of numbers actually accepting state secondary place, it may not have much of an impact on exam candidates. Indy school candidates have long used grammar 11+ exams as practice and/or a back-up.

CheerfulMuddler · 23/10/2025 07:15

I know with the cost of living, a lot of families can't afford to live in London any more. I wonder if that has something to do with it?

Pipsquiggle · 23/10/2025 06:27

Interesting that in Bucks the total number of DC taking the test went down slightly vs last year.

9645 DC took the test this year
9700 DC took the test last year

It 'felt' that loads more DC took it this year - just proves that you need to look at the stats

OP posts:
NookAndCrannying · 23/10/2025 00:09

Wow congrats on those getting through and good luck to having to wait til March. I’ve def been able to take stock and breathe since having a backup close to being in the bag.
But we still have 7 more exams to go which just feels relentless. We’re a little unlucky that every single school seems to do their own test.

SFV · 22/10/2025 23:46

Woohoo! A new chat :)

Poonu · 22/10/2025 21:06

Thanks @Pipsquiggle
Continuing to share the 11+ journey.
Good luck to all

ImpatientBlanket · 22/10/2025 20:43

Tea4216 · 22/10/2025 20:04

Anyone got their results got Redbridge yet?

Good news for WCHS here. Well I hope good news don't really know until March.

Tea4216 · 22/10/2025 20:04

Anyone got their results got Redbridge yet?

slaybell · 22/10/2025 19:31

Thanks for the new thread.

Starting with good news, DD passed for Loreto which is brilliant! Especially after the disappointing consortium result!

troppibambini6 · 22/10/2025 18:35

Thanks for this @Pipsquiggle

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