Son didn't do well in 11+, options for mid year Y6?

You could try Thames Christian School in Clapham Junction for yr 7 onwards if they still have spaces. Small school, small class sizes and could be helpful in building confidence and filling gaps etc

That's what they told you.

My child’s best friend did the 11+ for Highgate and had to be working at GCSE level for maths to get a place (along with all the other exam prep). They did get a place, and that’s what their parents told me!

They obviously don’t have a GCSE in maths at age 11, but were working at this level with their tutor.

Just to reassure you OP- you absolutely do not need to have GCSE maths to get into ANY school at 11 plus! And lots of kids at State primary get in without tutoring from Year 4. It’s usually a matter of exam technique rather than curriculum covered.

Others have already said it but I wanted to reiterate that - if you’re new to the UK - you might be unfamiliar with the amount of prep that goes into London 11+ schools. It starts at year 4 and none of it happens at school - these children are all tutored.

In order to get into some schools (like Highgate, for example), they generally have to be doing maths at GCSE level. So your son could be very bright and have done very well for someone who hasn’t been tutored. But he wouldn’t get through to the next round because he hasn’t done enough prep.

Also, some these exams are the sort that you have to learn how to pass - like non verbal reasoning.

I know children who did full summer camps dedicated to grammar 11+ (in London) and didn’t get through to round 2.

What I'm saying is: I wouldn’t worry about his academic credentials just based on the 11+ circus if you haven’t been preparing him for it!

11+ in London is batshit especially for boys where the schools typically have only 36 places and 500 applicants (unlike private girls schools, the main entry point for boys is 13 where they have more vacancies).

If you’re new to the uk it’s a level of competitiveness that you don’t typically see in other countries and can be quite a shock. Many parents put their kids through the 4+, 7+ etc and unless you started tutoring age 2 like these other parents you don’t stand a chance.

Did any of the schools provide feedback on performance so you know how far off the mark your child was? Ie is applying to a competitive school still an option? Some of the other schools noted above eg Northbridge don’t have a high entry criteria but also don’t get much better results than state so you have to decide what’s important to you.

Did you put in an application for state schools also?

I agree with a PP @ashley30001 – are there some non-selective private schools that you might be able to approach? I don’t know about deadlines but anecdotally some private schools may be losing students because of increased taxes and CoL issues – which may mean they are more amenable to a later application (if this would be late).

It”s not clear (sorry) when you moved to the UK but did you make an on-time application to a state school, or are you only considering private schools? if the latter then the advice of others re asking the prep school for support with ongoing applications is good.

Where are you based? As there will be some London day schools which definitely will offer late entry. They are not the most academic ones so usually about a good cultural fit rather than acing exams but can be a good grounding if you wanted to try for a 13+ / or occasional place later.

Wetherby Senior, Northbridge house Canonbury, Kensington Park, London Park, Maida Vale are all senior schools which are worth looking at depending on where you are based. If you can be more specific with general area I’m sure people can be more targeted with advice.

Ask the prep school heads where they might suggest as potential destinations and a later admissions process. Most will have enough contacts and experience to be able to advise you.

It’s not unusual to go to a prep for y7 and y8. However these preps are feeding 13 plus entry schools like Harrow. You need to check destinations of their leavers in y8. Also ask them about what schools he might get into. It’s their job to know this. You need to be flexible in what you want too. What about boarding? Far more options than London day schools!

When you say you are new to the UK system, how long ago did you move here? I would be a bit concerned about moving your child now, and again in year 8, having presumably moved to their current school not that long ago??
As there is no guarantee that your dc will become a high achieving student, I would recommend finding a less selective independent school they can stay in until 16. Giving your dc some stability will help them perform better / be happier, and a decent independent should allow them to achieve their academic potential.

Your best bet is to contact a couple of prep schools that run to 13. You should ask about their success at placing children in this situation, and which schools tend to have places. A few secondaries hold back some places for y9 with an exam in y8, but not many, so you would be looking for an occasional place. But occasional places come up - children move overseas, or are unhappy or choose to board at 13.

This happens to many in state school, who are not aware of what/how to prep for the 11+ But, once in a prep, they help they get up to speed. We have seen this happen. One dc ended up getting an occasional spot at St Paul's for year 9, after not having a spot anywhere for the 11+!

Most of the Co-Ed schools, Emanuel, Latymer Upper, Ibstock etc don’t have the 13 plus and all take a few into year 9 ( and year 8). Occasional places do come up as there is a fair bit of movement with international families and also schools not working out for one reason or another. Have also known boys who didn’t sit the 13 plus joining schools like Hampton, Kings etc in year 9.

Have also known lots of children who didn’t get in anywhere selective at 11 but have gone on to do very well academically. (And vice versa!) It’s all a bit of a lottery at such a young age and often not a reflection of how things will be later on! Also lots doing well at non selective State schools so don’t rule those out..