Do Independent secondary schools accept anyone regardless of 11+ results?

[Belinha74]

My daughter attended 11+ exams for Grammar schools but did not achieve the pass score. She currently attends a prep school and I was wondering whether I should continue with the state school application or proceed with independent schooling. I know she will have to set exams at an independent school, however, if she fails independent school exams, will she be rejected?
Your thoughts on this would be highly appreciated.

It really depends on the school. Where in the country are you?

We are in Surrey

Think it depends on the schools. DS goes to a small non-selective independent school. He had to sit an entrance exam and we were told that if they had to restrict numbers it certainly would not be done based on the exam results.

Other independent schools in the area are selective and therefore whether your DD got a place would depend on their results. I assume even if they had spaces they would not accept anyone who failed, unless there were extenuating circumstances. If a school is very academic and your DD struggles it probably would not be the best place for them.

If she’s not already sat the tests for private schools then you might find it tricky to get her a place now - most Surrey and SW London indies are very popular, offers have already gone out for Sept this year and lots of students still on waiting list.

Do you have option of staying at prep until 13?

The more popular independent schools will tend to reject children who fail the school's own entrance exam, but there are some who have quite a low pass mark so almost every child who sits the exam, will pass and be offered a place. The school itself will probably not advertise the fact so if you have a particular school in mind, you could ask around (eg on Mumsnet ).

I know she will have to set exams at an independent school, however, if she fails independent school exams, will she be rejected?

If they've more applicants than places, yes (unless they also take eg musical or sporting ability into account). Some independent schools are highly selective, others less so. A decent prep school should be advising you which secondaries in your area are more likely to suit her abilities. No reason not to also apply for a state school place too (just don't hold onto a place in both sectors and block some other child).

My last job was in an independent school that took students pretty much regardless of their performance in exams. It's not the case that independent schools are all academic powerhouses.

Bit of a sweeping statement, but the less academically selective the school, the more its website will emphasise words like 'nurturing' and 'rounded' over words like 'excellence' and 'achievement'.

Ah, I'm not really familiar with the schools in your area.

But as pp have said, her prep school should be able to advise on schools that would be a good fit for your DD.

Thank you all so much for your comments. I will give it a go either way and what will be will be. X