To consider even trying to get a full bursary?

[Theresmoretocome]

I have two dc 10, who will be going into year 7 sept22. We live in se london, but I am looking to move out within the next few months as I am seriously opposed to seeing them go to secondary school in the area with live.

I have however been looking at private schools only as that's what I would love for them and feel ds2 would thrive with smaller class sizes and ds2 academically, however I'm a single parent with a very low income and wondering how hard it would be to get two dc into the same school the same year on a full bursary?

They are both sporty ds1 more so, ds2 is very good at art so the chances would be good for them to get a scholarship in either subject, however ds2 isnt very academic he's not on the lowest bar, hes not great at maths but excells in science, art, and history.

With all of their attributes I've been looking at Christ Church Hospital as I feel that would suit both their needs, so was wondering does anyone have any dc there or applied to the school?

I would like if I can to access a practice test to see if there would even be any point in applying, as I wouldn't like to get their Hope's up just for them to fail and if they were to do well perhaps het them some extra help to pass.

Was that for Christ Hospital? @MojoJojo71

No, I’ve just read the full thread and it seems like Christ’s may be a different kettle of fish. You’ve got nothing to lose by giving it a try and everything to gain so why not give it a go. Could you afford a tutor for the less academic child to help him get through the entrance exam?

You need to research private schools that value football. To get two bursaries at 100% at the same school may be very tricky. My advice is to apply to a large number of schools. You also need to spend time tutoring your son that it weakest academically so he at least passes the entrance exam. Each school does bursaries differently some will offer to everybody who passes the exams and needs a bursary others will select those that offer the most to the school. Due to Covid the bursary pot of the majority of schools is depleted as many existing parents are needing help.

Even if you get a full bursary you need to consider the other costs. Our child is only in prep school but things like his blazer is £130 his Pe tracksuit is £100. Then there are trips etc and just keeping up with the other kids to help them fit in.

@florin I get it but that's like most schools, all children want to fit in. I'd be able to afford uniforms and some trips, but again most children won't go on all school trips.

But thank you to everyone anyway, you've all given me a good idea of where I should start and what options are available.

Hi Op
I was in a similar position to you a few years ago. My son is now in a very academic sporty day school on a full bursary. My advice is to go for it - you know your children and if your gut instinct is they would thrive in a particular environment then do what you can to support them. I spoke to people who were already in private schools and did a lot of internet research. There are lots of schools and you have to find the ones that will fit your children. Visit schools when possible attend open events and speak to parents. Also youhead teacher will have an influence on your children's reference so try and talk to their teachers to get a feel of what they think. Not necessarily agreeing with what they think but just to give you an idea on what to think about. Luckily my sons state school were very supportive and encouraged me to apply and to cut a long story short it was the best decision considering his state school options and we are extremely appreciative of the opportunity that he has been given. Happy to offer more advice through PM but I think you should go for it. But it is hard work to find the right school and it is a very anxious time when applying - I was lucky that my son was quite relaxed about it but I almost had a breakdown at the time of tests interviews and waiting for decisions i in will add that many schools expect you to register for the exams quite early on some in Yr5 and some early Yr 6. Have a look at Londonfeeassistanceconsortium website explains what bursary are offered and where i- I didn't use it so can't vouch for the information. But when you do find a school have a look at the school website for specific relevant information abs don't be afraid to phone and have a conversation with the bursar.

Very few CH are day pupils. State Secondaries in Horsham are really good though, if you like the area.

@Florin

Even if you get a full bursary you need to consider the other costs. Our child is only in prep school but things like his blazer is £130 his Pe tracksuit is £100. Then there are trips etc and just keeping up with the other kids to help them fit in.

This Is true but you have to decide where to cut your own losses. Your child may not go on as many expensive family holidays and outings but this will be about how you explain it to them that some people have more of these things than others - your children will still have occasional treats that you can afford and are relative to your family circumstances. There will always be those who have all the brands even in state schools - it just depends on if your children are accustomed to this and if not do your very best to avoid it as they get older until they can afford their own. That's my strategy anyway!

And agree with suggestion of Whitgift/Trinity in Croydon.

Also my son's former school mate got in CH in 2019 entry. Her brother followed 2 years later. I'm not sure about her brother but she would have been one of the brightest children in her primary cohort. I liked the school but my son did not want to board so we didn't apply.

[quote Theresmoretocome]@florin I get it but that's like most schools, all children want to fit in. I'd be able to afford uniforms and some trips, but again most children won't go on all school trips.[/quote]
I’d actually hesitate on this - pretty much every eligible child goes on the trip - the only ones which aren’t like that at my school are the sports ones.

In the last 6 years we’ve had American, African and Asian locations at over £2k a pop plus several European. A keen sportsman may get help but the entire cost wouldn’t be covered generally.

Uniforms less of an issue as second hand uniform run by PTA are standard.

My ex went to Christ's Hospital and while yes there are positives, it is very academically focused, kids were under crazy amounts of pressure, had literally no free time between school/homework/supervised study etc and the mandatory number of extracurriculars. From what I was told they also go for the most difficult exam boards for the prestige so something to bear in mind.

For academic types who thrive under pressure it's excellent, otherwise you can end up with a miserable child who is overworked and burnt out (school is 6 days a week with chapel on Sundays). My ex was also bullied relentlessly for the first few years and school didn't seem to do anything about it Not trying to put you off as it is does produce excellent results and can be a great fit for some, just something to keep in mind if one of your DCs is not so academic. Also definitely get a private tutor to prepare for the entry exam, they cover things like simultaneous equations which haven't been covered in the state curriculum yet.

@101066 Thank you I'm going to definitely look into a few different schools. I spoke to the boys this evening and ds2 was definitely up for boarding ds1 not so much

I'm not really keen on whitgift as again it's in london, we're pretty much set on moving to Cambridge and have most things lined up ready to go by June July the latest, which is why I was looking at schools further out as applications for sept22 intake start sept21 and CH just popped up and got me thinking.

I actually wouldn't recommend tutoring beyond go through past papers. If they need heavy tutoring then it isn't the right place for them?

I didn't tutor DD for CH and in fact she only went as our local schools was the worst in Surrey for 6 consecutive years 😭

I live in a Grammar area now with schools that are in the top 50 in the country or something like that. Some DC are tutored for 3 years to get in and then have to carry on being tutored to cope!!! Honestly if they don't have the ability with going through various past papers and a few months of traverse help then is it really a place where they are going to be happy and thrive?? Only one of my DC is there so I'm not coming from the angle of "I'm alright Jack" even DC says the competitiveness and the no one admitting they are struggling academically is utterly toxic in the grammar.

CH keeps them very busy for the first year to help stop the homesickness issue. Like all school and all teens there is some bullying/drugs/drink issues. It actually gave my DD a love of sport - climbing, pigeon clay shooting (🙄😆) and rugby and she also played in the marching band and orchestra!! She's still super busy now at 1,000 miles per hour!

If you can go further afield Leicestershire has really good schools?

@RandomMess Thank you, you've been really helpful. I also agree with over tutoring and not really being a point to it, but it was on my list of things to do anyway to as they've both missed a lot due to lockdown, as have all children so wanted to bring them up a little bit as I was initially wanting them to sit the 11+
But we shall see, its definitely given me food for thought

@Theresmoretocome

But thank you to everyone anyway, you've all given me a good idea of where I should start and what options are available.

All the children go to all the school trips apart from the optional ones such as skiing. The rest are just added to your bill you aren’t asked if you want them to go or not if you said no to them you would be really excluding your child. Surely best to move somewhere with a good grammar system?

Traverse = targeted

No idea how predictive text managed that, perhaps the large glass of wine?

Oh and when I say keeping up with the others it’s not about the latest trainers in fact that is the last thing they seem to worry about. It’s cars, ponies and houses so the big things that are hard to keep up with.

It’s very very competitive. My daughter was in the top 20 in her entrance exam and wasn’t offered one although we were eligible based on income. In her year of 80 girls there are two full bursaries and 5 between 20% and 50%. I assumed because she was bright we d get one and I didn’t think many people even knew about them. By the time she didn’t get one we were completely invested in the school and there was no way she wasn’t going. I took on an extra 20 hours a week work to pay for her.

Don’t do this OP, it just won’t be possible to get both children into a private school both 100% free. Could you live with just one going? If no, then investigate good local state schools, it’s where 93% of children go and many children thrive.

Let’s not underestimate also that children can be cruel, it’s really not much fun feeling inferior to your peers because of parental wealth.

What research have you done on state school in Cambridge?

No harm in applying but I would have a frank conversation with the bursar about the chances for your second child if you want them both to have the same opportunities.

If you live in SE London then I would seriously consider the Grammar schools in neighbouring Bromley and Bexley. St Olaves is consistently in the top 5 state schools in the country with academic results to rival the top private schools. It also now offers great pastoral support, sports are good etc. Bexley Grammar is also a great school as is Dartford Boys.

A child has to score highly to get the 100%.bursary. Your daughter obviously did well, however other kids in the same circumstances would have out performed her academically, hence why she only got the offer of place and not bursary.