Should I apply for year 7 or year 9 place at CLC

[rainbowpuddings]

Posted this in education but moved here...

Dd also loves her prep school so was intending to stay on until year 8 however her academics are only just a bit higher than average and although her prep school is supporting the application to CLC, we are wondering if to apply for year 7 instead of year 9 now because I've heard CLC is more likely to take on a dc in year 7 with all round qualities than in year 9 (dd has clear talents in extra curricular which should help with the application too, I'm hoping!)

Dd has her mind set on CLC I have told her to be careful getting overly excited about such a school though. I'd love to see her go as I do believe this would be the best school for her having visited lots of schools. She instantly 'clicked' talking with the girls there and came out very buoyant unlike some of the other schools we'd seen. Any hints and tips for entry greatly appreciated!

Just bumping this as seeing other schools before the end of term and hoping any information helps at least distinguish between them and CLC as options for dd TIA

Hi my daughter is just finishing year 7 at CLC. We are very happy with the school. Boarding has been a bit of a roller coaster of an adjustment, but otherwise all other aspects are great.

It's definitely going to be easier to get a place in year 7 than in year 9 - so certainly a factor if you are worried about getting in.

Thank you @DilettanteMum is it just the numbers that make it easier to enter at year 7 or do other factors come into play do you know? I am a bit worried to send dd in year 7 for boarding too but she really wants to board so that's one thing at least!

I think it's a numbers game. As the ages go up the number of places get smaller for entry.

Mine wanted to board too but the reality does take some getting used to. It helps that she can come out on weekends if she wants.

@rainbowpuddings My DD did the Year 9 exam and it is fairly harder so would recommend yr seven exam as it is the standard 11 plus and only consists of VR NVR maths and English but The Year 9 exam consists of English maths MFL humanities(history geography and re together) And triple science.
But I understand yr 7 boarding is hard

Our DD joined a day school in year 9 and struggled for the first term to make friends with the existing girls as they mostly start in year 7. It wasn't an issue for the boys but the girls were less welcoming so this is something to consider!