getting into an independent school

[cantstandthenoise]

I am thinking of sending my son to an independent school in year 5 or 6 but am worried if he gets in then, spends 2 years there and then doesn't get into the secondary part of the school as he would then have to move school twice.

Does anyone know how many children don't get into the secondary part of their school despite being in the junior school?

It depends entirely upon the school you are talking about.

Independent schools are not all the same.

All schools are different so you need to ask the specific school you are interested in. Having said that few schools would take the risk by offering a weak child ( a child weak for that particular school) a place at year 5/6 only to be told they are not good enough for a place in year 7. It is no good for the child and not good PR for the school either.

Think it would be unusual for them to accept a child at that late stage who couldn't get into the senior. The selection would normally include an evaluation of core skills in line wih their expectation .

I don't think it would be possible to say how many don't in any objective way, as there is no-one collecting or collating the figures. It certainly can happen.

If you have a specific school in mind, you could try asking directly how often it has happened in the last 5 years, on what grounds such decisions are made (is it a "sudden death" exam or continuous assessment, and is it only on academic performance) and how the process is managed (how far in advance are parents notified of concerns, what do they do to try to rectify, how do they help families, if at all, to find a next school if a move seems likely).

Will there be a selective process for the yr5 entry? It won't be in the school's interest to take in pupils at that stage if they do not expect them to be suitable to continue, and well established schools are usually good at picking pupils who are a good fit. A good school should also be sympathetic to parents' totally reasonable longer-term view on entry and progress and should be ready to discuss it with you openly and sensibly. If they don't, take it as a warning bell.

thank you everyone. I will ring the school and try to discuss it with them.

Your son would have to take an entry exam of some sort before entry, taking those papers doesnt mean you have to go ahead with the move, and should your son not do very well the school would advise.

Our eldest realy panicked in his year 4 entry paper, and went back for a further day of which he sailed through. now he is taking exams regualry he isnt so nerved about them. We dont worry so much about the y7 entry paper. anymore, where as he would of only had one chance and nerves may of got the better of him.

Best of luck. x