Independent secondary schools....

[Flowertop]

Does anyone know what a child needs to achieve so that they can get into private secondary. Are the entrance exams really difficult. If you have a child who is below average how do you get them into a private secondary (from state primary) without them having to take tests.
Thanks
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It really depends on the school. Many will have an entrance exam, but some don't. However typically these latter ones aren't selling themselves on the basis of their results, but on some other feature.

Private secondaries are as variable in quality and strengths and weaknesses as the state sector, so it does depend on what you're hoping for as well? No point is having a child struggling in the classes. Eqully some schools seem to be just there to provide a nice smaller environmant compared with the local comp.

i went to private school, those children who had been in the junior school went to senior school as a matter of course those from outside had to sit an entrance test. If you can and your child is young enough can you send them to private prep for a year or so?

Thanks for your responses. nicnack2 what age would you recommend sending them to an independant in order for them just be transferred into senior without sitting entrance.

I think a lot of schools with junior departments still have the entrance tests for their exisiting pupils too

I would start by looking through ofsted reports and prospectuses for schools in your area of feasible travel and visit those you like and ask about their entry requirements and tests and if possible talk to parents too. Also find out which schools local primaries have sent pupils to in the last few years.

If you want to see an example of an entrance exam, try looking at a few school websites - some will have sample papers. Here is one. As others have said, not all private secondary schools are academically selective.

we had people join us in primary 6 and 7. this was a few years ago and the school i went to was for 5-18 and in scotland. Most private school up here are from 5-18 i presume it would be the same down south. HTH. best would be to look on the internet at your choice of schools etc

I went to an independent primary and we had to do the same entrance exan as external children to get into the secondary school.

we did sit a test but the result didnt matter we still went to senior school as course, that is why pupils joined us in the latter stages of junior school

There are independent senior schools catering for all abilities. Many have entrance exams (Common Entrance or 11+), but they are marked by the senior school, who also set the pass marks.

If you are thinking about transferring at 11+, the type of exam can vary because the schools usually set their own exam. Most schools will set a test in English and Maths, many will add on verbal and non-verbal reasoning, and a few will also test Science. A lot of schools that cater for all abilities still have the exams, and that is to get additional information about the child ahead of their arrival. Schools that don't have formal exams tend to have interviews instead, as well as a recommendation from the child's present headteacher.

An important part of the application process is to visit the school and discuss your specific requirements with the head. Together, you can determine if the school is the right one for your child.

Although in independent secondaries which also have prep schools most children automatically pass through each stage if a child is struggling a quiet word will usually be had with the parents to advise them that the school won't be the best place for the child. The main independent schools near me have rigorous exams/ tests at 4/ 7 and 11. The 2 independent school which isn't academically successful markets itself on its smallness, small class sizes and family type atmosphere, however, when I went to look round it it seemed like a school from 20+ years ago with lots of teaching from the front, kids sitting in single desks facing the front etc. Didn't like it at all. So definitely varies.

blackandwhitecat where did you end up sending yours to did you find a suitable school and was an entrance exam a requirement. Thanks all on your helpful comments.

Flowertop
I think selecting a school is rather like buying a new home - you feel inside if it's right or not.
You need to look around those school that may be logistically feasible, and then arrange appointments at those that feel right. My children attend a school that prides itself on it's pastoral care and other activities, but still strives for the best academic results for each child. The Head told us that whilst entrance exams are necessary, a child is not offered a place purely on those results. The school is currently over-subscribed. If academic results were our key motivation, my children would be at other schools.
Good luck - it's an important decision

Perhaps you could find an academically selective Independent school you like and a non-selective independent school you like.

I don't think I'd be keen on putting my non-academic child in such a rigourously academic school.

Let your child take the entrance exam and if they don't get a high enough grade to be accepted, you can then take up a place at the non-selective school.

It does vary wildly, my children are at an academically selective school, with excellent results, but they are nothing like as much of a hot house as the girls school in the city. mine are there maninly becaue I love the fell and atmosphere of the place, and they really stretch each child to their full potetial but accept that not every child's potential is going to be 10 A*'s @ GCSE. I sent mine at 5 though, partly because the entrance exam for entry at 11 is so rigourous, and the quality of the entry is very high at that age., Ours have to reach a qualifying standard throughout junior school to progress to seniors, no sudden throw out on one exam, but if they were struggling then there would be a quiet word over time, some children will not thrive in such an academic atmosphere - yes they play loads of sports/drama etc, but they do need to be able to keep up with the workload - by the time they are in Y6 for eg the children are all doing Y7 maths work.

sorry feel not fell !!