The Trinity-Whitgift-South London school 10+/11+ thread of 2014

[Ladymuck]

A few days early I know, but most of the entrance exams will be out of the way in a fortnight or so, and I'm sure there are a number of us who are in need of or or as we watch our (still very little) boys forget everything that they may have learned over the last couple of years. And there are many veterans of the process who will hopefully be around to reassure us that we will all come through this unscathed.

I'd put the dates provisionally in my gmail diary about 4 years ago...

Ladymuck you are so organised.
Wish I was like that but unfortunately it was last minute applications all round. The time just flew by and work was so busy.

Just rung Trinity re 11+. Letters have now been sent out so parents will know either way by Sat. I'm worried that maybe DS didn't make it even though he said it was easy and was offered a place last year for 10+

Maybe they are not doing the calls this year?

I'd guess that they'll have phoned to book in the interviews for Friday, Monday and Tuesday and then letters for the rest.

I obviously need to go and see if I can catch my headteacher's eye...

So no one has been called by Trinity yet? Perhaps all interviews are by letter as you say. Last year was definitely not helped by the incredibly heavy snow. Hope the postie brings good news for you all.

I can see the postman across the road...

No, I know boys who have been called by Trinity for 11+, both for interviews on Friday and for scholarship assessments next week.

Can I just ask: when you say that letters have gone out, is that just letters for those who were not successful, or will it also be letters to invite children for interview during the latter half of the week? (I think that's what LadyMuck is implying, but I'm not quite sure if I've understood correctly!)

T take about 120 at 11+, but take less than W at 10+ (about 40 - 45 normally).
We had a phone call a week after sitting the 10+ exam two years ago on the Saturday morning asking us to attend an interview the following Saturday morning. I think T do a lot of the interviews on Saturdays. It is early days yet!

Oh and T has been shut on the Friday of the 11+ for the last 3 years at least. And the 10+ exam has been on the Saturday.

I'm assuming a letter either way I guess for T, but if no letter, then a call will eventually come.

No news from postie...

[Stares at phone].

MrsSteptoe. The lady on the phone did not say either way. Maybe she just didn't want to tell me it's a no. I didn't want to stay long either just in case they ask of Ds's name. Couldn't have handled the news I think

Don't think so, Seeline, Trinity website says approximately 70 at 11+ - maybe it's changed? couldn't see a number for Whitgift.

Seeline - are Trinity really taking 120 for 11+? On top of the 45 or so that they already have in J form? That would be new, wouldn't it?

Thanks, brownsugar. My heart sank when I saw a Dulwich letter last Saturday, and it was only when I opened it I realised it was an interview - I thought they only did rejections by letter. Hence my question, but i think it best, on the whole, not to expect a definite method of communication either way...!

Going from 70 to 120 (as well as the 2 forms that they already have) would be two extra forms at 11+ for Trinity - I'm sure that it would have been mentioned somewhere?

Apologies Mrs S - you're right. First form is about 120 each year, but of course they already have 40 - 45 J Bugs occupying spaces. Good job I'm not doing exams

Aha, that makes sense!

Does T inform of interview by post as well?

DC interview done. DS says went well. But tbh only God knows!!!!!!!!! Was following the trinity thread. If I could understand correctly, they inform the headteachers of the child's primary school before the letters come? Should I call the headteacher now???????

W interview done. DS interviewed first (he seemed happy); then us (we too seemed happy). Trying to read the runes of what the interviewer asked us/told us.

Now the wait.....

Why are primary school heads advised first - and is this just independent or state schools too.

All the senior school heads talk to the prep school heads at this point. No one wants to bite the hand that feeds them, and everyone is aware that a boy can under or over perform on the day. If your son is at a feeder prep then there'll have been a discussion about who is at the top or bottom of the list. It is in no-one's interest for there to be too many surprises in the process.

I wouldn't expect there to be similar communication with the state schools. I understand that a number of state schools refuse to engage with the independent schools on principle.

The letter I picked up from T when I dropped DS off for 10+ said those who had not done well enough would be contacted by letter posted no later than Friday 17th. Successful candidates would be called over the next fortnight (from exam date) and also by relevant department for non academic scholarships.