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Original poster

The Trinity-Whitgift-Dulwich-Alleyns 10+/11+ thread 2015

999 replies

Firefox1066 · 13/12/2014 08:29

I thought I would take the plunge and start early the 2015 T/W/DC/A 10+/11+ thread that has become an annual staple MN!

This thread has been inspired by the likes of (among others) Ladymuck, Seeline, SoupDragon et al, who have been an amazing resources to people like me in previous years' threads.

Although T & W tend to dominate, I have also included DC and Alleyns as I know a lot of parents these days have DC's sitting for some/all of them.

I hope this thread will continue in the spirit of previous years' thread, with the support, hand-holding and knowledge that has been the hallmark of MN generally but this thread in particular.

Let the fun begin....

OP posts:
Liquorice12 · 19/01/2015 11:01

Thanks for messages. Am very pleased DS has interview. Now I can start worrying about that....! Hope others hear soon. And good luck to anyone having interviews this week.

mum3074 · 19/01/2015 14:15

Great to hear that many here had calls or letters, moving to the next step! We had a call at last from T. today for the interview, really happy about it but also stressing about upcoming interviews. It is reassuring to hear that everyone who did it already, says that the process is friendly and relaxed. We went through it last year at T. 10+ and it was indeed lovely but we did not get an offer in the end. So hopefully we will do better this year. Good luck to everyone at the interviews this week!

Liquorice12 · 19/01/2015 16:12

Well done Mum3074. It's a relief hearing isn't it.

bitsbots · 19/01/2015 18:44

Just found the W interviews was trickier than DC, i.e. a real parent interview rather than a chat or meeting with the deputy headmaster. He asked us questions such as why do you choose W, what is your son's attitude of study, do you think he has been stretched enough in his current school...DS was asked some questions he found difficult, plus the deputy head "didn't smile during the interview".

The auditions were another way round. DS found DC was more challenging, and there were 5 men watching him, made him even nervous.

But, no matter what, we are extremely happy it's all finished, what a relief! Good luck everyone!

mum3074 · 19/01/2015 20:54

Thanks, Liquorice12, indeed a relief but a shortlived one :))) as the stress is building up in me prior two interviews this week. Trying not to show it to DS as he is not stressing about them and I certainly want him to be relaxed & natural at the interview, with no silly answers due to nerves! bitsbots - I really hope we will get more relaxed and general chat than what you had at W. Your parent's interview certainly sounds like it was a tough one and for an interviewer not to smile at a 10-11 old child during 20-30 minutes is not right too! At least the interviewing step of the process is over for you!

Southlondonmummy · 19/01/2015 21:17

Hello, been lurking for a while and thought I'd wade in at this point. Our W11+ interview couldn't have been more different to bitsbots's experience. DS had lovely interview with very smiley and enthusiastic teacher, my interview with him was pleasant too. No difficult questions for either of us, so it really must depend on who you're seen by....

Anyone heard either way from Alleyn's yet? It's the only one we're still waiting for...

citymum3 · 19/01/2015 21:27

Hurray another Alleyn's one! No, not heard anything either. But as I am now obsessed with these threads I have been reading the Withington Girls school thread - which is in Manchester so not really localHmm anyway someone there said the earlier you get the letter the better. Which made me worry about As even though it is only Monday!! Ha ha what will I do or read when this is over???

Liquorice12 · 19/01/2015 21:59

We had good interviews too at W Mum3074 so hopefully yours will be okay also. Will be interested to hear how T interview goes as our interview not for a bit. Good luck with them this week.

AnotherNewt · 19/01/2015 22:01

I think (but don't know for sure) that Alleyns call in alphabetical order, and may have started today.

Original poster
Firefox1066 · 19/01/2015 22:49

Still word from T, which I guess is (kinda) good because as we haven't had the "the thanks but no thanks" letter by now, it might indicate an interview coming our way?

OP posts:
Original poster
Firefox1066 · 19/01/2015 22:49

*no word

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basildonbond · 19/01/2015 22:58

last year Alleyn's scholarship interview letters arrived on the Monday after the exam and phone calls inviting children to 'normal' interviews took place that week

neanananaweek1972 · 20/01/2015 07:44

Hang in there Firefox! We only got a call last night at 6.30 (working late) and the lady said they are ringing all week. No news is good news at the moment!

BitByBit · 20/01/2015 09:09

Nothing for us still. And trying hard not to read anything into the order they send letters out.

olguis · 20/01/2015 09:15

firefox I think you're right the 'no thanks' letter would have arrived by now and it is just waiting now. We were called yesterday night for T interview. They'll be calling this week; be strong!

olguis · 20/01/2015 09:16

Does anyone know the ratio interviewed - places offered at T? I heard that they interview more people at W (even heard nearly everyone), but less at T?

tiredbetty · 20/01/2015 09:34

We were called last eve for a T interview (10+). Would be interested in how many they call for interview.

VivienneWestwood · 20/01/2015 11:21

Hi, finding this forum v helpful. We were told at our Trinity interview this morn 500 boys sat the 11+, they are interviewing 200 for 75 places. Hope this is helpful.

Original poster
Firefox1066 · 20/01/2015 12:46

I think that the figure must be something like 80% of those interviewed get offers, so in the case of T 11+, I'd expect them to offer 160 for 75 places. BUT that sDly isn't the whole story because we would need to know how many bursary places are available.

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Liquorice12 · 20/01/2015 13:16

Firefox - am sure you will hear this week from T. As you say if you haven't got a letter, an interview's got to be a certainty I would have thought. The wait is horrid though. It's so hard to focus on anything else.

Liquorice12 · 20/01/2015 13:23

That's useful to know VivienneWestwood. How did your DS find the interview at T - did they ask any maths or english questions?

Original poster
Firefox1066 · 20/01/2015 13:30

Post has come and still no letter from T so I think I can try and relax now (famous last words lol)

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VivienneWestwood · 20/01/2015 13:48

Hi Liquorice, it was super straightforward and friendly. He had to answer a few English qs. It seemed to be more about assessing whether he would fit into the school than an academic exercise. It took no more than 15 mins and DS found it a very positive experience.

Liquorice12 · 20/01/2015 13:53

Thanks Vivienne.

Emo76 · 20/01/2015 13:55

we are waiting for Alleyns too. Given the number of applicants and number of places going to the junior school pupils already there, feels like it's a long shot. If DD doesn't make it, we know she will be in the majority at least.