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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:
neanananaweek1972 · 20/01/2015 15:06

That's helpful to know about Trinity VivienneWestwood; does anyone think they have had a 'scholarship' interview? Do they all seem to be the same length or has anyone been off with Mr Bishop??

neanananaweek1972 · 20/01/2015 15:25

In a purely interviewy kind of way!! Grin

olguis · 20/01/2015 16:31

Yes, I also wonder if the scholarship interviews are marked out in any way? We got a standard invite for a 30 min slot where "meanwhile" parents can chat with Mr B. I thought potential scholars are interviewed by Mr B himself? So if he is chatting with me, there is no hope of a scholarship?

Liquorice12 · 20/01/2015 17:10

Had to laugh neananana. Glad you clarified that about Mr B. We wouldn't want anyone getting preferential treatment!!

InASchoolsDilemma · 20/01/2015 17:13

We were told by Mr B that DS is being considered for a scholarship. But he wasn't interviewed by Mr B. And our chat wasn't an interview, just a chance for us to ask any questions we had.

Cloe489 · 20/01/2015 17:22

InASchoolsDilemma, just wondering when you were told by Mr B that your son was considered for a scholarship? Was it in the letter or phone call before the interview or while your son was actually IN the interview with someone else? We have ours tomorrow! Fingers crossed it all goes well. My DS absolutely loves the school!

Liquorice12 · 20/01/2015 17:25

Inaschools - can I ask if Mr B volunteered that information or did you have to ask?

VivienneWestwood · 20/01/2015 17:28

I was also told they were considering DS for a scholarship and was given some feedback on his results - maths good, English not so much, so not particularly hopeful. DS was literally interviewed for 15 mins max whilst I got 10 mins with Mr B.

InASchoolsDilemma · 20/01/2015 17:33

We were told by Mr B while DS was in his interview and we were having our little chat with him (Mr B). He volunteered the info. He said DS's results were "outstanding" and he was therefore being considered for scholarship.

BitByBit · 20/01/2015 18:23

Has anyone not had an interview letter from W for 10+ yet? Or had a no letter for W10+?
. DS came home upset and told me he hadn't passed the test because his classmate has an interview and he doesn't. Tried to reassure by saying there is still a chance but we won't know until we get something in the post. Sounded a bit hollow even to my ears tbh.. His classmate's interview is on Friday so given the fact they told us interviews until the 28th and they have already scheduled for Friday, am running out of hope. If it is a clear no, I wish they would put me and DS out of our misery...

omnishambles · 20/01/2015 19:36

Interestingly we were told that although mr b would be in the building we wouldnt be able to speak to him unless we made a specific appt. Am a bit worried by that now if he has been around for all of the others.

wandsworthma · 20/01/2015 20:16

Wish I'd know about this place last year when we did W entrance. Managed to get DS in, now working on DD. I remember the angst last year waiting for calls, letters, recalls and obviously the final letter. After this week of sports assessments, interviews etc my DS came down with rotten cold and was off school for another few days sick. So keep up the vitamins!

Sorry to crash - but I posted on another thread, about Old Palace and see a few names here that appear there too ladymuck seeline - would you mind taking a look when you get a mo. thanks!www.mumsnet.com/Talk/secondary/1732142-Croydon-HS-vs-Old-Palace-Vs-Harris-Academy

tillylondon · 20/01/2015 21:31

Hello all, just discovered this thread a few days ago and like everyone else, hooked.
If it helps at all, W interviewing all the way through Jan. We had an interview with Mr Norris. Nice and friendly (son interviewed, then me).I was grilled a bit, which surprised me (!), as we already have one at W (last time interviewed by the gloriously lovely Mr Beck). DS was in there for a while, Maths questions and questions about what he likes in school, out of school, and why he wants to go, and what he thinks about his brother being there (?!)
Also had interview at DC. Well, he did. We (parents) got to meet the headmaster in a group and were allowed a question each. No idea if he knew whose parents we were (and so if our contribution counted / was being judged). He got asked the same kinds of questions - what he likes doing out of school, lots of maths and english questions, what he'd most like to do / clubs he'd like to join etc. And what he knows about the news/what's going on in the world.
Got a call today about Alleyns interview. No experience of Alleyns yet (apart from I'm in love with it!) so can't help on that front.
No idea if this is of any help, but didn't think it right to read everything and not contribute.
From what I can see, when it comes to the crunch (interviews) they want to take kids that will make the most of the school and all that they offer (so not just academic). Worry for me as I have a reserved DS, who won't put himself out, but let's see.
On another note, my first hand experience is, from my eldest who joined 10+, W is wonderful.
Don't have first hand experience of the others, but from what I can see, our children would be in safe (and very good) hands at any of those 3 (can't speak for other schools as we haven't seen them).
We're coming from state, so I'm encouraged by that too. Well, will maybe change my mind on that come mid-Feb!
Hope that helps.

Fossie · 20/01/2015 21:35

Omni, we have a Saturday interview and have been told Mr B and senior staff will be around but to make an appointment if we want to see Mr.B. If your interview is not on a Saturday he may not be able to mill around with parents. We were also told current parents will be there so they seem to be making an effort on Saturday. I wonder how many Saturday interviews there are? We know of 2 other boys also invited this Saturday.

Southlondonmummy · 20/01/2015 21:47

DS has interviews on Saturday at A and T. Was contemplating rescheduling one of them to a different day but then thought it would be best for my sanity's sake to get them over and done with on the same day. Then for us there'll be nothing left to do except sit back, relax Hmm and wait for the dreaded yes/no letters....

omnishambles · 20/01/2015 21:53

Thanks Fossie, we are during the week so that makes sense.

citymum3 · 20/01/2015 22:14

Southlondonmummy,tillie are your surnames near start of alphabet? Someone told me Alleyn's call in alpha order? (Hopeful face). Well done- top 300 place!

Original poster
Firefox1066 · 20/01/2015 22:51

BitbyBit...I know its hard for you and your DS, but please dont give up hope yet! There are so many examples of where people have had to wait 2 or even three weeks!

Im praying the W letter with an interview is winging it way to you soon

OP posts:
Scoobyblue · 21/01/2015 00:06

Not sure abt this year, but in previous years Alleyns haven't called in alphabetical order.

BitByBit · 21/01/2015 07:41

Thanks Firefox. Been reading threads from 2013
And 2014 and hoping we are one of those for whom it turned out well. Looking forward to getting to work for the distraction.

Original poster
Firefox1066 · 21/01/2015 11:20

Yay! FINALLY got the call from T! Interview next Wed..DS will be very pleased when he gets home from school.

Good luck to all of those still waiting, dont give up hope!!

OP posts:
Liquorice12 · 21/01/2015 11:55

Great news Firefox.

batterseadad · 21/01/2015 11:56

And for us a 10+ interview finally at W next week! DS very excited, but still early days especially if they interview most candidates as it seems. It's a mammoth operation for all the schools so don't give up hope anyone still waiting.

omnishambles · 21/01/2015 11:59

Well done both!

BitByBit · 21/01/2015 12:14

batterseadad well done on interview. We are still waiting- did you get the letter today? Also- which day next week. Letter that came with exam instructions said thy would interview up to the 28th Jan and just wondered if interviews have taken longer than expected and went beyond the date they had anticipated finishing.