RGS Guildford applications 2015

[Kay34]

Anyone applying here this year. Nervous already.

Does anyone know how many offers do they make for the 150 places?

Just one other question on the process - am I right in assuming that if you're going for an 13+ deferred place, you're not in the running for the 11+ scholarship exam on the 28th? Not that we're expecting one of those, but I'm just trying to get into the right mindset of "no news in the post is potentially good news".....

So it was just my DS with the 'chicken in his hat' part of the story. LOL ! I haven't had much info out of him. In his interview they mainly asked him about his hobbies. For his essay he choose a Memorable Journey, but made up a fictional story!! Clearly hasn't been on enough memorable journeys of his own. Not sure if it was supposed to be a personal journey so he may have not answered the question asked of him, IYKWIM? Found maths easy although couldn't do the two questions at the end. He didn't finish VR (usually his strongest) left 8 questions out - so we are not holding out much hope. He will be disappointed but we will see. You never know

There was a reference to chicken. Something they ate on the train. Not enjoying this process. DS used to being top of the class at a state primary and so expectations need to be managed when competing with well prepped, smart kids.

We are in the same boat Kay34. My DS not used to exam prep at all - hence not working to time, I think. Not enjoying it either... I need to manage his / my expectations. He's a very bright boy and used to being top of his class at state primary. But, it sounds like the competition is just too fierce and put him alongside other boys who are well prepped, really not sure... He did the RGS summer school last summer and loved it. So has his heart set.

Yes your right, apparently there was a chicken in a hat in the story. Beegee my son did the same and wrote a fictional story about a train journey......about an evacuee's journey out of London during the war!!!! Oh well, he said he was thinking outside the box! Lets all just keep sending positive power vibes....early days yet! Must admit I did rush to look at the post today...how sad is that!

If they have 150 places I think they make 150 offers. Then do take some from the waiting list.

It is getting harder each year - I know lots of boys who went in the past and probably wouldn't get in now. Lanesborough seems to send increasing numbers to other places, often at 13 (and often with scholarships).

They must be very confident that most will accept. I suspect most applicants will have other irons in the fire. If this wait is bad, to be shortlisted would be horrendous. I'm not use I would want ds to get in at the bottom.

They have a waiting list, and a lot of applicants come from State schools and have State schools as back up. RGS is usually the preferred option, the others possibles of similar standing are quite a commute away (Whitgift, Reading Grammar, Kings...).

I'm not sure they do preference siblings as much as they used to (and that was only a bit), as some siblings have got in and then been unhappy and left.

A train journey about an evacuee sounds great butty4. Good idea and imaginative. My DS wrote a fictional story where he was captured by some evil spirits on a train and had to manage an escape.!! At least it's 'memorable!' He's read too much Skullduggery. Also, he didn't manage to finish it so I'm not sure how much of the escape part happened
Yes Kay34 Agree. Not sure I would want DS to get in at bottom

I'm confused! Do 'not sure' candidates who want to go at 11 only get an interview and those 'not sure' who opt to go at 13, get the 'come back at 12' letter? Which would then mean if you hear nothing that's good?? For the 11 option?

Tis - not sure. Sorry.
DS just remembered that one of the characters' names in the comprehension was Charles and he was travelling with a female companion (name, can't remember) He had some chicken hidden in his top hat for when they got hungry. Ring any bells for anyone?
Getting any info out of DS is trying though, at the best of times usually he just shrugs and adopts the 'too tired, not bothered' stance

Ok, he has come in with some more information..LOL Suddenly he remembers the title of the comprehension 'Rooftoppers' so, looked it up as I hadn't heard of it, children's book by Katherine Rundell

Clearly I have too much time on my hands, but I was reading thread from last year and it looks as though the 'no' letters went out really late - end of Jan!!!! I thought it was end of this week/beginning of next? Help!!!!

Crikey didn't realise the 'no' letters went out that late.........do you think its a test for us parents to see how long we hold out for before we ring the school in desperation!!!! Yes, boy character is Charles, definitely a chicken in a top hat, the female character is called Sophie(tell your son and put him out of his misery) all explained to me at breakfast.

Glad I'm not the ONLY ONE scanning last years thread Tisawiedge.

I heard around 900 took the exam! They must be marking the papers this week. I think those qualified for scholarship exams n second interview should be notified next week I think. Dr Cox mentioned that about all the rest receiving notifications by Feb 14. X

900! There didn't seem to be that many there.

Not sure! Isnt that what Dr Cox mention during the talk?

I might hv heard ot wrongly. All the best to all n hopefully the boys get into RGS. ??

Don't think is was as many as 900.....I spoke to one of the teachers on the day of the exam and he said it was 3 to 1, (for 100 places)so its probably more 300ish.

wish there were more academic boys schools close by. Hampton looks good but too far for us.

Thats a relief then. I thgt there were more!! Some do try whitgift and redhill too

That's enough! Still makes it difficult to get in. Waiting for the postman not to come!

If 2nd interveiws for 'not sure' are happening from 20th do you think there is a possibility we may get a letter in the post today or tomorrow.....or is it a phone call? Have any of you received anything as yet? Slightly apprehensive here, going to dodge the postie!!!!!