ALL NEW; WHITGIFT/TRINITY/DULWICH/ALLEYNS 10+/11+ 2016

[MrsPatmore]

Thought I'd go ahead and start. Found the old threads really interesting and would welcome ongoing input from those who've been through the whole process.
Ds in Year 5 and we are looking at a mixture of grammar schools and indies for 11+ Whitgift recommended this year - we've been told there is a drive to raise academic standards. We're going to the Open afternoon on 10th Nov.

I agree with Berora, that most people will have a preference by this stage.
However, if you get equal offers in terms of scholarships etc and still really can't decide, you can always ask to have another look round the schools before you make your decision.
Remember though - it is not necessarily the 'best' school that you will pick, but - hopefully- the best school for your DS.

Supermummy1674 - yes, we decided a while back where we would like DS to go. We made our decision based on what we knew about the schools, what we thought would suit our DS etc. There were also practical considerations, such as transport links to school, travel time and so on - all quite important if you think that's something DS will have to do for the next 7 years! Everyone's definition of what makes 'the best school' is different, one child's ideal school may be the worst option for another. As Seeline said - you need to pick the school that suits your child best. Good luck!

Berora thank you!

You are very welcome.

Can't resist posting - how is everyone coping? Most of DS's peers have got news on places - all the Epsom College results are out today and CLFS. Even DS is glum with the wait. Do you think the head teachers get notification first? I keep on avoiding ours for fear he might bring bad news!!

It's a long wait isn't it? My son thought he was going to find out this Friday (miscommunication from a school mum). I felt so bad telling him would be another week after that!

We are also waiting for the state results - 1 March!

Boys at DS school all came out jolly today with their offers. DS also thought it might be this Friday!! More wine

Although it's not as long waiting for state and grammar school places. It's still feels so long to wait another week. Hope this week goes really quickly! Good luck to everyone waiting for results. How is everyone else coping with the long wait?

Hi everyone It's my first time messaging on here but have been reading all the useful messages. My son did the 10+ for W and T . But the waiting is killing me very slowly I just can't take it any more hope you all is coping better than me.

I'm right here with you sara176.

Thanks supermummy1674

Morning all, yes feels like forever but then just think about all 11+ mums having to wait until 1st March. Only just a week and bit to go. I am taking the day off on Friday as I can not sit at work knowing that outcome will be at home. Feel so cruel sending my DS to his tutor even after exams but feel he needs to keep up with his work as he also might have to sit the 11+ grammars if we don't get the right offer.

Not sure if someone can answer this, but if we don't get the right level of scholarship in 10+ can we apply for it again at 11+ even if we accept a full fee space in either T or W?

Not sure, but I don't think so. I think (at T) you can be re-assessed for 6th form, but not before. You would need to turn down the offer, and try again next year ( with the risk of not being offered at all).

Thought so, thank you Seeline x

No experience, but I'm sure that's what I've heard - hopefully someone else can confirm

Correct, you can't sit for the academic scholarship papers as an external candidate. And it would be difficult to sit for the other foundation school as an external candidate! W definitely does review co-curricular scholarships and I've seen them be awarded to internal candidates at 13+ and also for candidates with a previous award having it increased at that stage.

Hi I remember asking T they said if you don't get offered scholarship or bursary and accept a full paying place then u can not apply for a scholarship at 11 plus if your son already started at 10 plus. you would have to decline the offer and re try again following year at 11 plus to be considered. not sure about W though.

Thank you ladies. So will just keep praying for the right offer then.

Hi Everyone, this may come across like a silly question ..... If a child is awarded an academic scholarship does this apply to their first year only or beyond?
The wait is agonising , my second time running as DS didn't get through two years ago . Less thank a week to go ...

Hi Sigh123
It's not just for one year it goes on till they stay there as long his grades don't fall drastically and can maintain good levels.

Are u doing 13 plus?

Thank you Supermummy1674. DS crumbled under pressure during the 11plus so we are attempting 13plus. He has had interview at W, T and Eltham. Fingers crossed .

Good Luck hope u get what you want!

If don't get a academic scholarship on entry and then your son does well in school can you be awarded one later in the years?

It must be fair to say some boys develop academically later as they get older and sometimes beat the actual scholars so should get recognised surely?

Wondering what T or W do on this respect.