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Original poster

RGS Guildford 2018

380 replies

Rianna · 02/01/2018 14:11

I’ve had so much fun lurking on the entrance test threads in the last years - now it’s my son’s turn .
Still 10 days to go but I’m starting the thread .
Sitting a couple of other schools as well so maybe we could start a general ‘ Surrey entrance exams ‘ thread ( fun ;-)! )
DS ‘s first exam is in two days time .
He’s preparing himself by playing computer games . I let it go as I don’t believe in prepping children too much for these exams - . I just want him to be relaxed .

OP posts:
Evalina · 01/02/2018 14:50

Another 13+ here and a 'No letter'. We also have an offer for another school that we really like, so all good, and waiting for one more. Wishing those of you waiting to hear still all the best of luck.

madworld67 · 01/02/2018 14:52

we did this last year. Fortunately he was a yes at 13+- feel for you all. The letter came on the Friday before half term and our post was late that day!!

Frazzledmumofboys · 02/02/2018 07:17

Strange question here. I’ve heard a rumour that some boys have got a ‘yes’ already. Is this possible? Now worrying that the reason we haven’t heard either way is that we are on a waiting list and the school is waiting for others to accept places first. Has anyone contacted the school who hasn’t heard and been told they have got in? Or is this rumour nonsense and no one finds out till Feb 9th?!? Mind working overtime....!!

Random2017 · 02/02/2018 08:36

Frazzledmumofboys, the only boys who know for sure they are in are those who were called back for the scholarships. Those who were not called back and have heard nothing will be in unless there is a very unlucky no letter that for some reason has not been delivered. I would not contact RGS they will not tell you. Everyone left in the process will hear at the same time. Ask your current head ( if at private school) as they have been in contact with the schools, and I am sure they will be able to put your mind at rest. It's a horrible process, been through it twice to the bitter end, with success so hang in there.

madworld67 · 02/02/2018 08:37

I doubt RGS have sent any out early. More likely the junior/prep school head has leaked something.....

sazzy5 · 02/02/2018 09:38

The prep school is told the no’s so they can guide the parents. It is obvious to the Head who is in as they by default are the rest of the boys. Our Head told us the No letters were out and smiled as they were implying we were in. The only people in limbo are the 13+ and call backs.

Frazzledmumofboys · 02/02/2018 10:03

Thanks all! I guessed it might have come from the heads. We are at a state school so have no idea! The wait continues....

SheilaFentiman · 02/02/2018 10:09

CRM and Frazzled, all the local independent schools post out their offers on 8th Feb and have agreed not to make offers by any other route such as phone or email. That's not to say the prep school heads don't know, of course!

Original poster
Rianna · 02/02/2018 10:48

Congrats Sazzy !

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Sobeenthere · 02/02/2018 12:57

It's really stressful, but worth it when it ends in an offer. But cruel for those who get a 'no', especially after they've had to endure an interview. But there are other great schools out there!

anonymoosy · 02/02/2018 13:39

Post has been......no letter at all yet. Still convinced it's to early to hope....

anonymoosy · 02/02/2018 13:39

*too

CRM114 · 02/02/2018 14:01

If you don’t receive a letter today you’re in Wine unless you’re going for 13+ like us. We still have to worry about the possibility of the dreaded 12+. It is a brutal process!

Shezmum · 02/02/2018 17:34

No letters for us today, not sure they will send the no letters next week?

CRM114 · 02/02/2018 18:04

Shezmum, my understanding is that if you haven’t received a no letter by today, then you’re through. I know what you mean though - you want to see it in writing. However, I think you can quietly enjoy the weekend! Smile

cmjmama · 03/02/2018 22:08

so just interested how does this 13+ followed by a 12+ thing work? year 8 boys take the 13+ then if they don't get in they do a 12+ does that mean deferring for a year or something? as 12 is less than 13 obviously

anthos · 03/02/2018 23:02

Re the 13+ entry. We all sit the same 11+ exam at 10/11, the difference is that rather than entry at year 7 you get a conditional offer for entry in year 9 (i.e. passing Common entrance at the required %).

It does seem harder for those going for 13+, as you sit the same exams and there are less places. Instead of an interview if you are borderline, you either get outright rejection (friends have already despite some boys being very bright) or you get come back and try again next year and sit 12+ exams... for entry at 13.

I suspect because DS did not finish the maths paper, we are borderline despite strong English/VR and normally very strong maths... but it is one multi choice exam for x minutes at the end of one very full day for a 10 year old boy......anything can happen. So because they don't interview for this for 13 entry.... I am expecting come back and do more tests at 12+ as we have not heard yet.

If that happens, then I am not sure we would go for that regardless of the schools kudos/academics/position in league tables as I wouldn't want the uncertainty or to put my young DS through more exams, followed by Common Entrance too. He is just starting his academic journey... why try and burn them out so young?

No school is worth that when there are more pastoral but growing in academic schools close by for us that DS has offers for. In hindsight, I wish we had gone for year 7 entry.. but then my bright DS is very very young in the year, so we chose 13+ entry for pastoral reasons.

Right school, right boy. However, as a result of the nature of this process compared to other schools, I am increasingly wondering if RGS is right for us, despite the 'draw' of the final academic results/league tables with an academic but also very sporty and young in the year DS.

madworld67 · 04/02/2018 07:33

Good luck anthos. Your DS will hopefully be fine.I'm not sure that it's harder at 13+, there are less places but it's only prep school boys who can try. Quite a lot of places go to Lanesborough boys. Their latest advertising says 70% of the boys get into RGS. That's huge... so might make odds worse?????

Original poster
Rianna · 04/02/2018 11:07

That’s what’s I’ve sort of heard about every school : the 13 plus has been harder .
About the 12 plus .
You would have to accept a place at another school and in most cases pay the first term ( unless this has changed . Your son then would sit the 12 plus but there aren’t many places at all , you really can’t count on a place . I do know people who got into RGS going that route , but personally I wouldn’t like it as it’s so uncertain . If you now choose another school , your son can get used to the idea . If he has to try for 12 plus and then doesn’t get in , the other school would feel second choice . Of course if your son matured a lot in a year’s time ( especially as he’s so young ) there’s no harm trying . But personally if my son was sporty I would be more than happy to send him to o e of the other schools . Good luck !

OP posts:
anthos · 04/02/2018 18:30

Rianna. Agree with you, I do think 13+ has been harder (in hindsight!). We are also not from a feeder prep, so chances/exam prep would be worse.

If we do not get a 13+ offer then I will not wait for the 12+, it means it isn't the right school . What irks me is the RGS process, I don't understand why they interview for 11+ but not 13+ if say one exam didn't stack up. Maybe they have so many applicants they don't need to. It just seems rather harsh on the boys, to expect them to sit another exam at 12+. The process makes me feel even if he gets an offer at 13+ that it isn't the right school.

Original poster
Rianna · 04/02/2018 18:52

Anthos I have no idea . I guess it’s a bit of a lottery in the end . I agree the whole system is horrible , not only at RGS but at most indipendent schools in the area . I also think it’s not the best age to test the children . Does anyone know by its called the 11+ when its the 10/11 age group ? A year later and it’s much clearer to the children themselves , the parents and the schools which school is suitable . Good luck , he will do well in another school as well .

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VienneseFingers · 05/02/2018 08:26

Is it 11+ because it's the school they go to when they are 11 (+)? That's what I've always assumed. Not because of the age when they sit the exam. Not so much at Independent schools, but in Grammar school areas don't they sit the exam in September, so pretty much every child is 10.

LIZS · 05/02/2018 08:58

Yes 11+ at point of entry ie. Year 7 intake. Deferred 13+ is also taken at 10/11 but for year 9 entry.

CRM114 · 05/02/2018 09:51

Congratulations to all those that have made it this far - and good luck to those waiting to hear about interview or 13+ results this week. Big hugs to those that won’t be going. Remember to put it all in context. Yes it’s a good school but it’s not the be all and end all. It is your continued belief, dedication and love that propels you forward. Best wishes to everyone. Wink

SheilaFentiman · 05/02/2018 13:44

Viennese, yes, some definitely sit in September.