7+ / 8+ London boys schools Dec 2018 / Jan 2019 (St Paul's Juniors, Westminster Under, Kings)

[RaspberryCake]

Hi everyone, just wondering if anyone has a DS doing the 7+ or 8+ exam for some of the London day schools, like St Paul's Juniors, Westminster, or Kings. My DS is doing the 7+ and the first exam is on December 1st (St Paul's). I think I have a fairly good idea of the exam structure but, of course, I would welcome any top tips - as well as company from a Mumsnet support group, as we go through this! Good luck to everyone!

Yes agree. For us SPJS was a more difficult exam as my son is better at English than maths. The KCS exam was therefore much better suited to him, whereas the SPS one favoured stronger mathematicians. It does not surprise me about some getting KCS and not SPJS as the composition is a challenge at 6 or 7 years. No difference between them once you are in. I slightly preferred KCS but not enough to travel past SPJS to it.

Anyone heard from WUS today?

There is a good thread regarding the recent 7 + exams, and waiting lists, if anyone is interested. Good luck!
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/primary/3693537-7-exams-for-Westminster-Kings-and-St-Pauls

Be interested to know if anyone has any experience of WUS with other DS and what life is like at the school when the boys join? We have no reference and a bit concerned that he may not fit in and find it miserable.

@icantbelievethis001 I have many friends with ds at WUS in various years and have never heard a complaint. Everyone seems to love the school. Pastoral care is very good as WUS is small and keeps the younger ones well looked after. Normal homework levels etc and a good amount of sports at Vincent square.

I have my deposit now so it is a bit late to be asking but does anyone have any experience of SPJS? I am hoping we have made the right decision as we really liked KCS too but it was further from us.

My only experience is via friends whose DS are at the school and loving it.

We have a ds in WUS and have been very pleased with the school. It’s a happy environment and the teachers are great. Also, one of the main advantages of WUS is that there is a natural venting point at 13. So if you want to change course, switch to a boarding school for example, school will fully support you. I find that option good because at 6 or 7 when making a decision about the next 11-12 years it’s good to have some flexibility.

Hi anyone has experience of chances getting into KCJS from reserve list 10+. My son was on reserve list 9+ and now again this year 10+ reserve list. Not sure chances or anyone knows if anyone did get in from reserve list?

We are at crossroads between WUS and SPJ - offer from both schools and not much time to decide. Distance is the usual first element of choice but we are equidistant. What may tip is the fact that SPJ uses buses, while WUS not, as far as I've heard.
What attracts me to WUS is the small overall intake (44 in total) and the more "cozy" feel, while SPJ has bigger intake and seems more "streamlined", just bigger in general. Apart from location and intake differences, can you help with more insights about ethos, culture, academics (I've heard WUS has better English program, more traditional). ..

We went for Kings really love the ethos there compared to SPJ feels cosier. We did visit wus and would probably have chosen it compared to SPJ as seems more nurturing but it was too far from us.