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Original poster

Abingdon School 11+ v 13+ entry

7 replies

Nextstep123 · 20/02/2020 14:09

Anyone have any experience of the Lower School at Abingdon ? DS in Prep school in another area so we don’t have to move until 13 but wondering about moving earlier as believe Abingdon has stronger academic rigour. DS is excelling but I am frustrated not stretched so tempting to get moving earlier.

OP posts:
Rootd · 21/02/2020 19:43

Would you consider moving him to Abingdon prep? If you're in by year 5 I believe they don't have to take the exams for the senior school.

Original poster
Nextstep123 · 21/02/2020 20:17

@Rootd no we have to get elder son through A levels first and I am not concerned about tests. DS is bright and thriving it is just not the long term plan. Also have small matter of selling house and new jobs !!!

OP posts:
Rootd · 21/02/2020 20:46

Where is your older son? Are you not happy for younger son to go there?

Original poster
Nextstep123 · 21/02/2020 21:47

No. This son needs more academic stretch and plenty of top sport. We are looking all over !

OP posts:
OxfordMum1983 · 23/02/2020 20:33

From what I know of Abingdon, I doubt starting age will make the school experience any different.
Similar to other schools in this region, they take at 11+ from schools ending at yr6 (almost entirely state) and 13+ for those from preps. My DS in a prep is therefore only able to apply to start from yr9. May well differ if moving into the area though.

Are there other preps you could look at until you are Freed up to move areas?

If dead set on Abingdon, which is a great school, you could use the strategy I've discovered some do if they really want one school - send to one of the main feeder preps for what remains of yr5-8. Might mean one with weekly/boarding option.

WhyAmIPayingFees · 25/02/2020 23:54

DS went in to Abingdon at 11 and really enjoyed the lower school in years 7 and 8. It has a very dedicated housemaster and we had no regrets about the timing. I think you need to have a boy who is ready to be in a large school with lots of older boys, but there are then many advantages in terms of facilities and support for diverse interests. The Other Half programme is really extraordinary in its diversity of offerings.

Original poster
Nextstep123 · 28/02/2020 17:02

Our Prep will let us move whenever we want so really have choice. Head spinning with such a variety of styles of school....
Thanks for all input

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