year 9 13+ entrance exams advice

[aqymum111]

Hey mums!

We're planning a move to the UK next July. DD will be in Year 9 and we're looking for independent schools for her. We've registered for Perse School as well as St albans high school for girls and Haberdashers' Askes'.

Any other recommendations? Our location depends on where DD's school is, really. DD is quite bright academically but is not a sporty/musical type. She prefers Perse over the other two but that depends on the exams in Jan, of course.

Also any info on Perse/the other two schools? As COVID restrictions don't allow us to see the school itself.

Thanks!

I'm guessing you mean the Perse school in Cambridge? Both housing and traffic in Cambridge are expensive / dreadful. I really wouldn't consider a move to Cambridge without further investigation. If you move to north London you will have many more housing and transport options. There are many schools you could consider for your dd, overall the private sector isn't as full as it makes out and will often find room for a bright dc.

All three of these schools are highly academic and you have to be REALLY bright to get a place. I have seen bright top set girls not get in.

I would make sure your daughter sits for one less academic school as a backup, regardless of whether you are confident she’ll be successful at these three. Somewhere like Berkhamsted or Haileybury would be a good bet.

Also be aware that the main entrance points for girls, even at the top girls boarding schools, is now at 11+. Places are available at 13+ but they are far fewer so competition is much higher. You find many more places available at schools that accept boarders and those that start at 13, like St Edwards, Wellington College, Stowe, Charterhouse.

I think you just need a backup school in the mix too.