Hi,
We sat 11+ last year and DS now goes to Whitgift.
See below my observations on some of the questions poised:
Interview Invitation, no real pattern, and not based on how you did on score;
Some interview where done online and in person (not just international families online)
Parent Interview, they ask you can you afford it (in nicer terms) they say they expect you to be at the School until the end (if that’s not your intent, just nod a smile and say yes)
Asked, why did you choose Whitgift - I knew website inside out and had been tracking school so answer was in depth and not just because…
Asked why son wanted to go Whitgift
My Son interview;
had to read a piece of poetry and they asked him about it.
this was not consistent with all his friends, so I advised that not all boys interviews are the same so don’t read in to it! All his friends got places and not all spoke about poetry etc
Bargaining for Places:
DONT do it, make calls or mention other schools. Whatever your plan just don’t talk about it!
If you get a place I don’t believe that you can defer because of wanting to sit for Grammar - they want boys who want to come to the school and not leave within the year as it means another child misses out who wanted the place.
Someone I know tried to bargain as they had several offers - it didn’t work and that’s all I will say about that! The outcome was (read between lines)
Best of luck
The system is not uniform at this stage so don’t compare your child to anyone else or what friends say! Trust me when I say people experiences are different