13+ retest

[BumpyS]

We got an offer for a 13+ place but not our first choice. Could someone pls recommend a tried and tested tutor for a re-test in Y8 to enter City boys, St Paul’s, MTs, Highgate? Thanks

Have you been invited to retest in Y8 by these schools? I've only heard of this happening under very specific circumstances, such as a borderline candidate with an older sibling at the school.

St. Paul's does run a standard Y8 13+ retest process, but it is only offered to applicants who are placed on the Reserve List after the Y6 pretest admission. City has been known to run an extra ad hoc entry round in Y8 but it is unusual (and last time they did this a year or so ago I don't think it was open to previously unsuccessful applicants). MTS I know less about about, but I suspect they run their 13+ entry along similar lines to City.

Highgate doesn't have a 13+ entry point, so I think you would reliant on an occasional place becoming vacant unless the schools have specifically invited your DS to retest.

Which school was your DS offered? Even if it wasn't your first choice, would it really be such a bad fit for your DS that it's worth 2 years of tutoring for a place at a different school? Worst-case scenario, you could turn down the 13+ place you've been offered, apply for occasional places at other schools, and be left with no 13+ place at all.

If you message me I know a very good tutor who has success with those schools. They live in Radlett.

mdh2020, a tutor with a track record of success at prepping children for these schools won't be much help unless the schools are actually offering the OP's DS the opportunity to (re)sit entrance exams in Y8, outside standard admission rounds (which the OP hasn't confirmed).

From the post, it sounds like they have been asked by the schools to resit; otherwise, why ask the question? @BumpyS PM me and I can refer someone based in central London.

From the post, it sounds like they have been asked by the schools to resit; otherwise, why ask the question?

Having seen plenty of DCs, my own included, go through the London senior school admission process over the last few years, unsuccessful Y6 11+/13+ applicants are rarely asked to resit in Y8 at one highly-selective school, let alone multiple schools. Being invited to resit at 4 schools is sufficiently unusual that It seems reasonable to check that the OP isn't making assumptions that her DS will automatically be able to try for these schools again in Y8, especially if the OP might be considering turning down the 13+ offer her DS already has.

PM sent thank you