High standardised age score (SAS) - GL Test- Do we need to change the school?

[leyley2017]

Hello,
My daughter is in independent school. In her year 3 report school mentioned that she scored 135 from ENGLISH and 134 from MATHS from SAS - GL assessment test.
Is that mean she is above avarage or gifted? Her report is amazing. Her reading level 18 in Oxford books, she is also good at sport and art. And she always been top of her class. She is sooo happy in her school, never wanted to change school even she had offers from super selective schools in 7+ assessments. Our school is also selective GDST girls only school but definitely its not a hot house. For example recent GCSE results are about %35 9, 8-9 %60, 9-7 %80. She had offers from City of London, JAGS but we didnt prefer because of the long journey (30-40 mins drive or school coach or 1 hour by train) so picked local GDST school which is 7 mins away from our house but I am not sure if we did the right thing as she has the potential to be in these schools and if she doesn’t get an offer in 11+ I feel like I will be sad that she will loose the opportunity to be in these academic schools. I know my daughter will do well in GCSEs even if she stays in her current school but I feel like these academic school will challenge her better as they do Maths competitions, science chess (which she loves), sport etc.. So I am in dilemma , please give me a advice if your child's scores are like that what would you do?

Thank youuu x

This seems really familiar- have you posted before. She seems to be doing well at a school that is close by and is happy- why move. I think you were told that before? If she's that bright, you can easily move at 11plus.

Are you happy with the school? Is your child happy? If yes, why change - maybe for 11+ if she wants to, but you can't go higher than a grade 9, mental health and happiness of the child is more important than anything.

What are you hoping to achieve by moving her from a place where it sounds like she's happy and thriving? She's in year 3, she has years ahead of her to be academic, if that's what she wants. If my DC was happy and thriving at a school I wouldn't pull them out and send them to a school further away just because it might stretch them more. If she was pushing for it or not doing well or bored at school that'd be one thing, but it sounds like things are good for her right now and there's really is a lot to be said for your child being in a happy safe environment that's meeting their needs and where they have friends. My youngest has a very high IQ, my middle boy is working years ahead in maths, they're at a good but not gifted or private school, where the teaching staff know them and care about them, where they feel secure and supported and have friends. They're happy, I wouldn't mess with that personally.

You keep posting the same story, and keep being given the same advice.

She's happy in a good local school - why mess with that?

You can always do extras outside.

Try 11+ and decide with a number of factors when you have offers, I see little point to switch to other prep or "better" junior at this stage.

And BTW 130+ SAS in GL for year 3 is not exceptional, the cases exists in most of the decent private schools in London.

If your dd is doing well in school, keep her there. Is she satisfied or not being challenged enough? If she is bored, then that might be a reason to move her. But she is year 3, you mine as well wait until 11+ and if she is bright now, she will probably continue to do well and be fine for the 11+

Depends on the school. If it's a mediocre school you're probably wasting your money and she'd do as well in state. Alternatively look at a better private school. Weak independent the worst of both worlds.

What’s more important to you her test scores or her happiness?

TLDR - my child is super happy and doing well at school. Should I move her?
Answer - no, of course not.

Do not subject your child to a long journey before secondary. It will impact on her performance and opportunities to do a range of activities outside school, Her confidence will be better at a local school where she shines. If there are initiatives like maths challenges ask your current school if she can participate.

My dd has similar scores and not once did we consider sending her to a super-selective school. We chose a school where she would thrive and be happy. Academics were never going to be an issue for her, so as long as we were happy that the school had some children who achieved the high results then we added them to the ‘under consideration’ list.

@leyley2017 Those GCSE results are about the same as our local state girls grammar. They have very bright girls who thrive and plenty to Oxbridge. I don’t understand your problem. Your DD is happy. Results at the school are good. I think your issue is that grass is greener elsewhere. Try at 11 but it’s hardly a failing school! Being top of your class can be very empowering!