13+ entry to independents from state comp

[Maikeru]

I realise this isn’t a common route, but keen to hear from anyone who has done it. I get the impression that indies who test at Year 6 for deferred 13+ entry are almost entirely drawing from prep schools, but there are others like Whitgift and Trinity who only test in Year 8 and presumably have at least a sizable minority state intake. With the VAT situation I’m wondering if this may become a more attractive/realistic option for families to fund 3 years (the core GCSE years) rather than a full 5. It certainly is for us.

DS is currently in Year 5 aiming for local grammars (all super selective level). There are a couple of commutable decent Catholic comps, but I’m not sure how good a fit they’d be long term. If he ends up at one of the comps and is happy there we wouldn’t force him into anything, but want to keep options open as he’s quite the bookish/sensitive type.

I don’t think it’s that uncommon a route, I certainly know people who have done this. The schools we looked at all have information for 13+ state applicants so it must be an established route.

I would keep your options open if that’s an option you might want. Do be aware that closing dates for registration and tests vary by school and some are much earlier than you’d expect.

If you haven’t already used it, the Atom learning platform is useful for test practice, although it is ££. We used the extra ££ option for just a few months pre the exams as an extra boost.

Best of luck

13+ from state or overseas is a normal route into the UK private system. The reason that the majority of applicants are from preps is that most state school students are very settled by 13 and do not want to move schools.

You are correct to say that the huge fee increase may mean there are more 13+ places available as some traditional private school users divert their children to grammars/flagship comprehensives. But be aware that those same people may also be looking at 13+ private entry - saving the prep fees. There may also be additional demand for 13+ day places as people try to save on boarding fees.

My guess is that the opportunities will depend very much on the area of the country you are in. It will probably take a few years to settle down but my guess is that London in particular will see increased demand for 13+ day places.

Thank you! He's taking tutoring and paper tests locally, but I kept hearing about Atom and was curious. Your post prompted me to take a look and I was surprised at just how many practice papers they have for different tests (Sutton, Wandsworth, ISEB etc) so this will complement what he's doing well I think.