Bluecoat

[Faye1090]

Hi, this is my first time posting I’m not well versed in the workings of the site atm! Just wondering if anybody had any details or experience with Bluecoat school admission’s (recommendations for tutors would be highly welcomed)

thanks x

[LetItGoToRuin]

There are several schools in the country with 'Bluecoat' in their title. Which one do you mean?

[Faye1090]

Oh sorry it’s The Liverpool Bluecoat School

[duckydoo234]

My daughter goes there; she's in Year 7 now.

The admissions process is fairly straightforward - kids sit the exam (English and Maths, 50 mins each); 27 places are set aside for kids on free school meals - so, essentially they are competing against each other rather than the whole cohort - and the remaining 153 places go to the others with the highest marks. That comprises Group A, i.e. guaranteed places. Group B is the next 40 on the highest-scoring list, and they will get any places available if Group As don't take their place. Obviously the chances vary from year to year, but from what I've read, it seems like usually 20-30 get in from Group B. They used to not rank Group B, but from 2022 intake they've changed that so you know where you stand within the group, i.e. if you're top 10, you've got a great chance but if you're #39 probably no chance.

We didn't use a tutor, but did lots of extra work at home.

[ScoobyBooby]

@duckydoo234 can I ask what extra work you did at home and where to find practice exams? Thanks

[duckydoo234]

Hi, on application, the school will provide some sample material, but it's not a full practice exam. The exams are a bit of everything in Maths and English, so you kinda have to be really good across the board in both, rather than focus on specific areas in practice papers.

We found Schofield & Sims best for Maths. CGP for comprehension - started with Bond and lost the will to live, and found CGP much more accessible and relevant. But Bond were really good for SPAG, word meanings etc.

[ScoobyBooby]

@duckydoo234

Hi, on application, the school will provide some sample material, but it's not a full practice exam. The exams are a bit of everything in Maths and English, so you kinda have to be really good across the board in both, rather than focus on specific areas in practice papers.

We found Schofield & Sims best for Maths. CGP for comprehension - started with Bond and lost the will to live, and found CGP much more accessible and relevant. But Bond were really good for SPAG, word meanings etc.

Great thank you . My daughter is at greater depths for most of her subjects but we have only now discovered about the 11+ exams and with them coming up very soon we are unsure as to whether to let her attempt it !

I will take a look at those papers you mentioned thank you