How do people approach the Year 2 entrance exams at private school in Cambridge?

[Pam888]

So I'm a state school mum and thinking about (possibly..) sending my DS1 to private school for Year 2 starting sept 2015 (he will start Year 1 at state school in sept 2014). He's not terribly happy at state school and we are just canvassing our options. That said, I have no idea how difficult the Year 2 entrance exams are for private schools and whether its the "done thing" to get a tutor, or do you just tutor them yourselves and hope for the best? I imagine that the tests are not as bad as the entrance exams into Year 7, but what do I know! any views greatly appreciated.

I should also add that I'm assuming there is a written assessment but may be they just assess your child at their current school at that age? You see, I know nothing....

Hello! Do you mean the entrance exams children take in the January of Year 2 for entry that September to the prep schools in Year 3? Or do you mean you want to move your child to start at the new school at the beginning of Year 2? Year 3 is a main entry point for Cambridge preps, but not Year 2.

Hi Camcamgirl, I mean I want to move my child to start the new school at the beginning of Year 2. Had no idea that most kids move in Year 3! For some reason I had it in my head that moves usually happen at the age of 7 and 11. Clearly not! Any info you have on the exams (?) at Year 3 would also be appreciated in case the move is delayed.

Thanks again.

I think most of the schools will use a written assesement for year 3 entry. Some parents will get tutors, some will tutor themselves, and some will do nothing. It depends on the child and parents. I think most will assume the children will have reached level 3 by the end of year 2, but not especially further than that.

At least if you are thinking now you have plenty of time to do all the open mornings and ask lots of questions. The tests will be January of year 2 for year 3 entry.

If you want to move at the start of year 2 it will partly depend on a place being available and I assume it would be a more ad hoc testing arrangement.

You're right that children usually move at age 7 and 11, which translates as going into Year 3 (beginning of prep) and Year 7. Some also move at age 13 (into Year 9), as some independent secondaries start at Year 7 and some at Year 9.

Moving into Year 2 would mean going into the last year of pre-prep, so the most selective schools may already be full, or only have one or two spaces, which will therefore be highly sought after. Also this may well mean having to change schools again after just one year.

I have children at one of the most selective Cambridge schools, having entered at Year 3. I didn't tutor them or have them tutored, as I wanted them to only go there if they would comfortably get in - and I don't believe many people tutor their six year olds in Cambridge (unlike London!), but perhaps people just don't admit it.

Depending on which schools you are considering, there may well be Year 1 and Year 2 taster mornings, with children having to be registered sometimes as soon as possible (some schools use this as a tiebreaker), while other schools let you register them right up to the December of Year 2. The entrance exams are then in the January of Year 2, with offers issued almost immediately. Parents then have a few weeks to decide whether or not to accept. It's quite usual to enter for more than one prep, so parents may have more than one offer to consider.

The most selective schools take something like the top 20/25% at Year 3, with this reducing further at Year 7, due to demand - so, yes, it's usually much easier to get in at Year 3. Other preps are far less selective - and some not at all. In addition, the preps all have a different vibe, suit different types of children (academic, musical, sporty, etc) and attract different types of families, which for us was important too, as we wanted to feel at home at the school we chose - which we do.

If you let us know which schools you are considering, we may be able to help you further...

Hi CamCamGirl, I'm really interested in this too! Can you elaborate on the different vibes and different kinds of parents of the Cambridge preps? Am new to this so any guidance through the anthropology of the pre-prep and prep scene would be hugely appreciated!

Thanks Camcam Girl and Bike Rider33 - you are both fountains of knowledge

Note the differences in places for Year 2 and Year 3. Sounds like he'll have more chance in Year 3. I have not really looked around any (but will start doing that this year), but from what I hear from other people would be interest in St Faiths, Stephen Perse, Kings College and St Johns. Do you know if (generally) its easier/harder to get into one or the other? DS1 is currently quite sporty so good sport facilities would be good (but again will look for this when we go round). Currently (and he's only just finished reception recently bless him!) I think he's pretty average academically which is why I am not really considering the Perse.

Thanks again to everyone!

couple of thoughts if he not happy y1 is normally quite different from reception - more formal which might suit some children and you could look at moving him to another state school

Thanks northofcambridge. Have given that some thought, hence why I think he should stay in state school for another year to see if it works out. Have also made an in-year application to another state school but nobody seems to be leaving in Year 1 so we are just on the waiting list. Not holding my breath though cos its a popular primary school. Private will really be our last option if Year 1 doesn't go so well.