Watford Consortium

[Tiny12345]

Hi did anyone's children sit the Watford consortium exams recently? My son wants to apply to Parmiters and we live in St Albans. Any advice appreciated.
Thanks

I should add that i'm talking about applying next year, not this year, he is currently in year 5

I'm sure there are loads of threads on the archive here, if you search West Herts Consortium, or Parmiters - I have seen quite a few over the years (including recently).

What in particular do you want to know? Would your DS sit the academic test,or the musical test, or both? Have you looked on the Parmiters and WBGS (if you are interested in that one too) websites, as there is loads of information on there about what the tests consist of etc etc.

Thanks. I was wondering if people used tutors and if so, could they recommend any. Also if any practice papers, books etc were useful. I'll have a look for old messages too.

People absolutely use tutors, but I have heard of people not using tutors and still getting a place.

The 11 plus forum is something I've seen mentioned a lot on here for answers to exactly your kind of questions. Info on the SW Herts Consortium (which includes Parmiters) here.

I should declare my interest is that my DH teaches at Parmiters; my DC are only in Y2 and pre-school, so a while yet before I need to worry about all this!

I also live in St. Albans and my son has just got the SW herts test results and did very well. He did one hour's tutoring a week through year 5 plus bond books, spelling apps, mock exams etc

However having done all that I am but not convinced that Parmiters is better than the good St. Albans schools (sandringham, beaumont etc). The exam results are similar and there is an economic selection for at albans (ie you have to be able afford the crazy house prices) that seems to lead to a good number of high achievers. But I guess it depends whereabouts you are in St. Albans what your options are

Agree with Allagory - it's v popular with families who live Chiswell, Bricket Wood, St Stephens and Watford. I think families who live in catchment for Beaumont and Sandringham don't bother as it would be a trek for same sort of school, facilities, results. Academic test is very competitive as more apply than for private schools ( as free!). Music test pure ability and well worth taking.

Hello - my oldest son is at Parmiters - we are in AL1. I don't think a professional tutor is essential, but that being said we did tutor him ourselves with lots of past papers etc. I used the stuff recommended on the 11+ forum mentioned above, but be warned it's a bit of a scary place!

The only thing I'd add is to make sure you comply with the registration deadline for taking the test; from memory this is something like June before the test is taken in September. Good luck.

Hi there,

We are a tuition centre in St Albans specialising in the 11+. You might find our education blog useful for tips on the 11+ test and SWHC application process: brightyoungthings.co.uk/parents-blog/.

We offer small group tuition in preparation for the 11+ to local selective schools, covering Maths, English and Verbal Reasoning. Most of our year 5 students come for one hour per week. New students are offered a free introductory lesson, so if you would like your son to try it out or have any questions, do get in touch.

Ds did very well and we think he would make it into Parmiter's next year. We have moved and are within other really good catchment areas in SA now and Parmiter's is not our first choice any more.
We practised with him, the books advised on the Parmiter's website. 1 hour maths, 1 hour VR every week starting after Christmas.
Ds thought maths was easy, which was a bit of a surprise for us.