Preparing for admission into Geits or Seconds for Edinburgh Academy - anyone?

[Flaxhigh]

Hi there,

Does anyone know if there are such things as past papers or text books one can buy to prepare my son for admission to Edinburgh Academy? My son is at a primary at present which doesn't exactly push him. We're not too bothered about it, but need to get him up to scratch for entry into Ed Academy (or possibly other independent school). I have absolutely no idea what standard they are expecting other than they say in their admissions: 'level C - in the 5-14 assessment scheme', which means nothing to me.

Ed Academy used to be known as an academic school (many years ago) but I have a feeling it has lost it's reputation. Does anyone have an opinion about why it is a few thousand pounds more than say George Heriot's or Watsons?

Any advice/experience partic. from happy/unhappy parents with sons at the Academy would be gratefully received.

Thanks!

I think it is reputation to be honest, that has let it have higher fees than other private schools. My brother attended there, albeit 20 odd years ago, and it wasn't a happy place, very old fashioned and didn't seem to move forward with the times. Of course, a lot might have changed (and indeed has as girls now attend) and it might be great.

My dish as just started at watsons (p1) and is loving it. We've become indoctrinated (!) there and everyone I speak to has nothing but praise (like parents who have older kids there).

I think it would be worthwhile looking at other private schools rather than placing all your eggs in one basket.

Heard many similar unhappy accounts of EA, albeit from 15-20 years ago.

I've no idea why there is a difference in price. There have been issues re bullying at EA which have made the press in the past couple of years.

That said , I would look at it in comparison with other schools. Take advantage of open days and see what feels good to you.

Def go to open days and see what feels right, just because your current school doesn't push him doesn't nean a private one will. Don't know where you are now but kids can get as Lost in the system at a ps as a state one. Go and see them all, see what he likes, I know many friends with a family affiliation to one school that opted differently after viewing. Every school is different to how it was when we were younger. As for prep, as each school has their own individual test ( and a lot go on interview as well) I would have fun with reading at home, do some fun math tasks, and prepare in that way. I hope you find a great school you can grow with.

Ps I know of friends with children happy at EC, but like wise very happy kids and parents at esms, watsons, heriots and fettes. I wouldn't look at price for quality. My friends kids are at fettes and love it but would have gone for watsos had it been an easier commute

I don't think you can make any decisions without actually visiting the schools or from from feedback from 20 years ago! You really need to look at all your options as there are so many variables (location, size, emphasis on sports etc) and ask them exactly what they expect from the entrance tests.

We have friends with children at EA, Watsons, GH's, Fettes and Merchiston and all are happy with their choices. Different schools suit different children.

As for EA, DH went there around 20 years ago and loved it (he boarded). You are never going to get a school which has had no issues with bullying, no matter how much you pay. I can only say that a great many ex EA pupils have also sent their own children to the school, which I doubt they would do if they were desperately unhappy there themselves!

Also, you aren't tied to one school for child's whole school career. If you find you are unhappy with your choice after a while, vote with your feet and move!

I agree with what the others are saying.
You need to look at a good few private schools and decide which one is for you.
I have heard positive and negative things about a majority of schools, including the one my daughter is at yet we all love it.
It's worth having good look around and deciding which one feels right for your child.

My children are at Edinburgh Academy and it is a fantastic school. I attended Watson's and would certainly NEVER recommend it to anyone. It is far too big and unless you are a high flier or at the bottom you will simply go off radar. At EA it is far more personal and nothing like 20 years ago. As the previous poster said, people who think certain schools have no bullying are incredibly naive.

It's funny elle333pink I have heard the same about watsons and when we went to visit it it was just too big for us and I knew it wasn't for us at all!