Perse entrance exam

[anoncamb]

Hi All,
DS gave the Perse entrance exam for Y3 and didn’t get through. He is good academically and is in the top group in English and maths in his school. However, he gave the entrance exam without much preparation as we weren’t aware of the competition.

As we plan to try in Y7 again, I would like to know what people usually do to prepare for these exams. Is private tutoring needed?

Any suggestions/references to tutors will be very helpful.
TIA

Forgot to add that it’s Perse in Cambridge. Any one from Cambridge who can help?

I helped my two kids pass the entrance exams to year 7. Both were preparing for about a year. I don't think any child, even the brightest one, would be able to get in without any preparation. They will need to get familiar with verbal reasoning and this subject is not taught at primary schools. Both of my kids had private tutor in English. Maths and VR we did together at home.

The entrance exams are highly competitive. I believe there are 4 or 5 pupils per place. Very hard work. But once they got it, they absolutely love their school. Worth every penny, in my opinion.

Hi, Congratulations to your kids! Could you share how to find tutors? Thanks

You shouldn't need tutoring but do look at the sample papers they have online and do them so they are used to the format.

Okay, thanks~

It is very competitive so preparation is needed, but give it time, we also worked regularly for just over a year before the exam. Start with small bond/cgp books with your DS and then moving to past papers. A good tutor can help refine exam technique especially in getting good marks on writing tasks which can be harder for boys. Good luck for Y7!

Dear All:
my DS is considering applying the Perse School via 13+. He is particularly interested in DT. It would be very grateful if someone could tell whether the Perse have strong DT department and what kinds of support the school give to DT lovers. Many thanks!!

My son is at the Perse Upper and loves DT. He is even considering DT for his A-levels. They do all sorts of projects, using laser cutter ,3D printers and some electronics. Apart from the DT lessons, there is a regular DT club where they can work on their own projects. The school is currently building an extension to the DT department. It should be ready in a few months. The support from DT teachers is incredible. Please note that getting in at 13+ is really tough as there is a huge competition.

Hi Crocuse:
Thanks for your information, that's very useful. My son is very glad to hear there are a lot equipment and support from the school, that is exactly he's looking for. Great news! Thanks for sharing. Fingers crossed, he can pass the exam.

many thanks

The Perse website says no special preparation is needed but I think it would be very difficult as an adult, let alone as a child, to go through a whole morning of unfamiliar tests, a group task with unknown peers, and an interview with a senior teacher one’s never met before, without any opportunity to acquaint oneself with these things beforehand. Furthermore, children who don’t spend a significant period preparing for these assessments will be at a significant disadvantage because many (if not most) applicants will have had some coaching and/or private tuition.
There are several local tutors profiled on the First Tutors website.

Hi @anoncamb
Try Helen Jameson in Waterbeach. She’s got a lot of experience helping children prepare for entrance assessments for highly selective schools like The Perse. She offers individual tuition and runs a small group specifically aimed at children who will be sitting entrance assessments. Contact her at least a year in advance as she’s usually booked up.
@Flyinbird it might be worth considering private tuition for your son too.