SATs and Private School

[Giddyup]

I was wondering if I can pick your brains? My son is 7 and nearing the end of year 2, he is currently at a fab state first school where he will stay until the end of year 3. However, the middle school he will move to leaves alot to be desired........... I know that a bright child will do well anywhere etc and I am really not being snobby (his current school is neither outstanding or terribly sought after, but its been great for us).

What sort of level would he need to be working at to be considered for a scholarship/entrance to a selective school?

He is currently working at Level 3 in all areas and we live in Dorset if that makes a difference.

Many private schools don't do SATs anyway, so they'd make their own assessment but a level 3 equivalent would probably be sound enough for most. Even fewer offer scholarships at 7/8+, most schools have switched funding towards means tested bursaries.

They will probably test themselves but as a guide, a Y2 child working at L3 would be what they were looking for for entry into Y3. Remember, a 2B is national average.

Thanks everyone that is really helpful, My main worry is that he will lose his enjoyment of learning if immersed in a culture of it not being "cool" to enjoy school,as he is a bit of a sheep sometimes and desperate to fit in with his peers.

Thanks for the info re: means tested bursaries too, something to start researching. I didn't really think we were scholarship material anyway, thought that would definitely entail being more than a bright but very normal 7 year old scamp.

But if you don't ask you don't know...

A scholarship will be assessed on NFER tests rather than SATS.

The reason I mentioned SAT scores was just as a way of quantifying his current level of attainment, in case I was barking up the wrong tree in thinking there was any possibility a selective school would want him at all. I will look into NFER tests when I weigh up our options.

The way life is panning out it looks likely we would be relocating for year 4 and beyond to a borough with excellent state school provision, but would be unable to do so before then.

The timing being slightly off is what complicates matters, if we were staying in this area permanently we would probably just move so as to be in the catchment for the other great middle schools nearby to where we live now.

Our catchment school really is the only bad egg around here. The catchment areas for the 3 local schools all seem to converge around our road; with us coming off worst!

Very few prep schools offer scholarships, it is more usual at secondary school age. I would speak to the local private schools and see what they say. One school near us does and three others don't. The one that does is known as a hothouse (at least in terms of pressure) but their results aren't as good as ds's school (hard working but more inclusive).

Prep school scholarships tend to be in the region of 10% off fees, but schools that offer these just mark up the fees for everyone. They give with one hand and take away with the other.

Good SATS scores won't do any harm, but they are really just an indicator of past work, and a measure of the infant school. An independent school is far more interested in potential and raw intellect.

Non selective schools with entrance exams use these as a way of getting to know your child before they arrive.

it is worth asking though - the school dd's going to in y3 recently announced 3 scholarships for academic ability, plus one for music, plus bursaries for financial need - all for ks2

Thanks for all the advice, there is lots you just don't know if you are a complete Prole like myself. Its great to hear that if it was financially viable for our family DS may well fit in academically in an independent setting.