NLCS - HABS - ST HELENS - Other Schools in North West London

[maya1234]

I know there are other threads on here about preparation people are doing for assesments at 4+ entry into these schools.

I get that it is really competitive and I get that the kids don't have to read.

I know there are those of you who dont agree with private education etc, fine, I am not doing this post to discuss the merits of it versus state, so if this is what you want to do please start your own thread.

What I want to discuss is what is good preparation, not whether it is right or not, these assesments are there to assess a childs readiness to learn and that cant be taught.

Most people I know that are going for these assesments for 4+ entry are ALL getting their kids tutored, pretty much most the kids getting into these schools are either privately tutored or tutored by their parents.

It is certainly not a level playing field when trying to get your child into a good school, what I want to know is how can I prepare my child as best as I can.

My child is shy, she doesnt look people in the eye, she clams up in new situations, she has had no tution, we have not bombarded her with preparation by any means, but need to start doing something especially since most her peers who will be at those assesments will have been tutored or prepared.

I want genuine advice from parents who are experienced in preparing their children for these assesments, most parents I know whose children are in the same year are either tutoring openly, or secretly, I am not here to judge on whether it is right.....I would like to know whether it is what is neccessary...

Agree- the school has to be right for the child and the child right for the school.

Just ask yourself why none of the teachers at NLCS send their daughters there ? Ask yourself why they do not put the work of the reception chidlren on the walls. Agree with second poster - you can not prep for the 4+ they know what they are looking for and the test at NLCS is pretty much as decribed but I think they also get them to write as well.

I've been an NLCS parent for nearly a decade and I can tell you that there are daughters of members of staff there and the reception classes have loads of artwork on the walls.
You're just plain wrong, lalafifi.

My dd went to Habs from 5 years old. She wasn't tutored in any way having come from a state primary school reception class. However she was an advanced reader (was reading chapter books like 'the owl who was afraid of the dark') and a very inquisitive and independent little girl. We were told that part of the selection process focused on whether they thought the children could cope with a fairly long day of intensive activity.

I think that my dd could have thrived in lots of different schools and obtaining a place at Habs is probably more of a status symbol for the parents than the child. Having said that my dd is a high achiever and recently said she has never doubted her intellectual ability and I suspect that Habs instilled that self belief in her.

As a parent of a child soon to take her place at NLCS, I agree with Horsemadmum. We definitely came across many staff members with children presently there and those who have had their children there in the past. The important point is that there is no need to denigrate any school because of the intricacies involved in admission decisions. I was strongly in favour of another school but my dd and dp wanted NLCS (btw thanks but no thanks Horsemadmum!) Overall, I think parents want their children to be happy for themselves rather than live out mum/dad's unfulfilled ambition!

Dear RSK,
Congratulations! I hope your DD enjoyed the process and you didn't find it too stressful. She'll love decorating biscuits on induction day- my DD still remembers it a decade later. The teachers (mother and ONL daughter) are so gentle. You'll see lots of older girls popping in for a hug. Def. get uniform at the Good as New sale. It is much softer and more comfy for the little ones.
Sorry that MN gets so heated. Hopefully, in a year's time, you'll see why it is a school worth defending. I'm finding that as much as my DD loved it from the start, it just gets better and better. She's just chosen her GCSE's and can't wait to get stuck in-that says it all.

Horsemadmum thanks, you've been a blessing (and so have others here) to my family during this process. I have already passed on your comment about induction day activity.

Undoubtedly, it's a great school with a reputation that cannot be tarnished easily.

The last time we visited they were celebrating having 39 Oxbridge offers for this year (and many more offers from top universities here and in the US). As your dd is steeped in the NLCS culture, it should be no surprise when she holds such offers in only a few years from now. Thanks again.

For a little look into your chrystal ball...
My DD is utterly convinced that she is surrounded by girls far brighter than she and has spent the last week worried that 'she may be a Classicist' and would need to postpone doing philosophy until IB because the school has told her that she most definitely cannot do 11 GCSEs. It feels like only yesterday she was doing Jolly Phonics and spending break rolling in the mud (they come home very dirty!). It goes by so fast!
BTW- 39 is pretty much parr for the course. More important, the girls are well advised to study where they will be happy. Lots do amazing gap years. I just want DD to be as excited about learning as she is now and continue to surround herself with lovely, supportive, grounded friends.

Randy strauss khan, did NLCS ask for reference from her current primary before the place was offered?

Sorry - was away on work assignment. Yes, they did as part of the whole process - that is, before the exams/assessment.

My DD was called for an interview at Habs and NLCS at 7 plus, but the schools did not ask for reference from her current school. I am bit confused and curious regarding the whole process of reference. She was not offered a place. Her current school is not a pre prep school . May be these schools ask for reference only from their known prep schools ? I am saying that because my elder DD was offered a place 4 years ago and no reference was asked, (she used to go to same primary school as younger DD).

Horsemadmom - absolutely agree that it is a school worth defending. I have two DDs in the senior school, one started at 7 and one at 4. What amazes me is how much they enjoy studying - no tantrums in the evening they just get home and start their homework - and they truly enjoy it. It is a fantastic school with amazing opportunities....

my dd is having nlcs habs assessment in jan. i have been following all your threads and is hugely grateful to the vast amout of information you shared. cd any please pm me wuth a tutor's contact details you had used ?

Hi I know it is terrible... But I was told tutoring does help the confidence... Can somebody please PM any good tutors in West or North london

Can you please tell me what was the Assesment like ?

My daughter is appearing for St Helens year 9 test. Please can anyone recommend maths and english tutor for her