Bute House 4+ ballot and non-competitive ethos

[sanam2010]

Hi, Bute House looks fantastic but it looks impossible to win the 4+ ballot, isn't it? Does anyone have an idea of the odds? They take 20 girls but I assume around 10 places left for the actual ballot, and then how many girls do you think are registered for it? 200? I am just guessing, if any one has more information please share.

Also, I love their philosophy and the headmistress's views on education - it's so different from the other academic prep schools. I just wonder can it really be true? How do they get results so much better than the other top girls' prep schools while following a "non-competitive ethos"?

[MeeH]

Please can any of the parents that got offers at Bute just tell me how it is so far for your dear daughters? Wondering whether we would fit in as just an average type family 😁

[salmonsalmon]

Just wondering if anyone already received offer from butehouse for their 4+ ballot for entry in sept 2018. apparently they are sending out letters in several phase and I assumed all offer letters have already being sent out

[Tina2705]

I agree with you Sanam. Go for 7+!!!

[sanam2010]

thanks for cheering me up cariad! you are right, I also thought maybe this letter just saved me lots of money ;-). at least I don't have to commit early. But it would have been nice to join you two, seems like I could have been the third parent without a fancy car ;-).

[cariad73]

plus its a lot of money to pay for colouring in (as one of my friends husband said regarding his son at Ravenscourt)

:)

[cariad73]

sorry to hear Sanam :(

Go for the 7+...that was our plan realistically

[Tina2705]

Good luck Sanam.

[sanam2010]

no luck here unfortunately, not even waiting list so all eyes on the 7+ now ;-). It's okay, I decided that whatever happens it will probably be for the best. Although I am a bit jealous ;-). Enjoy! I'm sure your daughters will love it!

[Tina2705]

Your post make me feel better. Now i cant wait to see The School!!!

[cariad73]

Agree! We don't holiday at our own private villa in the Bahamas so if that's the norm we could be in trouble.

Also, I will be dropping DD off in my Audi not a chauffeur driven limo.

(I have seen this at Godolphin & Latymer which is behind my house)

;)

[Tina2705]

Im still thinking about it. But im pretty sure we will take it. Im going to see the school next month. I just hope we will fit there!!!

[cariad73]

Tina are you accepting or still deciding?

Also hey pretty good odds so far....two acceptance letters out of 18 (supposedly).

[Tina2705]

Hope it will go well for you Sanam!!

[Tina2705]

Yes we got an offer as well!!

[sanam2010]

Tina, did you also get an offer? I wonder if the lucky ones got their letters first? I will find out when I am back in London tonight!

[Tina2705]

We got our letter on Saturday as well!!!

[cariad73]

Yeah pretty sure we are taking it. My husband is 100% sure and I am 95% sure. ;)

I just have some slighty iffy feelings about single sex education, but when I go back for another tour and meeting with the head I will be won over again.

We are still waiting to hear about Ravenscourt Prep though, where she does have a lot of friends going (although most a year above as she is a September baby). We decided against going into Chelsea and Kensington schools because we didn't want the school run to be painful and we live in Brackenbury.

But yeah I would be lying if I said I thought we would say no to Bute. A September daughter at the Bute 4+ lottery.....no pressure then eh?

[sanam2010]

Cariad, woooowww! Congratulations! You must be thrilled!! Are you def taking up the place? I am somehow stupidly hoping for good news but I know it's very unlikely! Will let you know tomorrow (or maybe only the lucky ones got the letter so far?)

[cariad73]

ok well I know the chances, but still you get the point

[cariad73]

YES....I couldn't believe it! I was shaking and had to read it like 4 times.

Seriously I still can't believe she got in on the lottery. What are the chances?!?!

[sanam2010]

Aargh, I am away for half-term, can't wait! Did you get lucky?

[cariad73]

Just got our letter on Saturday!

[sanam2010]

Just answering my own question - looks like ballot happening this week and parents should be notified by early November. Anyone else hoping to get lucky?

[sanam2010]

Bumping this - just to ask if anybody knows what date parents can expect to hear about the outcome of the ballot? Was it in oct or nov?

[mrsshackleton]

All the girls i know at Bute seem happy there, parents have commented to me that it's the most overprivileged, entitled environment there is. Given its location and reputation that's not surprisng. You are on the list for assessment at 7+ if you register for 4+, but you will have to pay another fee, which I found very cheeky. I think you're quite right that at 7, it's much easier to spot the ones who can ace the 11+. Friends whose daughters entered at reception have said the girls who get in at 7+ are terrifyingly clever.