Moving from Halstow (Greenwich) to private..

[Devina]

My DS is starting primary and we are in (fingers crossed) catchment of Halstow. We also have a place in Pointer School. I am leaning towards taking up Halstow and then sending DS private at 7 or so - but is that practical? Have any mums on MN actually done that? I was told kids struggle when moved to private at 7 (with preparations for assessment etc) but does a good school like Halstow help them get there easily?

Any experiences with Halstow (and how the journey has been!) would be greatly appreciated!

if you are in Halstow catchment then you have to take that place IMO - have lots of friends with dc there and it is a fabulous school with an inspirational head and great results. Am not so sold on Pointers - but that is a different story.

Moving at 7 can work well as a couple of the boys schools do start their junior depts from year 3. So practically it could be a lot less disruptive than the 11+. I think if I had a son going in for 7+ exams, I would want him to have some exam practice and I would probably have some tuition leading up to it if my heart was set on it. Halstwo is a great school but is in no way geared up to external exams at 7 (nor is any other primary school- state or independent IMO).

HTH

Thanks hatsy - I went to see Halstow and really liked it. My only concern was diversity (or rather the lack of it!) - being in London, you would've ideally liked DS to get exposed to different cultures and background. Pointer was a little better in terms of diversity (surprisingly!).

I think you are right that no school really prepares them for the exams - but I still feel 7 is too young an age to set them up with tutors :(

Hi Devina, my DS starts reception a year after yours, and we're currently debating Halstow (try to move close enough to get in) vs. Blackheath Prep or Heath House. 11+ is one of the factors. Do you think Halstow prepares children to face 11+? Any info you can share from your research hugely appreciated!

se3 - I agree with hatsy and do not think Halstow or any other state school really prepares you for 11+ - but am okay to do some extra tutoring at 10 or 11 (which seems more reasonable than doing it at 7!). I really don't know why Halstow is considered so good though. I would love to get feedback from parents who send their kids to Halstow.

I think Heath House and Blackheath prep definitely prepare well for 11+ - that is their main focus. They also have an intake at 7+, so that is another option to consider. But having said that, I am happy for my DS to go to Pointer as it seems well-balanced with a wide variety of after-school activities. Will think about Halstow vs Pointer once he reaches reception age!

Which area are you thinking of moving to?