Could someone tell me about selective primary schools?

[ComradeJing]

We're looking at going private over here (Sydney) and some of the schools we're looking at are selective. Some very much so (but no information on how) with 22 places for 100 odd applicants and others just want to have a general 'are they ready for school' chat.

Can anyone tell me their experience of going through selection processes for selective primary schools? We have some time to go - dd is 2 and ds is 3 months. I'm a SAHM and as EVERYONE seems to send their kids to day care here and go back to work I'm having a vague worry that the dc will struggle in comparison to kids who are in a more structured environment.

the lack of sleep may be sending me loopy so please be gentle if I'm worrying and talking rot

Well, speaking only from experience of a UK private primary school, DS2 (6yrs Y2) attended a taster day for 'assessment'. This was very low key, teachers giving him work with the rest of the class and seeing how he managed. We were then offered a placed. For Y3 and above, there is an entrance examination.

As always, I suppose the best thing to do is to visit the schools you like the look of and find out more about the process and what they are looking for at the age they start school where you are.

Thanks MRS.

Sorry yes, I should have said I'm interested in the uk process even though I know it won't be the same.

Will come back to thread in a tick, hang on.