WUS, CC and KCJS 7+/8+

[firsttimer08]

Starting this thread for those sitting the 7+/8+ for these schools. Have found last few years' threads useful in understanding the process as a newbie; and now that it is our turn, thought we can exchange notes or have an idea of when the dreaded letters/emails arrive!

All the best for this week and the next.

Just to echo what superworried said.

Rejection is horrible. It's horrible as an adult and it's particularly horrible when it's your child. You have to remember that there are lots of boys sitting these exams. The reality is that there are a finite number of spaces - so your DS may be bright enough for the school but on the day there were boys that did better.

As I said up thread, if is often a maturity thing as well. Boys mature at different rates and can make big leaps from one year to the next. If you have had a 'near miss' have another go next year. Plenty do and succeed the second time round.

On the state primary point, the numbers aren't huge at 7+ - maybe 4 or 5 out of the intake. That's not surprising given the small numbers that sit. Both my DS did it though. DS1 was the only one from his primary school who sat 7+ and DS2 was one of four. In the case if DS2 he was the only successful one.

When are the interviews for CC and WUS?
Anyone tried Wetherby?

I really don't know how many state schooled boys applied, sat and passed at 7+. But in my son's class there were 4 state schooled boys in just his class. There is no discernible difference between them and the pre prep boys. All very clever boys. Each one appeared to find their state schooling too easy, hence the move to independent.
Parents need to be realistic about their child's abilities. You can ask for feedback from the schools if your son has failed the exams.The information should be very useful in seeing if it is worthwhile to continue attempting these entrance exams again.
I agree with Cherokee, don't make your son slog through more work . I sincerely don't think a bright boy with natural ability needs anywhere near the amount of tutoring I have heard about in these 7+ etc threads.

Yes we tried wetherby - seems to be very quiet over there. No news whatsoever.

Hi computer1000. It is really hard on us and our little ones. These are some of the very top academic schools to get into in the whole country. I view even attempting the exams as a credit to your little one. All the children are extremely bright. The margins are very very fine. Although it may not seem like it now, there are other entry points or other good schools. Hang in there

Good luck to your DS s999, do update us when you hear something.

qyouarenottheboss: while I agree with your comments, I think it's not helpful to think about "passing" or "failing" the 7+ or similar exams. As CB says, the margins usually are very fine. Most of the boys probably "pass" the exams, in terms of achieving high % scores. No child should be told he "failed" an entrance exam at the age of 7!! I hope parents can be sensitive and manage both expectations and results so that boys retain confidence and happiness.

Do the children continue directly to the Upper Schools at these schools or do they have to sit the 11+ again at these schools? Also, if they sit is it expected that they achieve the same result or "only" 60% to get to the Upper School?

At CC it is almost automatic progression, as ling as biys are progressing normally. There is a "transfer exam" in the last year but boys are well prepared and highly unusual for anyone not to move on (unless by choice, ie decided to board somewhere). I think KC is similar. At WUS, the process is less automatic and more boys elect, or are told, to go elsewhere.

cherokee is correct for KCJS. It's not an automatic transfer but the transfer exam (internal CE) is taken. Occasionally it's suggested a boy might like to go to another senior school but it's pretty rare. Transfer is at 13+ not 11+.

The boys are expected to reach a high standard in their CE though - pretty much equivalent as a those coming into KCS from outside at 13+.

Thank you for the answers. Very helpful.

Not long to go now... Am i right in thinking WUS communicate offers first, followed by KCS (posted Weds) and then CC? May have a quiet word with lovely postman...!

New to Mumsnet but wanted to share with Computer that I'm feeling the pain of rejection too.

We just got our rejection letter from DSs first choice school and I have discovered it is SO much harder to deal with your child being rejected than if it was you yourself being rejected. He worked hard and I feel like we couldnt really have done more so I don't have the cushion of saying 'well you know that if you work hard next time you will get through.'

Sometimes I feel the school system in London in particular has just gone insane and I want to move out to somewhere where you can call up the local (fairly decent) school and get a place.

Is the system of putting these children through all these exams at a relatively tender age going to help them in the long run?

I might be feeling differently if today's letter had been an offer letter but at the monent the whole experience has floored me and left me questioning my parenting ethos.

Are there any parents on this thread that have also applied to HABS?

Far too far for us so no - but many of the parents I met at CC had. I think there's been some HABS chat on the UCS thread.

Dawn I'm sorry to read that. I think the good thing about 7+ is that the boys are largely oblivious to it and it makes for a seamless transition at 13. However it is of course not always that way and the system has gone mad with the large numbers, huge commutes and rumours of boys spending the whole holidays working to hone their exam techniques . I know many people who've succeeded second time round at 8+ or whose boys have secured places in the top day schools at 11/13. So please don't lose heart. Good luck to you and your DS. Like someone said above the margins between a place and no place are very fine indeed.

Does anyone know if WU offers are sent by post today or again emailed?

Emailed...

Thanks, S999, makes it an anxious wait today. Somehow find calls an emails more agitating, as they can arrive any moment. Post is more archaic and less reliable, but at least you feel more prepared for that envelope

Group hug!

Has anybody heard from wus or latymer yet...?

WUS offer received.

Congrats DadAmongMums. No email from WUS yet. Has anyone else received emails from them?

Waitlisted for 8+WUS any chance?

9999
I think most of the waitlist got places in the case of the current year 5a, so yes, lots of hope