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Original poster

WUS, CC and KCJS 7+/8+

310 replies

firsttimer08 · 05/01/2016 18:04

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.

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SuperWorried · 29/01/2016 10:15

Can't bear the waiting for Colet's result. Camping outside the door from tonight and praying ... Little kid really wants this one ...

NotSoChilledOutDad · 29/01/2016 10:40

Having read and re-read the threads from previous years to seek reassurance and some sanity, I am jumping into the discussion to share the 'waiting pains'. Is it true that CC are the last ones to send the final results? Are there parents here who applied to Latymer Prep also? They have sent out their letters today.
We are now almost driven to biting our finger nails off waiting for CC. The little warrior did well in the exam and came out very positive from the interview (though its impossible to get many details out of him). I am dreading a rejection tomorrow as its going to be so much worse after getting so close. People say that the interview is really a lottery so its impossible to call it - which doesn't help really. My wife and i have spent the past week reviewing every possible detail from the interview session that we could think of, and are none the wiser.
Are others in the same boat?

S999 · 29/01/2016 12:21

I actually contemplated not wine but McDonalds at lunch that's how stressed I am. Somebody please give up a WUS place at 8+, just one or two that's all...
We didn't try CC or KJS just WUS...and we thought we didn't have a hope in hell. Now here we are...

Luckygirlcharlie · 29/01/2016 15:03

Sorry to butt in as we are a few years behind you but fully intend to be on a board like this in a few years for 2 little men! May I ask did most of you opt for a pre prep 4-8 for the best chance and best preparation? Or a 4-11 just in case your sons didn't make it and were left with no place and do it yourself? We are currently planning pre prep and then try for these 3 schools. We are in Putney. Thanks! And masses of luck to all your boys!Smile

SuperWorried · 29/01/2016 18:07

Tic toc I am worrying, super worried ... Dreadful wait for that Saturday letter ...

SuperWorried · 29/01/2016 18:15

"Am I going to Colet?", DS's first words at school pick up today. Well, I dread to think how to tell the little cheerful man tomorrow if the answer is no ...

arelie · 29/01/2016 18:47

I had understood that how the boys do in the Colet written exam is still important when it comes to offers (particularly if at the top or lower end of the group). But I guess we'll find out tomorrow...

arelie · 29/01/2016 18:51

Pre prep gets my vote by the way. plenty of boys do come from elsewhere, so equally possible if your boy is bright and you put in the work, but it does make your life easier Smile I think if the school is also preparing and doing papers with him.

Luckygirlcharlie · 29/01/2016 19:17

Thanks arelie. I guess it's the worry that if hey don't get in anywhere they're a bit stuck! Also worried about one getting in and the other not.....but think we'll stick to pre prep so we know they've had the best chance. Anyway... I'll stop hijacking the thread! Good luck again.

NotSoChilledOutDad · 30/01/2016 00:20

We all had a feel good MacDonald's dinner tonight...this wait makes one do funny things!
SuperWorried, I empathise with you.
We have tried to ban talk of Colet since the interview but it hasn't been very successful with our little man. You have to feel for these champs. In the run up to January, all the fuss is about the exams. Then when they dig in and at their tender ages manage to do well in the exams, we manage their expectations with the interview hurdle just when they think they are done. Its almost like changing the goal post for them.
Well the suspense will be over tomorrow either way.
Good luck to you all!

S999 · 30/01/2016 03:29

I just think that this year for 8+, nobody got offers for both WUS and Colet, at least no one I've spoken to - they either were turned down by WUS and are now banking of CC or have taken the WUS place. Or am I in the advance stages of paranoia!
I cannot eat McDonalds two days in a row!
Good luck all CC applicants!

DadAmongMums · 30/01/2016 10:00

And the mail arrived...

arelie · 30/01/2016 10:53

We have both CC and KCJS... Decision time! Heart or head!?

arelie · 30/01/2016 11:16

Would appreciate any views from parents who've weighed these two up before and hope everyone else waiting has had good news this morning.

Mominatrix · 30/01/2016 11:29

We had this same choice. We went with distance and son's preference.

Claram1 · 30/01/2016 11:39

Congratulations arelie! Is your son 7+ or 8+?

It's a good problem to have.

I have two sons both on the WL for same school, different age group. Nightmare!

DadAmongMums · 30/01/2016 12:36

Congratulations, arelie. Indeed a difficult choice to make, and for us WUS is added on top. So any views would be highly appreciated.

anychanceCC7 · 30/01/2016 13:01

Does anyone know how long the reserve list for CC 7+? Any chance here?
another dreadful week for waiting...

S999 · 30/01/2016 13:50

Anyone here 8+ CC?

mertonmama · 30/01/2016 14:09

Advice would be to stay local if you can. If it's your eldest DC your younger DC won't appreciate being dragged to and from a distant school everyday. As they get older a closer school with an easy journey means they can be independent a bit earlier.

You should also think about your own sanity. This week I've done two 7am drop offs and a 9pm pick up. All possible in a 10 min drive for me.

Being local also increases the chances of local friends - which is a huge benefit.

Lastmindotcom · 30/01/2016 15:35

Waitlist CC also. Fri is far away.

unwittinghamster · 30/01/2016 15:54

Hello all, have read the discussions here with interest and learnt much. We have both CC and KCJS offers and are inclined towards CC. It's closer in distance and DS had come out from the exam saying he had fun Hmm. We have also asked him and he would like to go to CC, he says. Any views on CC/ KCJS would be really appreciated Smile. Good luck to everyone waiting on offers ( Dulwich next week?) and on WL.

Youarenotthebossofme · 30/01/2016 16:01

arelie, which one has your heart? And which your head? All these schools are amazing so in theory you can't make a bad decision. We had a definate 1st choice, ( because of proximity) but that was tipped on its head when the results came in. We actually went with our son's preference in the end as we thought that all the schools were great. He is very very happy.

KingscoteStaff · 30/01/2016 16:03

Absolutely agree with mertonmama about locality. Don't forget that you'll be dropping off and picking up for Saturday sports and play practices as well.
Also, have half an eye for ways in which your DS can get himself to school later on - my DS now has a 15 min cycle to SPS along the tow path, which he really enjoys.
The other thing about picking your most local school is the convenience of local friends - sharing lifts/ emergency pick ups / friendly faces in the park. We picked a prep 20 mins drive away and, although it was a brilliant school, I do wish we had been a bit nearer.
Good luck with your choice!

Mominatrix · 30/01/2016 16:25

Again, yes, yes to locality. The many last minute sports cancellations and 6:30am swim sessions for us made being less than 10 minutes away a blessing.