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.

Has anyone not received CC letter today like us?

To anyone waiting on the WUS 7+ waitlist - a glimmer of hope. I heard today that 4 boys from DS's year got cross offers from WUS and CC and I know that 3 of them will be taking CC.

Hang in there!

Thanks everyone. Proximity means one school but through the application process I have grown to like the other and I wonder if he might be slightly better suited there. Not a bad problem to have... thanks for the advice; it's all much appreciated!

Oh SuperWorried - that is really unlucky. Hopefully because it's a big envelope it's been delayed for checking...

Smilingmum2009 that's amazing but I need 8+ offer holders! Aaaargh! We got Dulwich though....

Hi everyone! I want to prepare my DS for CC and WUS 8+ (Jan 2017) My friend recomended Helen Grogan's saturday classes. Is there anyone who know or tried?

Hi everyone, is anyone else on the waitlist for any of these schools? Interesting that David Cameron appears to have chosen Colet according to today's Mail.

I was wondering how OP's son got on (firsttimer08) - are you still there? Hope you got the offer you were hoping for.

Yes we have two offers! Cannot believe that it's actually finally over.

How about you ladyofthepalace?

Just as we were putting pen to paper to the CC offer, a friend mentioned the child abuse scandal at the school. We must have been living under a rock as we were oblivious to all this during the admission process. I am a bit sceptical of single sex schools in the first place but was won over by CC's facilities and our school tour. But this has brought back my worst nightmares of such establishments.
I am also a bit surprised that not much has been made of this on mumsnet forums. Looking through previous threads it seems that parents reassured themselves that these events happened in the past, the school is brilliant academically, so lets move on. But then looking into the details of this saga, there have been relatively recent incidents and the Met has a formal operation focused on the school. So its not something that can be just swept under the carpet.
Would love to get thoughts of others, particularly those who might be familiar with the latest status.

Hi Chillaxer, We looked into this aswell and have been told by parents at the school that the pastoral care has become outstanding and actually the previous complaint has possibly created a very positive result for boys who are there now so its probably better than anywhere else in this regard. Year 4 and 5 parents who we know well are very happy.

London there is plenty of information available on news sources, charity commission website and, of course, from the school itself. Bottom line (for me) is the the school responded quickly and appropriately upon discovery of inappropriate photos on a teacher's computer. The school has robust child protection and teacher vetting policies in place. Parents need to be vigilent no matter where their children are educated state or private, single-sex or co-ed -- but, from persoective of child safety, I would feel as confident sending a child to CC as I would to any other school.
As an aside, I would not chise a school because it is "brilliant academically", but because it is full of happy children and motivated staff, with broad and stimulating curriculum. CC, in my opinion, meets these criteria.

Superworried: I hope you receive positive news today. I would suggest phoning the school since you did not receive a letter.

Sorry for typos above!

Still waiting for that precious letter from Colet. Very tempted to call the office later to find out what happens to the little brave man. 3 sleepless nights already...

LondonChillaxer seems this is the first ever post you did on the MN, and at a very odd time. I would have thought you would have researched into the school before applying. Perhaps better for you to start a new thread to discuss your such concerns.

Thank you cherokee, ZXCVB123 - that is good to hear indeed. I fully agree with you that institutions usually come out of events like these stronger.

SuperWorried, sorry - I didn't mean to add to your stress in any way. This was just so out of the blue so I felt like sharing it but I can see that its not particularly helpful at this time. I wouldn't want to derail this thread. So I will withdraw and we'll form a view off line. i wish you all the best for your little brave one. They are all champs in my view!

tried to call CC this morning, went to voice message automatically. what is the best way to contact them, anyone please?

I have been watching this thread for nearly four weeks since you kindly started it firsttimer08. I’ve been through this process (KCJS and CC only) three times. First time with my older son who at 7+ got into KCJS straight away and also CC off the reserve list (he is now at KCJS). The next time was last year with younger son who at 7+ didn’t get into either KCJS or CC (he was on the CC reserve list but didn’t get in). Finally, this year with the younger son again, who applied for a second time at 8+ and got into both KCJS and CC straight away last week. My thoughts (for what they are worth) are as follows:

1. It’s very stressful, but definitely more for the adults than the children (our younger son was surprisingly fine about the 7+)

1. Children do get off reserve lists, so the “week of worry” is worth it in some cases. It’s definitely possible to find out how far down the reserve list they are (our headmistress did this for us last year; knowing he was ~60 out of 80 interviewed meant we immediately knew he had limited chance of getting in off the reserve list)

1. Boys change in a year between 7+ and 8+, so it’s worth asking the schools if they honestly think it’s worth applying again. For example the headmaster at KCJS was very clear with us and with others on “do/don’t try again” which was very helpful

1. I have lived up to my Mumsnet username throughout this three year process

thanks Wineatalltimes. we got one offer and need to puts down deposit on Thursday, and waitlist on CC, we don't know the result until Friday. What all I am trying to do is get an idea where he is on the reserve list, hope they can tell me one day before so I won't lose my deposit.

Wineatalltimes- from your experience, do you know how long the reserve list normally is for CC? what is the best way to contact them? many thanks.

Thanks first timer, glad your news was good. Well done to your boy. We have 2 offers as well!
It seems to me most families with KCJS and cc prefer cc; is that fair to say?

Super, please keep calling cc - I had an exam query before the papers and tried 3/4 times and was answered eventually!

We have a letter saying acceptances for WUS is Tuesday 4th Feb - should that read 2nd Feb.
Thursday is the 4th....

Postman finally did his job, and it's a yes for my dearest little man! I am over the moon ... Thanks you all for the support on this thread and good luck to all! --- noLongerWorried

The anonymous support he received from 3 colleagues (letters to judge) troubled me.

Wonderful news, "nolongerworried"!
best wishes to your son!

Lady: i think families with offers at Kings and Cc iften chose the one that is logistically easier. Both are excellent schools. If your son is very musical (voice or instrument), perhaps CC has more to offer, but I think differences are around the margins rather than fundamental.