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Original poster

3+ 4+ 5+ 7+ support thread 2017

304 replies

mumteacher · 17/11/2016 23:14

In previous years I have started these threads to help and support all those parents involved in the independent school admissions process.

I wasn't going to start one this year as I know I would not be able to check back on it as regularly as I would like, which then defeats the purpose of the thread.

However, after numerous positive PM's about the threads I think it would be a shame not to start one where at least the hand holding can continue. Flowers

There are many many people who have been through the process and 'live to tell the tale' . There are also other tutors I know who read this thread and it would be great if you all could help and support and share your ideas.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/primary/2533579-3-4-5-7-support-thread-2016?dod=1

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mumteacher · 12/01/2017 21:05

It's always difficult to hear rejection on behave of your child. It does come down to a numbers game too with e.g. 40 places at nlcs and just under 200 applications.

OP posts:
Carpediem12 · 12/01/2017 23:21

The admissions lady at the front desk said tome that they had just under 300 who applied!! I naively didn't realise the sheer number of applicants.

sanam2010 · 13/01/2017 11:33

carpediem, is that at NLCS? crazy numbers!

turkbird28 · 13/01/2017 14:14

Hi all

Glad to have found this thread and realise I am not the only one feeling stressed about all of this....

We went to 4+ assessments at NLCS, South Hampstead, Habs and Channing. So far have had rejections from all but NLCS, and not expecting to get through to the 2nd round for them either. I'm not massively surprised at this but you always think maybe there will be a chance.....

So I just wondered what everyone else has as a plan B if you don't get in to any of the schools you sit assessments for? I've missed all the application deadlines for other schools I think.

LilaGrace · 13/01/2017 14:17

Hi Turk
You're doing the same schools as us. We also had a prep school as a back up (which went up to 7) but didn't accept the place we were offered there in November. We decided to chance it and hope our DD got into one of the through schools. However, I'm sure many people accept places at prep schools or less competitive schools, pay the deposit and then get a place at one of their preferred schools, meaning the prep school place is up for grabs again. It might be worth contacting a few. Not sure where you're based but The Avenue in Highgate is great. Good luck x

turkbird28 · 13/01/2017 14:24

Thanks LilaGrace, will check out The Avenue. Not keen on the idea of having to do 7+ though.....

shopgal9 · 13/01/2017 14:26

Hi Turk

We too as a back up have accepted a place at DD current nursery which is part of a prep school, in oct, try calling a few you never know, all the best x

LilaGrace · 13/01/2017 14:30

You could try Grimsdell/Mill Hill. They go up to 18 and are much less selective. Lovely grounds and facilities.

MrsMarigold · 13/01/2017 14:33

Has NLCS let anyone know - my DD loved it?

LilaGrace · 13/01/2017 14:34

NLCS won't let anyone know until Monday/ they are still doing round 1 assessments up to and including tomorrow

MrsMarigold · 13/01/2017 14:34

Apparently at NLCS there weren't many siblings not sure if that alters things much. Channing, we just got the email for round two.

LilaGrace · 13/01/2017 14:35

NLCS have no sibling policy so wouldn't have made a difference. We got round 2 Channing as well mrsmarigold. Which other schools have you done?

Butterfly3232 · 13/01/2017 14:38

we have a good local school which we could be in the catchment for. Will submit application.
Other thoughts were to call local prep schools.
From speaking to parents at assessments ,groups, nursery etc I think a lot have accepted spaces at preps as backup. Definately worth a try.
I don't know anything about radlett prep but read they do another intake in February.

Wow the applications numbers were high!!

MrsMarigold · 13/01/2017 14:47

NLCS, Channing, The Avenue and St Christopher's.

Not sure if we'll get any - I've done no prep with DD so she's on her own.

LilaGrace · 13/01/2017 14:54

Nice selection. I'm sure you'll get The Avenue, getting round 2 at Channing with no prep is a good start 🙂 What month was your DD born?

Mummywow · 13/01/2017 15:07

Anyone got tips for 2nd round channing please?

lunchboxtroubles · 13/01/2017 17:30

turk annemount and golders hill are good pre preps to consider. Annemount less boy-heavy than GH.

Mummywow · 13/01/2017 17:53

Turk bird how about Hampstead Hill?

Mummywow · 13/01/2017 18:04

Turk bird I know a few friends over the years who got rejected everywhere but nlcs so tou never know as perhaps they look for something different

LilaGrace · 13/01/2017 18:21

Mummywow- did those friends not get second rounds anywhere either?

Mummywow · 13/01/2017 18:49

Not sure xx

LilaGrace · 13/01/2017 18:59

There will always be some random examples of that- but I think usually girls who get into NLCS will get into most places they apply....

Butterfly3232 · 13/01/2017 19:43
  • I know a few friends whose daughters only got offers from NLCS too.
zombiedmummy · 14/01/2017 19:14

We did the JAGS 4+ assessment recently and now they have asked our nursery for a reference. Anyone know if they do this with every child or this is a good sign?

Qureshi41 · 14/01/2017 22:17

Been asked with our DD for second round 7+ at Habs, anyone can share some previous experiences?