7+ exams at Westminster, Habs, St. Paul's

[Biw]

I haven't noticed a 7+ thread for the ultra competitive schools this year and thought I'd start one - rather late, I know!! My son is a very clever but unassuming little fellow, comfortably in the top 5 of children in his year group despite being A relatively young June baby. Our head suggested he sits the 7+. I have been supporting him myself with Bond books and recently having a go at past papers online from the schools who publish them!

My biggest concern is Westminster. As we've never hired a tutor and they don't publish sample papers I have no idea what the exams entail and what level it is pitched. At this point I am hoping some mums who have been through the exams can come to my rescue and share any information just so my son knows what to expect on the day! E.g. For the composition and comprehension paper how much time is given? I heard Kings College (unfortunately too far south for us) gave them only 20 minutes to write a whole story! Any other info on the maths and reasoning paper would be very gratefully received. Also is there some kind of activity e.g. Art they do on exam day?

For habs my son found the sample papers very easy. Is it really representative of the real thing?

Thank you so much for your help.

And DIXIE you may try again after geting educated in a great school, closer anyway.

Dixie
You are taking Kings over WUS? I spoke to another mom 2 days back who took exact same decision 3 yrs ago, Kings over WUS. Kudos for doing the right thing for your son rather than being dragged by a big brand name!
We are taking KINGS over Habs. Hope we are doing the right thing.

Infopls, we will probably be together with our DSs then! Yes, WU might have the prestige and if I'm honest the mathematical curriculum would probably suit my DS much better than any school. But kings has the most beautiful grounds and the pastoral care is second to none. It's always been my DS favourite school and he loves the teachers and obsessed with the playground?! They are also building a new music centre (I've heard it's going to be pretty spectacular) and my DS is very musical. It also just suits us better as a family to make a move to south London rather than staying in central London where we are. My DD has asthma etc. These were our reasons really. I also know many mathematical boys going to kings this year, so I feel reassured that DS will be in good company.
Infopls - are you moving from north London to south then?

Congrats to your son Dixie. Current Kcjs parent. We actually chose KCjS over what was CC at the time for the same pastoral care concern. Didn't try WUS. As we live in Central London, we know a lot of people at all three schools. I would say from what we have heard that WUS has quite good pastoral care and is really good at encouraging boys to question things and think outside the "box." I'm impressed with how they develop this in their students. SPJ seems to have taken a giant step with Pastoral care and is now very impressive. KCJS is lovely. Boys seem happy. It is definitely in a period of change. Class sizes have increased and boys are now in classes of 24 in the last few years when they are preparing for exams. The new construction provides us with amazing music and science facilities but has significantly reduced the areas where the younger boys can play. I often have a feeling that there is not enough staff (sport and pastoral). Rumours is that there will be a new head shortly and this might invigorate things a little bit and align it better with the senior school which seems much more forward thinking. Good luck!

Dixie
Yes , we will move from NW TO SW. Is KCS offering any tours before we make our decision?
Would be lovely to meet you if we end up in KCS!

Spinningmom
Thats a whole lot of helpful info.
We love MR Silverlock... it would be a shame if he would move :(

Thanks for info spinningmom. I really hope there isn't a change in head, he's another one of the big reasons we favour kings. Whilst I was growing up, lots of my friends went to kings many many moons ago and most of them (definitely not all, but most!) have turned into such well rounded men and it's almost like the diversity in professions/career paths and interests couldn't be wider. Although I know the same can be said for the other schools too. My DS is quite eccentric and I do fluctuate between thinking he would prosper more if around other quirky kids, to thinking actually he will be better off socially if he's around a wider range of kids. My DH thinks that the latter would probably be better so this has also influenced our decision. Infopls - don't think there's another tour before signing papers. Big decision to move from NW to SW, but a good one, I'm obviously biased! 😉

Anxiously waiting the news from SPJ.... on the other hand very very nervous...! as not sure if I contributed anything during the parent interview for my DS and still wondering what they try to get from the 5mins conversation....plus we don't have other option after the hectic January!!!
Is it still to be announced on 3rd Feb?

I have two sons at KCS, one in the senior school and one in the junior school, and have NOT heard any rumours about Dr Silverlock leaving. Parents tend to believe that he will stay for several years, until he retires.

Any body let DS read some of the books given by SPJ ? HORRIBLE HISTRY series obviously lots new words for my boy and not able to read by himself "comfortable"
as school expected i soppose his english is far not good enough...with poor vocabulary make me low. Any body have any ideas to deal with this problem?
Thanks

mam3xs
letters should have been posted so stay by the door tomorrow morning. They changes letter posting date from 3rd feb to 30th jan.

Thanks very much Infopls!

Still waiting,...
Still 36 places?
I am wondering where did you all find out the new info? Feel so bad myself....

SP letters have arrived, we have a place! But we might still take KINGS, KCS

We are on the reserve list for SPJ . Anybody turning down offers? Does SPJ over offer?

Got a place at SPJ. And we've decided to choose SPJ over Westminster!
Thanks infopls and dixie for the info over the past few days.
Good luck to all!

mommyabby
does spj waitlist move?

Infopls: It varies from year to year.

mommyabby
hope the list moves and you get a spot. Let us know the result! good luck. Hope you have another school in hand?!

Based on our experience of 8+ last year at SPJ, if you are on the waitlist definitely worth calling the school office. They told us what position we were on the list, and likelihood of being offered a place, and it also gave us a chance to show enthusiasm. Best of luck

Thanks Infopls and Redit16. We talked to them and showed them our excitement. DS is a June born and I understand it is difficult when there are kids who are 8-10 months older than him. Another very disappointing thing would be to get a 'No' after coming so close as SPJ is our first choice.

Do school normally acknowledge the receipt of receiving the acceptance form? And what would happen next? Just wait to be contacted?
Many thanks!

Hi mam3, we took our acceptance into Kings on Monday and on Tuesday we had an email acknowledgment and a date for the Summer when we find out more. Pretty efficient.

Thanks TRL!
endless worrying... we thought it would be safe to release other seats once we receive the confirmation!
Keep waiting.