3+ 4+ 5+ 7+ support thread 2018

[mumteacher]

In previous years I have started these threads to help and support all those 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.

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👏🏼

(Roll on 2018!) 😉

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/primary/2783435-3-4-5-7-support-thread-2017

DD walked out skipping as she always does whatever the actual result is
We sat for 7 selective/super selective schools and from what I hear from her Habs and NLCS were somewhat unusual comparing to others.

She's October born.

I think I failed the interview at Habs, nearly depressed about that as it's our 1st choice and DD made it. I haven't had corporate style job interviews for ages as I'm in arts :)

Thank you Matupatlu :) It's just a feeling, but anyway what will be, will be. We have our insurance option and still waiting to hear from 6 schools and we'll see then. It's just we have a very strong preference for Habs for various reasons so perhaps overthink it a bit.

DD was most pleased with her chocolate buttons from NLCS.  That's all I got from her. On a parenting fail, I forgot to bring her birth certificate, ha!

@4plus Chin up, 80 for 40 spots with a bit of over-offering, the stats are somewhat in your favour.

@Matupatlu Tomorrow.

Good luck @Stareyed

Thanks Ladies! Don't think it went particularly well. It was quite detailed! Anyway, hopefully they just like her for her enough

How is your daughter @Matupatlu? Feeling better?

Hi @Stareyed - I note your comment on the interview being detailed. Please can you share what they asked / what to expect.

I am a bit nervous. What questions will they be asking to parents? Will the child be asked questions? Does 2nd round include any activities?

Many thanks in advance

@Matupatlu - That was not my intention but I understand

So here is a question-what about schools that have no formal assessment but have 'settling in' days? Our child has been confirmed a place at age 4 with settling days pending. He can be a bit of a nightmare. Will they turn him away or are these things garunteed?

The Habs interview is nothing to be concerned about. It is as much a chance for you to ask questions about the school as it is for them to get to know a bit more about you and your DD. There will be some small toys to keep your DD occupied during the 2 x 15 minute meetings and she will not play a formal part in the process beyond, perhaps, saying hello and goodbye. You could also take a book if you think it will help to keep your DD quiet (but not if she will want to be read to).

Be prepared to talk about why you like the school and why you think it will be a good fit for your DD. Chat to Mr J-R about his love of Classics, ask about Forest School, the schools approach to literacy, homework policy (there is none til Y3) etc.

Personally I got the feeling that the school had already decided that they wanted DD as they talked about 'when' she joined the school (rather than 'if') but I can't say whether that that is the case for everyone.

Best of luck and try not to worry.

Agree with @ImNotChangingMyUsernameAgain. My gut feeling is they know (not because of anything that was said) and the parent interview is mostly to check what they already know and to minimise the number of over-offers. It would be a bit strange for a school like Habs to let the selling abilities of the parent turn the tide rather than base it on what they've seen from the girls themselves.

They have lots of stuff to keep the girls occupied so don't worry.

Just got a no from Falkner. Not surprised as they hinted this before as we are in their nursery. Bilingualism...

Asking them to help us get into the school we really want, Old Vicarage in Richmond. On the wait list there.

@matupatlu
The above is spot on.
Checking for bonkers parents ...