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

Assuming everyone is done for NLCS, Habs, South Hampsted and Channing!

We've just had St Margarets this morning, which I have to say seems like a lovely school and great back up option.

Thank goodness we are done!
I note some parents said the 7+ and 11+ are harder, I don't think my stress levels could cope...

Anyone heard from NLCS for 7+ round 2 yet?

Emails are out @moosesue

Does anyone know if Wimbledon High offers are first come first serve or will they wait until 19 February deadline?
TIA

Hi - an offer is a firm offer for you to accept or decline by the deadline

As in, certainly not first come first served xxx

Thank you Fitnessfanatic108. I heard revoked offers stories about City, was just wondering if any other schools might do the same.

Now rejected by Glendower too. Betting everything now that a spot becomes available somewhere near where we are moving to.

I have to share my shock, my DD got waited listed at Orley Farm!We are at second round at South Hampstead, NLCS, Channing. Have offers from Radlett, Holland House and Edgegrove.
I just can't see why?! Isn't OF the least academic of them all? Teaches me not to take things for granted.

Sorry to hear the news about rejections and waitlists. I know that stinging feeling well. Even when DS's top choice acceptances came in, the rejections still stung part of motherhood I guess

@Momof3toB For what it's worth, the indie schools play their own numbers games, mostly to avoid over-offering and firm up their numbers ASAP. Given your DD's obvious aptitude, perhaps they realised your DD isn't likely to accept? Or it could easily be some other reason. It's not always 100% on aptitude. Anyway, big hugs!

@Momof3toB But also, that's a lot of schools over a very wide area!

@Stareyed I know.. my husband thinks I'm mad. I actually did more but pulled out before the assessment.

A few months ago I had a bit of a panic thinking she wasn't going to get in anywhere so I applied everywhere and thought I should keep my options open.

@Momof3toB
Same here, I am quite shocked as well, we are in OF reserved list.

DD is already through second round at NLCS and St. Helens. I really don’t to what to expect on the 30th when I hear back from NLCS & st Helens. Just stressed out completely since it was our fallback option.

Try not to be disheartened- different schools look for different things x How many spots does OF have

@Fitnessfanatic108
The letter says they had over 180 applications and only 63 places to offer

Which is more academic manor lodge or St. Helens ?

@shodo
Not sure about manor lodge but St. Helens senior school I have heard is quite academic.

@shodo That's a bit vague and they are very different schools and quite far from each other. I can't speak for St Helens lower school at all as have no contacts there.

Manor Lodge is academic and it is also heavily a 11+ school. That is it's focus. If your DD is able and wants to go to St Helen's, there is no question about ML's abilities to get her there. They also feed well into Habs. I can't speak for the girl results but the boys seems to have done very well this year re passing the Indie academics-- I believe it's 100% success getting to MTS interview stage and 80% for Habs.

Has anyone had an offer for Putney High 4+? I think letters were being posted out yesterday

I am new to the thread. My daughter had her 2nd interview at habs . Anyone else waiting for habs too? I am getting increasingly nervous as we approach the 30th?

@shodo manor lodge is infinitely more academic than St. Helens junior school. If you have a bright child that can handle a good pace of work manor lodge will keep her stimulated and she should have a choice of schools by the end.

If your end goal is St. Helens then you may as well get her in now rather than put her through the 11+ as the senior school is good.

However if you think that right now she is better suited to a more academic school, don’t settle for St. Helens as the junior school move at snails pace. Zero diversity. And almost double the price

@Fitnessfanatic108 any thoughts on Radlett? Just thinking ahead if DD doesn’t get NLCS or Channing.
Radlett is most likely our back up… any thoughts on what they are like?

RP - is good, you will get a solid education. Only downsides- It’s a bit old fashioned (but I think mr white is a bit more with it), Parent / teacher communication not so great , packed lunches and eating in classroom not ideal..... BUT despite its few shortcomings , its very good academically and is a solid back up, I’m a fan. There’s good discipline, they work the children hard, and they discreetly stream according to ability from the outset. Most of the children I know there are happy. The ones that I know that have been unhappy are those that couldn’t really cope in an academic / fairly strict environment. There is a lot of movement in and out of the school with kids leaving and joining during most terms. It doesn’t suit everyone but only you know your child. Good luck x

@4plus what do you mean your DD found NLCS and Habs unusual by comparison to the others? I’m just curious as mine also did 7+ at NLCS and when I asked questions about it, what she said and what the sample papers indicate seemed different in terms of format.

@fitnessfanatic108 im interest to know what you mean by 'the junior school move at snails pace. Zero diversity' for St Helens ??