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3+ 4+ 5+ 7+ support thread 2018

704 replies

mumteacher · 30/10/2017 00:38

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. 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👏🏼

(Roll on 2018!) 😉

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

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
4plus · 30/01/2018 18:28

Thank you Fitnessfanatic108. Trying to stay calm...
Friends got both Habs and NLCS but can’t decide yet.

4plus · 30/01/2018 18:33

Strangely enough, when I asked after the interview, they said they were not going to waitlist... Is it possible they didn’t over offer this year but decided to have a wait list instead?

Mamabear1719 · 30/01/2018 19:27

Anyone with knowledge of St Helens versus NC. Which has the edge in terms of academic offering as well as good pastoral care for their junior schools. NC comes accross very nurturing as well as getting the best out of their girls and St H is known to be good academically but not sure about the rest. Anyone can help or know anyone at either. Thanks

ChelseaK · 30/01/2018 20:04

@Mamabear1718
We are in a similar dilemma.
We also felt the same about NC. We met few girls there and were very impressed. Not able to decide

Sap18 · 30/01/2018 20:16

I am new to this and just wanted some advice please. I'm debating whether to keep our child in the current school and do 7 plus entry or take up an offer at orley and do 11 plus later? Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks Smile

pigshavecurlytails · 30/01/2018 20:50

4 is easier than 7, 7 is easier than 11. it gets harder as the kids get older!

Sap18 · 30/01/2018 21:04

Hmm thank you I see what you mean! Dilemma is if I accept 4 now then have to do 11 later ..

schooltime · 30/01/2018 21:12

Hi All - DD got a waitlist offer for 4+ from NLCS , should we keep any hopes for a place, does waiting list move there at all

schooltime · 30/01/2018 21:13

I am new to this group and would appreciate any advice for the above message , thanks

pigshavecurlytails · 30/01/2018 21:39

Hi All - DD got a waitlist offer for 4+ from NLCS , should we keep any hopes for a place, does waiting list move there at all

it does move sometimes. less than some. I don't think they over-offer though. if you ask they might tell you where you are on the list.

schooltime · 30/01/2018 22:36

Thanks - DD also has an offer from SHHS, Habs girls so confused now which one to go for vs the waitlist on NLCS - any suggestions ?

Momof3toB · 30/01/2018 22:38

@4plus three girls are our nursery are turning down Habs for nlcs tomorrow

Tap7 · 30/01/2018 22:45

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Sap18 · 30/01/2018 22:51

St Hilda's is lovely! My nieces went there. Has all the facilities of a big school but stil small and warm enough for the individual attention

Sap18 · 30/01/2018 22:52

Also goes all the way whereas orley only til 11 plus

mumteacher · 30/01/2018 23:47

Congratulations to everyone!

The wait lists at Habs and Nlcs will open just hang in there.

OP posts:
mumteacher · 30/01/2018 23:49

St. Helens results over the last couple of years haven’t been amazing. NC is a great all rounded schools.

OP posts:
Ma518 · 30/01/2018 23:52

On St H Vs NC - it's seems that St H has the academic edge. NC is fab for early years, more nurturing and holistic educational approach. However, this seems to drop at senior school where it's just more exam focus.
Interestingly, most people I know at NC don't want their DD to be there for Snr schoolHmm

Seems like NLCS is favoured over Habs this year? I'd be interested to know why ?

Rexcub · 31/01/2018 00:32

A parent we know at st Helens pointed out the renewed push on academics, perhaps as a response to the dip in rankings over the past two years...

Mamabear1719 · 31/01/2018 09:38

thanks for the info all

i would be interested to know why everyone is turning habs down for NLCS too

pigshavecurlytails · 31/01/2018 09:44

i would be interested to know why everyone is turning habs down for NLCS too

I think anyone doing that is bonkers. It's a choice to chase up the league tables but at a school where external tutoring isn't uncommon (often suggested by the school though of course they will deny it). Still, leaves more places at Habs for those who value what they do!

schoolmadness2016 · 31/01/2018 10:00

We will likely be giving up nlcs for habs this week 😱

Stareyed · 31/01/2018 10:27

Going for Habs too. Logistics, we know the school better, etc. Happy decision.

Habsmummy · 31/01/2018 10:52

Well done ladies - habs is fab and nurturing and won't expect your children to be tutored. they just want them be children!

horsemadmom · 31/01/2018 10:58

Don't believe the tutoring hype at NLCS. It's pernicious and largely untrue. Parents who do it are hurting their children academically and making their DDs believe that they can't cope- a terrible message that hurts their self-esteem. It's like a virus that spreads to other parents and creates panic. And, frankly, it marks you out to the school as difficult and a wee bit crazy. Fortunately, it is rare no matter what the rumour mill is telling you.