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

Don't believe the tutoring hype at NLCS. It's pernicious and largely untrue.

Fine. It isn't true that I know of multiple children in whom the school have suggested that they be tutored to keep up. average children with normal parents who are not tiger mums or overly pushy. definitely not true. of course not. whatever you say. your kids have left some time ago haven't they?

Nope. I've got one there. Not tutored, nor are her friends.
Did the mothers that you know tutor to get their DDs in?

My DS is on the reserve list for OF. I have recently learnt that they have separate reserve lists for girls and boys which I find strange as the assessment were all mixed and this was never mentioned. It makes the chances slimmer if they only substitute like for like. Anyone else heard of this with a co-ed prep?

I understand when OF tells u what number u are on reserve that is the overall number. They hold separate lists to get in equal number of boys to girls I understand.

i was told the no out of the total no of boys on the list and likewise another mum was told where her DD was on the girls list.

Lovely parents , wandering if anyone have St Anthony’s Hampstead as back up ( we tried Channing and Habs but both waitlisted so very little hope as for now ) we have solid offer from St Anthony’s.
Anyone else considering that school ? any opinions welcome.
Ps. Congratulations to all girls and parents making to the top schools :)

Congratulations to all. We are still waiting another 2 weeks for one result but at the moment thinking either City or Habs. Anyone have any thoughts between the two?

St anthony's as in the new school? by the park? Would also be interested of info of that as it only opened last year and is the brother of the boys one.. I'm sure it's great as the rep of the boys is fab

Hi been following the thread and wanted to know whether St Helen’s does offer places to girls on the reserve list. My daughter is on the reserve list but I need to give an answer to Orley Farm which was my back up by tomorrow.

Fine. .....definitely not true. of course not. whatever you say. your kids have left some time ago haven't they?

I have 2 DDs in NLCS. My older DD has never been tutored at the school and I am not aware of many if any of her peers who have received tutoring. My younger DD is weak at English and so has an out of school tutor to help her once a week. Is that wrong? Wouldn't anyone do that for their children if they were struggling? I don't apologise for that. She is strong at Maths and doing ok in everything else. Does this make the school the wrong place for her? Not everything is black and white.

Some eould say that a school of that cost and reputation should be able to sort out those who are weaker in any particular subject. But I'm glad your girls are happy there. Not wanting to start a fight, we all have different experiences of different schools and this thread is useful to bring those together

DD got offers from NC and Habs,
sorry NC, we will go 4 Habs

Also turning down nlcs and going for Habs! Kind, nurturing and educate the whole child holistically, not just academically. A tough decision, but ultimately I am sure the right one.

Not wanting to start a fight, we all have different experiences of different schools ...

This is true - but many comments are made my people who haven't got experience of a school and are only based on rumours.

@habsmummy - yes the ones I know are turning it down for nlcs

@Blebble, I hear that channing is have two classes and taking in 40 this year. So I think it is too early to think that there's no chance especially since you made the waitlist. We are going to turn it down tomorrow for a more quirky environment where we think our DD will thrive in. All the best!

@Myrasmum for 4 or 3 plus? Anyone have views on St Helens?

Yes channing went to two form entry a while ago. Some are concerned it will make the building too cramped. It was done soon after the main Contractor on their building project went bust and existing parents felt it was because they needed to recover costs. To be fair I think each class is a bit smaller than they were before.

At 4+ ..

I’m an NLCS Mum. No tutoring here and none for any of my daughter’s peers either. But don’t be fooled into thinking it doesn’t happen in all schools sometimes!

As far as I’m concerned believe what you want! It’s all hearsay. The school is incredibly nurturing and holistic and we love it.

Anyone who believes Habs is really that different has just been seduced by a big marketing budget!

Take two schools with equally amazing grounds and wonderful outdoor facilities.

School one has ‘an amazing playground and nature trail’

School two has ‘forest school’

School one = all about the academics
School two = holistic and nurturing

Ultimately they are both amazing schools and the approaches aren’t different at all, except maybe for the first year or so.

I can say all this with experience of both

It’s a tough decision but I don’t think you should base your choice on hearsay or mumsnet! Base it on your knowledge of your daughter and your instincts - everything else is irrelevant.

I’m an Nlcs parent in the First School. Tutoring is a reality and it’s there from the start. Those with older daughters I think will have had a different experience.

@schoolio I beg to differ. Habs girls don't have any homework until year 3 and at NLCS it is from the start. Their approaches are v different but you are right that people should not be choosing by mumsnet. Habs focus on wellbeing a lot and would never want any child tutored whereas NLCS mention tutoring from the beginning. It depends which approach you like I guess. Both fab schools I'm sure!

Got one in NLCS (from 4+) and never heard of any tutoring although probably does goes on with some who CHOOSE to do it. I would posit that its as common in a school like Habs and more likely parent-led than school-led. Daughter loves the place (and therefore we do), never had even the tiniest issue with pastoral care or it being "too much" or "too driven". The much discussed homework is negligible and she enjoys it and furthermore hasn't ever known any different. Both Habs and NLCS are clearly both excellent with a massive overlap of offers and I suspect its a very fine line between them in levels of learning, expertise, care, fun and outcomes.

totally agree