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Original poster

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

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Fitnessfanatic108 · 01/02/2018 17:07

Does anyone on this thread have daughters that have been through the junior school at **both habs and nlcs?

DD1 is at habs. DD2 has a 4+ offer from habs and nlcs. DD2 needs lots of stimulation and logistics of 2 schools aren’t an issue. Id rather the school challenge her as much as possible, and I know she’d love homework in reception.

Im trying to establish to what extent the schools differ in the early years and if they are significant enough to warrant splitting the girls up.

Thanks

X

Momof3toB · 01/02/2018 17:39

Well done @Fitnessfanatic108 for getting them through those assessment with offers.

No experience im afraid although excited that DD will be starting nlcs in sept

Fitnessfanatic108 · 01/02/2018 17:49

Thanks @momof3toB she was lucky. Congrats to you and your DD. Might see you tmrw ;) x

Puppydog72 · 01/02/2018 20:06

Anyone here know about the leh 7+ waiting list does it move ?

NLCSmum · 02/02/2018 12:39

Never posted on Mumsnet before but driven to do so after reading some of the posts above.

Have to say that I strongly agree with YoungPadawan. I have a daughter in the First School at NLCS who has been there since reception. I have seen absolutely no evidence of tutoring - whether initiated by the school or by other parents. The girls are happy, well-rounded, bright, delightful "normal" little girls - as opposed to the nervous wrecks most of the posters on here would have you believe they are. The atmosphere in the First School is nothing but loving and nurturing. The teachers are divine and form very close bonds with the girls and their families. Yes - they move at a fast pace, yes - it is academic, but it is ALL done in a fun way where the girls don't realise they are actually learning. NLCS breeds inquisitive, independent girls and I could not be more thrilled with the school - both the education and the community-feel. My daughter has a permanent smile on her face and is absolutely blossoming at that school.

I find the NLCS-bashing on here quite unfair. Obviously, schools are not a one-size-fits-all. IN EVERY YEAR IN EVERY SCHOOL there will be someone who, for a myriad of reasons, may be struggling. This may manifest itself in difficulties at school. NLCS go above and beyond to offer support and extra tuition if needed and the pastoral care is amazing. However if a parent wants to tutor in this scenario then that is their right and the school cannot be held responsible. If parents wish to tutor to get their kid ahead well, then those are the parents I will be avoiding - they are at every school, and again, the school cannot be held responsible.

efrieze78 · 02/02/2018 13:06

Well said, NLCSmum.

pk4317 · 02/02/2018 13:54

We've accepted our offer of a place at NLCS - exciting times. If anyone is interested in car pooling from St Albans let me know - i need to figure out some tricky logistics now...or a house move...!

horsemadmom · 02/02/2018 14:17

You'll be getting info about the coach routes and the chaperone scheme soon. Don't call the estate agent yet ;)

horsemadmom · 02/02/2018 14:22

NLCSmum , well said! Our experience was the same. Enjoy the rest of the journey.

Sanya83 · 02/02/2018 14:28

Congrats to all the parents and their little ones! Anyone accepted offer from Channing? Would need to carpool from St. John's Wood/Hampstead area .. the logistics are quite tricky.

pk4317 · 02/02/2018 14:58

@horsemadmom booked a place for her on the morning coach.. but no such coach in the afternoon to St Albans! Confused

horsemadmom · 02/02/2018 15:13

They don't let the little ones take the afternoon coach. For sensible reasons. There are always St.A's families and you'll get a class list and details of other First School families nearby. I had some very creative school run rotas over the years. You might ask around to see who has Habs siblings (lots will) and do a swap there so you each do only half the journey. I did a year with a mum who lived nearish to me but collected from Habs as well while I collected from UCS, we used to meet on a corner at the half way point. Weird but it worked and neither of us had to do more than a 15 mins of driving on our off day.

lovemybabies2much · 02/02/2018 18:23

@Sanya83 Congratulations!! We got offers from Channing and St.Christopher's - but still contemplating. So confused between should we send DD to a through good school and avoid the whole 11+ or should we risk it and send her to a prep school to have her sit the 11+ and then see where she gets in.

I've also heard that if we decline Channing now, then they will not even consider her for secondary school. Is that true?

Any insight to help with the decision will be much appreciated.
If we do decide on Channing (we might be able to car pool or something).

Ras2 · 02/02/2018 20:36

@lovemybabies2much I believe from what Channing advised during their open day and whilst I was there for 4+ assessments they are stopping 7+ and 11+ entrance to the school so their main point of entry will be 4+ going forwards.

Sanya83 · 03/02/2018 08:58

@lovemybabies2much congrats to you too! Both good schools and a difficult choice to make! Although selfishly I hope you choose Channing 😃 if it helps, my DD loves her present school as well and we have made the choice to move. The reason being that there’s too many if’s and buts(by the time she gives her 11+ the exam systems might have completely changed). At that point even if she doesn’t get into other top schools, Channing Senior School would be a good backup option!

If you’re not already aware, the North London Consortium for 11+ that includes a number of good schools (including Channing) have scrapped the exam from 2019 and it will be a new format of exam plus interviews. It would be easier to get into a good school at 4+ for our DDs when they don’t have the pressure of assessments is my feeling. Hope it helps with your decision!

user1457993939 · 04/02/2018 21:44

Any nlcs mums in pinner or stanmore?

4plus · 05/02/2018 14:43

We got a place at Habs off the waiting list! I'm over the moon and at the same time totally exhausted :)

Thank you all for your tremendous support! I don't know how would I have managed without it :)

neverstraightforward · 05/02/2018 15:10

Yaaaay. Congrats 4plus. That’s exciting news! Wine

Orangecity011113 · 05/02/2018 16:08

Hello ladies, any one here hanging at St. Helens waitlist..!? Any word from school !?

Member686177 · 05/02/2018 17:13

Hello, never posted before but this looks like it would have been a helpful thread over the last few months! Any SHHS acceptances here? Fairly certain that is our choice although it’s been a tough weekend!

BlurTomato · 05/02/2018 19:06

Congratulations @4plus Thanks. Look forward to meeting you in Sept.

4plus · 05/02/2018 20:12

Thank you neverstraightforward and BlurTomato! :)

mumsy111 · 05/02/2018 20:34

Congratulations 4plus! Look forward to meeting you soon. You will certainly sleep well tonight from the exhausting wait.

schoolmadness2016 · 05/02/2018 21:33

See you in sept 4plus! Congrats !!!

cuttey · 05/02/2018 22:22

NLCSmum - Can't agree moreFlowers