Blackheath Prep/Pointers/Blackheath High?

[Kate223344]

Does anyone know how easy it is to get into these schools at age 7 from a state school background? We are wondering whether to apply at age 3 or 7. Thanks!

All three will have places at Year 3 - perhaps more places at Pointers and Blackheath High than BP but it really depends on the year and how many move out. There is a lot of turnover at these schools every year as the families in the area tend to be mobile, so I would say you have a good shot at Year 3.

However, it's always a risk and you will need to have a backup plan - some of the state schools in the area are excellent (Halstow, John Ball, Invicta, Sherington etc) and you may end up not needing to move at Year 3 at all!

Thanks for your reply. We aren't in the catchment area for any of those schools unfortunately. Do you think we would need to tutor to get in at Year 3?

Pointers and BH are not selective, so you don't need a tutor to get in at Y3, you just need to ensure there is a place available and pass the interview. BP has an entrance test but don't think tutoring is necessary, I know several who've got in without tutoring. Several children move out of the area at Y3 to move on to junior schools, so it's very likely there are places available.

What is your plan for 11+? If it's one of the Kent grammar schools, or the state secondaries, I would recommend sticking to state school and considering some tutoring for a year or two. If it's a highly selective secondary like Alleyns, JAGS or Sevenoaks, then it makes sense to go private at Y3. It really depends on the specific school you are aiming for entry at 11+.
Please feel free to PM me for more info!

Its luck of the draw whether there are any places really? Definitely don't tutor - if there is a place and your child is bright then they would be offered a place. Pointers and BP have a good history of getting kids into grammar schools as they prepare for the 11+ - BH won't prepare at all as it assumes the girls will stay on after 11.

Agree with the other poster that if you're considering an independent like Colfes/Jags/Alleyns/Sevenoaks that it is easier to get a place at 7 than at 11.

Coming back to this thread while still thinking things through.

I don't think we would go for Jags/Alleyn's/Sevenoaks as too far away and I'm not sure my child would be academic enough.

Colfes is another option though.

For the grammars (Townley, Bexley?) do you have to live nearby to get in, assuming the entrance exam is passed?

Colfes is a great school to look at for 7+ or 11+, and another great co-ed option in the area is St. Dunstan's. Also Blackheath High (for girls) and Eltham College (for boys, but soon to be co-ed).

Grammar schools have different catchment criteria and you will need to look at each one separately. Also, catchment rules keep changing every year. I was told some grammars introduced catchment areas this year for the first time to keep up with the demand from London and Essex. As of now (and bear in mind this could change by the time your DC sits the exams) Bexley and St Olaves have no catchment, Newstead Woods has a 9 mile catchment, Wilmington, Dartford, Skinner etc have a mix of catchment and non-catchment seats.

The Bexley grammars work on a pass basis so if you pass the test you get in but they are oversubscribed to after that it is based on distance unless you’re in the top 180 in which case distance does not apply. Check the Bexley secondary admissions booklet for an idea of distances in past years.

Does anyone have any up to date feedback on these three schools please?

this thread is only from last year?!

what do you want to know?

@TypsTrycks can you please pm me?

@mydearsunnnyyyy PMed