Grammar/private - have you moved to get into catchment area but then didnt get in....

[Eesha]

Just curious really - im thinking of my long term future and whether to move nearer places like Latymer or Dame Alice Owens to be in catchment but there still is the risk of not getting through the exam. Is it even worth considering? Im in Barnet. I dont want my comfort in my current home to be a disadvantage to my children (and fear of moving somewhere new).

I know two people who moved to Kent for the grammars. In both cases one child got in and one didn't. They used non selective state for the one who didn't get in

We considered it but then to get an equivalent house or slightly larger in catchment plus stamp duty came to about the same as non selective independent fees.

Staying where we are and taking out all the risk knowing we have the chance of an out of catchment Grammar place based on previous years (not London), two independents or a great comp if it all goes wrong.

Thank you both for responding. It’s a minefield!

We considered it but thought it was too risky and disruptive for everyone, plus the costs and hassle of moving and the insecurity of second child not getting in and having to send her to a secondary modern.

At the end we are going independent for secondary school for older child.

Do you mean moving into catchment so as to sit the exam or to gain a place by distance? (Latymer is 100% selection once you're in the inner catchment, Dame Alice Owen has a tiny number of non-selective places for locals but mostly selective/siblings).

It's a real gamble given the numbers applying - over 1000 for 65 and 180 places. I personally wouldn't move.. Kent on the other hand takes 25% which is much better odds.

You're almost certainly in catchment for the DAO exam anyhow so can take a chance without moving.

Hi Fandabby, im more towards Golders Green Barnet side so not in the right postcode for DAO. However i think the risk might be too high, it's a long way off though so i might think differently later!

How old are your children? How academic are you/ child's dad. I do struggle a bit if people move to grammar school areas when dc are tiny unless there is a really good option for non selective as well.

Surely Henrietta Barnett is a better target given your location, or am I misunderstanding?

If you moved to Enfield for Latymer I think you would need to make sure you're in a catchment for a good non selective. From what I understand anywhere in Enfield gives an advantage over out of borough but the comps are a mixed bag.

I'm no expert and live in islington now but went to Latymer many moons ago. I have to admit I can't imagine returning to enfield to try to get my boys into Latymer.

Do private schools have catchments? They don't here.

I live in catchment for 3 good grammars in Bucks (boys', girls' and mixed).

I am reasonably sure that one of my children will attain the required mark but not so sure that another (the first to sit the 11+) will do so.

We will see how they get on, and the non-selectives are good, but I do have a plan b to move to an identified area with a good secondary. That area transfers at age 13, which gives a chance to see how it goes.

There are also social considerations to take into account - disruptions to social groups etc which I think DC1 will find hard.

It's a minefield, it really is!

Hi, this was just curiosity for me as my kids are really small. I am comfortable where I live but was thinking whether worth moving for better opportunities. I guess this is a decision for much later. HB is nearby but from what I read, it takes the top % and I know a few who got into many independents but not HB. So basically seems like genuis kids!