3+ 4+ 5+ 7+ Support thread 2019

[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 2019!) 😉

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/primary/3073499-3-4-5-7-support-thread-2018

Ucs have given places from their 7+ WL

To which school? Do you know?

I don't think they look at which school the boy is from

@litan I know you prob wouldn't know this from the fact that you were speaking regarding an offer but did she mention whether they had over offered or considering using the waitlist. I tried to contact the office later but obviously was closed due to snow

seriously @lonmum1234

Why on earth would someone with a firm offer as about over offers and a waitlist? I get that you are anxious but its getting tedious now. They've over offered by one, by 10? by none ?and there are 2? 7? 100? on the waitlist? What does it matter? You hold firm offers - go look at those schools and if a waitlist spot appears it appears! FWIW we had the same talk with Mrs M but waiting for Habs waitlist to open, as I'm sure it will and your little one will no doubt get our NLCS place. CHILL. Your DD has done whats needed and let that speak for itself!

@bumblebeeeee...thank you for your insight but I felt the tone of your response unnecessary. There are lots of us who are anxious and who may have varying questions of little interest to yourself but this is a forum to discuss such matters. If you are troubled by entries on here perhaps read and ignore them rather than have an inappropriate rant at someone who is merely asking a question to another person on this forum. There is no need for any of us to act in an uncivilised way.

@litan. First of all congratulations to you and DD! If it's any consolation I'm proud mummy of 2DD's so have been through this craziness and soul-searching twice already and getting ready for some more fun next year!
In terms of commute I would say this is a very small part of your decision. We live near Rickmansworth (I think it's harder to be further out!) and we also wondered whether NCLS was stretching it. Actually all our worries evaporated! DD is so excited in the mornings and loves to catch the coach and there is a real sense of camaraderie between the girls. Also they will give you info on other parents that live nearby which really helps. The more important part is which school your DD fits in with. The assessment is rigorous and they very rarely get it wrong so if they think she is a good fit, chances are she is and she will likely thrive there. I don't need to say anything about the school- it's reputation speaks for itself.

Our second DD was not selected into the first school but she'll be sitting the 7 plus next year. She does go to the local private but there is a vast difference in education and experience. My advice is that you won't go wrong with NCLS!

@bumblebeeeeee

So unnecessary

Thanks @skimmedmilk1 I was just curious. Understand If you don’t want to share info

@alwayspinkshoes

Absolutely! Has driven be bonkers. I think they must rank their waiting lists but just don’t tell us. I do wonder if anyone got rejected in the second round (unless the second interview went very wrong) and all who didn’t get a firm offer are waitlisted. We’ll never know sadly.

@Hereshope are you asking for 4+ or 7+? I know there have been rejections at 7+ post interviews

@whatisit12345

4 plus

It’s so hard to be on the WL. Any news on Highgate reserve list guys?

@hereshope - they definitely reject after second round as I know some people who got straight out no as opposed to waiting list for NLCS.

4 or 7

I was talking about 4

@Hereshope they definitely reject after interviews. Your DD has done really well to make it to waitlist. Hope you hear from them soon.

@litan8

My friend went through this a few years ago at 4 plus. Her daughter had offers from NLCS, Habs and south Hampstead. NLCS gave her the same talk and contacted the head of her daughters nursery like they have done with yours. I’m sure your daughter is a ‘north London’ girl but I’m also sure she’ll do just as well and be just as happy at any other academic school. It’s a sales pitch and you shouldn’t let that sway you. I would be looking at where you think your child will be happiest and the distance of where you live to the other schools you have offers from. I’m sure your daughter will be fine on the coach but there’s nothing quite like living locally to your child’s school and her having lots of local friends (for you too). Play dates will be easier (and they’re so impt) and logistics in general (especially if you intend to keep her there until 18). All the schools will have some children living quite far away but many more will live close to the school. Good luck with your decision but definitely don’t let the sales pitch sway you...I’m sure the other schools want your daughter just a much

@Hereshope. You are very right. Any schools would be lucky to have our DDs and parents who are so invested in their kids education. It's always a hard and personal decision. I don't agree however that it is a sales pitch. We were not told given such a glowing report when we were offered. Looking at last year's reception numbers 43 they don't need to try and sell you the school as they have far more applicants than they actually need! I do agree there are some private schools that try to entice you in but Ncls don't need to do that!

@sunflowersandsmiles

I can only relay the information that my friend told me - she was definitely given this talk by NLCS and also Habs later. The schools knew in her case she was holding multiple offers.Yes, they will have no problems filling their spaces but they want the top kids at the end of the day.

@litan8, we are facing the same SHHs vs NLCS decison at the moment but for 7+. Happy to share thoughts. I pm'ed you.

Re the SHHS vs NLCS debate I am going to raise the rather controversial issue of social/ethnic/religious diversity - is this something you have considered or are aware of in terms of the differences in each school? In my personal opinion and of having friends DDs in both schools I would go for NLCS every time. The coach network is fabulous and ensures the kids mix with lots of different kids from the school which is nice. Also
I think NLCS is more socially, ethically and religiously diverse which is important for me in Choosing a a school.
Either way it is a great situation to be in and either way I am sure your
DD will thrive.

@skimmedmilk1 - did your DS get an offer from the UCS wait list ? I hope so

@wishthiswasmorefun hope you are feeling better about your WL situation. I read your updates and it’s great that SPJ were so Positive about 8+ and I am sure WUS would be too given he has already Been WL. Have you applied to any other schools? There’s always 11+ as they have so many more Places then. We think 7+ is the be all and end all but there’s so many entry points so fingers x they get the best school
For them .