7+ assessment report from Head of current school

[Oscarlucinda]

Hi there, we've decided that our child will sit the 7+ assessment at the local private school. The school, which is highly regarded, has written to us to say that they will need a report from the Head of our existing school.

Having never gone down the private route before and not knowing what to expect, I wanted to come on her for some advice.

I don't have concerns about the content of the school report. My child has always had excellent and glowing reports. My concern is that whilst my child is very bright, I haven't gone down the route of prepping so I don't really know what the chances of an offer will be. I know that places at this school are highly competitive and we only decided a couple of days before the application deadline to apply. This is relevant because if my child doesn't get an offer, I worry how this will affect our relationship with the Head and staff at the current school. We also have another child at the current school who would stay even if my other child passed the 7+.

I need to contact the Head of our school soon and wondering how I should approach this. From our perspective, we know we have a bright child who currently isn't being stretched in the current class of 30 and, if we were lucky enough to be offered a place, we feel the private school would be a better place for them. So I'd like the Head to write the best possible report to support our child's application. At the same time, I worry they'd be offended we are even considering our current state school.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Sorry for any typos. On mobile!

It's a difficult conversation but there's really no way round it. Other than a "we feel we want to put X forward for the 7+ for [ ] school - they only take a small number of children but at this stage we want to see how she gets on and whether that may a good option for her. The school will need to contact you for a report on X and I hope that won't be a problem. Thank you"

Don't get too tied up in explaining what you don't like about the current school or think the other school will give. Heads are rarely delighted when parents choose to leave their school for another one if it's not because your moving - but they know it happens.

Thanks. We do really like our current school and I'm super involved with the PTA and many school initiatives. So I also have a good relationship with the staff. We just feel if our child has a shot at getting a place at this school which is renowned nationally, we ought to give it to them. Thanks for the advice. My concern is that the Head won't write the most supportive application possible but I suppose I can only ask - will do in person - and hope that the Head will understand.

We are in a similar situation. We have emailed the school explaining that child is doing taster days, apologising for any inconvenience and to let us know if they have any questions. Not even had a reply. I think the private school will anyway take most account of how your child is on the day rather than the report.

Agree Mijkl. I had assumed that a report would only be requested if the child was shortlisted or considered for a place. Similar to potential employers only asking for a reference once an offer had been made. So I am wondering why ask unless it is taken into account to some degree. My child will also be competing with children mainly from prepreps in our area where the Heads will most likely write supporting statements because it's their business to get as many kids passing the 7+. On top of this, staying at the school if a place isn't offered and having to work with/see staff everyday who know you applied.

Good luck Mijkl with your child's assessment!

Don't worry, the school are professionals and will not try to sabotage you. They may write a very bog-standard report but the school you're applying to will understand your circumstances and take all that into account. I've been through this myself, so speak from experience.

I think you could ask your target school to give details on how the report will be obtained. From experience, the approach could be vary different. Some schools only ask for report if the child has passed initial assessment, and shortlisted for interview. Some schools only ask for report from independent schools but not state school. They might be able to tell you roughly when they will be asking for the report, etc.

It might be worth checking with the admissions office (or maybe another parent) about likely timings.

Our Indie Junior school didn't ask for a report from the state Head until some way into the Summer term (we'd accepted the place in January/February). They just wanted to understand our daughter a little better beyond an interview and a few hours of exams. I don't think they were wild about being sent all her y2 books to flick through, but they had those too.

Unless your Head has expressed her contempt for the indie sector, you might be pleasantly surprised by her response. Ours was really helpful and thought a selective school would really play to DD's strengths.

Hope the exams go well.

Hi everyone, thanks for the advice. They will be writing to our Head well in advance of the assessment day. Fingers crossed then!

Good luck. Just inform the head they'll be writing, so it doesn't come as a surprise

We were in a similar situation - state school which we all liked, requiring a 7+ reference. We wrote a brief email to our Head in advance saying why we felt right for our son & acknowleding how much we liked the current school & every chance we would end up staying. You can see the report - freedom of info request - we requested a copy (after sent). It was a very fair/positive reflection of our son. Reason for reading was to see any weaknesses highlighted so we could be sure to address at interview stage. Schools professional and you will not be the first to ask. Good luck. Tough process!

Hi CB2009, thanks. I didn't consider asking for a copy of the report. I think we'll do that partly also because it will give us a chance to fill in any gaps and provide info to the school ourselves, if info is missing. Have contacted the Head and no response so far!