How hard is it to get into a great school in London - moving, exceptional children

[Anotherschoolthread]

No name down at birth, no entrance exams taken... we’ll be moving over the summer. Unexpected due to husband’s job. Two boys 5 and 7. Both exceptionally bright (have been told they would easily pass entrance tests) but will we even get to take the tests?

Eaton House? Westminster? Do they ever take anyone at unusual entry points?

Thank you x

There will always be in year movement as people relocate (although you might be on a waiting list). Only way to find out is to phone the specific schools and see what the process is.

Most schools don’t do entrance exams until 7+ with an interview/observation session before that.

Depending on where you’re moving from - and if you’re planning to move again - you could see if an international school would suit. They obviously tend to have more movement.

Thank you 😊
There is hope! No plans to move again because schooling is too important. Thanks again.

Yes, there are 7+ and 8+ formal entry points, and if you are in London for one of them, schools would expect you to apply then.

But ad hoc places come up all the time - people are always moving in and out of London. For the really clever DC, try Newton Prep. Also the Thomas group, Eaton Square, Garden House, Parkgate House (I'm making guesses about which part of London you expect to live in, sorry if I've got it wrong) You might also want to enquiry about prepreps for entry to WUS, Colet Court or KSC Juniors

Thank you 💜 yes you’re right about the area.

And do have a look at Dulwich College - still on a roll under Joseph Spence. Top sets are indistinguishable from the 'academic' schools, and the site is amazing. Various entry points, and ad hoc entrance when places come up. Worth a look (even if only as a point of comparison)

Don't assume that only independent schools can cater for bright kids, especially when looking at primary schools in London

The best schools tend to have tiny catchments, but if you are very close to a school when a place comes up, you could get lucky and get a place even though you are applying later than most

Most state schools in London do not have catchments, it's just a case of living extremely close to one.

Though catchments are becoming more frequently used, because of the number of distant siblings who would displace local children unless the criteria could be 'LAC/SEN, in-catchment siblings, other catchment children, non-catchment siblings, all others'

Moving over the summer does mean there is a chance that OP will have an address and be able to apply and get the (single) state offer by September. If the state offer is unpalatable, then she can joIn waiting lists. But only she can decide how many school moves, on top of house move, her DC would be OK with.

We’re given accommodation (at first anyway) so chances of that being near a good state school are remote I would have thought.

Chances are we are going to be in Southbank Place near the London Eye. Any further ideas.

How bright is exceptional? Westminster has 200-400 kids for it's 20 places at 7+, most of whom will be the best in theor class by some way.

Whilst I'm sure your kids are bright, not a day goes past without someone here claiming their kids deserve x because they are better than the rest - if you can afford it private that's up to you but whether they will think your kids are exceptional is another matter (and very bright at 6 doesn't equate to academic suggest later). Please let them be kids, choose a school close to where you plan to live so they can make friends, kids happiness matters the most!

anniehm Where did you see the OP claiming her kids a better than the rest? Just because someone has chosen the private school route and/or wants an academic environment, it doesn't mean their children's happiness does not matter to them or that they won't let them be kids. I find these kinds of comments on mumsnet quite rude. Why are you even commenting if you don't have anything to contribute to the OP's question?

The OP says they are exceptionally bright....

Yes she does...so what? Does that equate to better than the rest? How hard is it to just help where you can on these forums and and leave these kinds of comments to yourselves?

I would say Eaton House and Westminster are on two different sides of the spectrum. Whilst Eaton House often has occasional places coming up and the entrance exam is quite easy compared to more academic schools, Westminster is a different ballpark all together. I suspect you’ll need a tutor to secure a place at Westminster, even if your children are super-bright. They will be against equality super bright ones that will have the advantage of coming from UK education system, so naturally more prepared for the exam.

I'd look at Newton Prep, the Eaton House Schools, Hill House, the Thomas' Schools as a start. Get them into the system and then they can always apply for DC or Westminster under less pressure.

We were in a similar boat though only one child. My DH’s work provided us with an education consultant as part of the relo package and she was hugely helpful. With her help we managed to secure offers at a non-selective but very sought-after private school, which had amazing results and a waiting list a mile long. We enrolled our DS there and he absolutely loved it. Most of the kids lived fairly close to the school so we all made lots of friends and my DS was so happy. My DS is quite bright though I wouldn’t go so far as to say “exceptional,” and there were plenty of kids on his level and higher. The school was very helpful in guiding him through the 11+ process and he is now in his first year at an extremely sought after west London secondary school.

So see if you are entitled to any help finding the right school. It was invaluable to us.

An offer, not offers. We also got an offer from a very good international school but it wasn’t the right fit for us.

Bump

You don’t have to live in London. I would suggest that you find a place in a school first whether in London or commutable distance and then decide where you live. There are places at my sons school. It’s one of the best in the country but a bit far commuting wise but doable, we do it as do many parents.

I love all these 'extremely bright extremely sought after' comments people make.
Bragging at its worst.

GregoryPeckingDuck Unfortunately DH’s job is such that he would never see the children if we lived away from his office. I would love to not live in the city.

Apparently Southbank Place isn’t finished but company are looking at it for the future! Same area though. Anyone know anything about Eaton House Belgravia?

Just be warned that in London in particular you may quickly find out that your exceptional children aren’t as exceptional as others. Focus on good schools in the area you want to live, and then move them once you are into the swing of things.

My kids are on the G&T register at their Prep school in the Home Counties and scholarship material. They were just average in their London school. Be warned!!!!!

That’s good though, I want them amongst brighter kids, they are head and shoulders above and it’s not good for friendships or academic work!