3+4+5+7+ support thread mumteacher 2021

[Mumteacher1]

I know it’s a little later than usual but here it is! #letsdothis

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

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/primary/3780207-3-4-5-7-Support-thread-2020-Mumteacher

Thanks, About 1 sibling in 4 seems right across many schools. Fair as long as the ratio of offers / regrets is the same across siblings & others.

Does anyone have a view on SHHS vs NLCS? We are v close to the coach stop for NLCS. South Hampstead would involve a 20-25 min commute by bus (so could be variable). Have done the tours but it’s so hard to decide at this young age.

@FunnyBear I’d say siblings have a much higher acceptance rate (though still most don’t get in at my child’s school). That makes sense though as the siblings share genetics and a home environment and you’d expect the odds to reflect that in the acceptance rate.

LondonGirl83 what school does your child go to?

NLCS easy choice from all the chatS I have read at MN

Hi all, Could anyone share the school bus routes for clsg and shhs ? I couldn't find any info about it on their websites.

@ZaphodBeeblerox

@ZaphodBeeblerox we had similar decision to make 3 years ago. Logistically SHHS was much easier since we could get there in 10 mins. Whereas NLCS involved a 30 min coach ride and getting up at 7am each day. In the end we decided on NLCS given that she was set on it despite only being 4 at the time! Now in Year 2 and about to move into the lower school we're glad to have made the decision even though logistically it would have so much easier staying local. Both good schools and more importantly go through to 18. You can't go wrong with either. Go to the tours and get a feel of both places.

@icantbelievethis001 Would you say that NLCS is loving and nurturing? Looking to join in Reception but my daughter is quite, very emotional and temperamental. I've also being reading that they push them a lot in Junior school, what is your view? Thank.

@Anca123456 I don't have direct knowledge of NLCS but do know that the incoming Head of NLCS Junior School (Miss Styles from September 2022)

www.nlcs.org.uk/news/2021-11-19/announcement-of-new-head-of-junior-school-at-nlcs

runs a very loving and nurturing culture at her present school, alongside developing each girls' potential.

The only way to "prepare" a child for the 4+ is to have spent quality time over the years, in various activities with him/her - outdoors walking, biking, identifying trees, birds, insects, animals, travelling, sky gazing, cooking, playing, laughing, celebrating, and just being normal. "Preparing" any child hurts her/him in the longer term. A natural fit is too important.

@Anca123456 from our perspective despite our initial concerns that NLCS would be quite hard and a hot house given its academics I can genuinely say that all of the girls are happy and love the environment. For those entering reception there isn't the pressure of 7+ and hitting certain milestones. Instead they focus the girls on developing a mentality for learning which will serve the girls when they move up in the school.

[quote ThroughTheEyesOfATigger]@Anca123456 I don't have direct knowledge of NLCS but do know that the incoming Head of NLCS Junior School (Miss Styles from September 2022)

www.nlcs.org.uk/news/2021-11-19/announcement-of-new-head-of-junior-school-at-nlcs

runs a very loving and nurturing culture at her present school, alongside developing each girls' potential.[/quote]
We've met her several times and I think she is LOVELY.

When will schools ask for references? My nursery thinks they've been asked for three out of the 4 we've applied for. Eg when will habs and NLCS ask?

Has anyone else had an offer from St Hildas today?

I may sound ultra paranoid but i thought they were sending out offers in late Jan with habs and nlcs.

Is there a possibility they confer with habs and know who may be rejected?

@tiktokontheclock

Has anyone else had an offer from St Hildas today?

I may sound ultra paranoid but i thought they were sending out offers in late Jan with habs and nlcs.

Is there a possibility they confer with habs and know who may be rejected?

Habs and North London are sending results on Jan 31st

@anotherusernameugh In my case NLCS asked late December or beginning of January, before the first round.

Sorry tiktok- misunderstood what you were asking!

Speaking of references have habs asked any nurseries and when?

@tiktokontheclock

Speaking of references have habs asked any nurseries and when?

Anyone? Asking about habs girls specifically

Habs girl: our one was done before the assessment round 1

I’ve been lurking and enjoying the updates although not many relevant to us. Devonshire House have sent out offers today, 6 days ahead of the date they told us. Is this normal? Any chance The Hall will be early?

Does anyone know how much schools rely on the nursery references please? We have just discovered that our daughter's nursery sent out a tick box reference, marking her as "age appropriate" in all categories. They are not allowed to share the document itself.

I really don't want to sound like one of "those parents"(!) but the reason we even considered private school is that her previous nursery told us she was exceptionally bright. Then last year, we realised that she had taught herself to read and was doing simple maths on her own. Perhaps we are wrong (we don't have other children) but this appears to us to warrant "above average" in at least one or two categories. Or is this normal for a 3 year old? In any event, it appears that despite telling her current nursery about the progress she was making (we had to move her there when we moved house), they hadn't noted any of this down or done a proper EYFS assessment so just ticked the middle box on everything.

At the second round assessment, our daughter wasn't very well. Afterwards she was quite downbeat and withdrawn, suggesting that she might have been extra shy at the assessment. So the useless nursery report might be vital, but we don't really know how much it is taken into account. Does anyone know please?

Separately, I am so upset for my daughter that the nursery wasn't noting the stuff we were telling them, and appear not to have interacted enough with our daughter to have seen it themselves. We are now thinking of withdrawing her, regardless of the application outcome because it suggests that they are not "eyes on" enough and it might explain why she seems bored and not that enthusiastic when she comes home. I had previously just thought she was tired.

What school is this for?