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

Northwood college for girls? Anyone?

@Buppalo

Northwood college for girls? Anyone?

Again they say on the website they will post offers today, ie you should recieve tomorrow

Hello all, does anyone have a reception place at SHHS and intending to turn it down? Does this ever happen?! The admissions lady did not give me any indication of where DD is on what sounds like a huge waiting list!

Thank you 😄@partygate what is the bad press? I may have missed this!

@Buppalo

Thank you 😄**@partygate** what is the bad press? I may have missed this!

I understood it from this chat:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/secondary/4154947-G-L-CLSG-SHHS-Highgate-Your-honest-opinion-is-needed?msgid=104352900#104352900

"I really don’t think you need to worry. As @user149799568 says in Feb 2018 there was a big issue with exploding offers at Channing and City specifically. People lost their places at these two schools who got a lot of bad press. The schools who suffered were those who decided to honour all the offers they had made. These were Francis Holland Regents Park and South Hampstead High School who each took an extra class - FHRP had 4 instead of the usual 3 start in September 2018 and SHHS had 5 instead of their usual 4 form entry. As you can imagine all schools have learnt from this and there were not exploding offers in 2019 or 2020 - Channing were chasing people up last year two weeks after offers went out to see if they still wanted the places that they hadn’t accepted yet. SHHS, FHS, City and Highgate have all gone to waiting list even if only. by a few places in the last couple of years. So I think 2018 was a bit of a one off and I don’t think it will happen again - good luck and let us know how you get on on offers day"

@NWMumof3 we will be turning down a place at South Hampstead

@Bertie1812 you dreamboat! Thanks for letting me know :)

Is anyone on NLCS reserve list ?

@NWMumof3 - I’d suggest calling to speak to Ms Wilkins and reiterating your strong interest in the school. The WL has no numbering, so not sure on what basis they make offers, but I think gentle reiteration of interest would be useful!

@Rangsrocks we are (for the 4+).

@ZaphodBeeblerox thanks for the advice, will try! 😬

Are any of you looking to refuse your precious NLCS 4+ offer, and if yes, for which School?

Lol, why so snarky @FunnyBear ?
(And I know of 3 families who might turn down NLCS.. 2 for SHHS but they are on WL at the moment, and 1 to stay in existing school and do the 11+ instead).

@ZaphodBeeblerox Perhaps because not many appreciate that the 7+ (or 11+) have a better choice of Schools than the 4+, maybe a better fit too, for the children at 7+/11+. I'm personally one for abolishing 'assessments' at 4+, and in favour of ballot / catchment at 4+.

Hi @FunnyBear - We found the 4+ a bit of money making scheme as well. We were supposed to do a few assessments but decided against them when we went through the first one (which upset our daughter).
We are very happy with her pre-prep and will let her sit 7+ which feels slightly more tangible compared to 4+ and feels better for slightly shy kids.
We also do appreciate personal choices of many parents wanting to find a place at 4+ rather than 7+. There are pros and cons to both.

Got St. Helens and Northwood college through

@ZaphodBeeblerox

Lol, why so snarky *@FunnyBear* ? (And I know of 3 families who might turn down NLCS.. 2 for SHHS but they are on WL at the moment, and 1 to stay in existing school and do the 11+ instead).

Why would you turn down NLCS to do the 11+ after the fuss of the 4+?

@tiktokontheclock how did you get them? Post only? Or email? Thank you 🙏

There is of course an element of luck and randomness to the 4+ assessments.
However one of the key reasons we decided to apply for the 4+ rather than wait for the 7+ or 11+ is so that our daughter would have no idea that she is being assessed and wouldn't feel under any pressure. We didn't tutor or prep her in any way - something that is less possible for the 7+ and wholly impossible for the 11+. We told her that she was attending playgroups to meet new children and have fun. She has absolutely no idea that she was being assessed.

[quote Buppalo]@tiktokontheclock how did you get them? Post only? Or email? Thank you 🙏[/quote]
Post, no email
Unless they emailed my husband who is at work

@tiktokontheclock 🤷🏽‍♀️ Setting sights on grammars or on St Paul’s?

Name changed to post, if you are dithering over NLCS can I urge you to take up the offer , the school is so amazing. I had reservations about the coach, the distance, the pressure but all I can say is good things. My DD is so happy, the staff are excellent, the teaching so dynamic and the pastoral care in the junior school is excellent. I have a child in another North London school that could not be more different, it is uncaring, lessons boring and investment in resources lower.

Thank you for sharing! We are deciding between NLCS and 2 others, could I please ask what the name of the other school was?

It is a boys school so probably not relevant if you have a girl

Anyone have any advice on choosing between St. Christopher’s and SHHS for a not shy but quite sensitive to environment DD?