References & interviews 7,8,9,11+

[Bikeproject]

Million dollar question. Does anyone know how much weight is given to the letter of reference by current head and the interviews please?
Are these just to check there's nothing untoward or do they weight a fair bit in the final outcome?
So far, my impression is that the test results matter a lot more. But I could be wrong. Thanks!

At 11+ there is quite a lot of emphasis put on the reference. Some schools ask specific questions e.g. how involved is the child with extra curricular activities, suitability for scholarships, strengths, weaknesses etc. others allow a more open ended reference where the school is allowed to write what they want. They help present a balanced picture of the child from people who have known them for several years.

However, I think it’s exam results first deciding factor, followed by an interview, with the reference being the one with less weighting. It can help sway a decision if it’s borderline.

That said, some state schools point blank refuse to write references for this purpose but I don’t think it goes against the child. The school look at a number of factors and the reference is just one.

Thanks @Zodlebud
That was my impression. Everything counts but the test counts first and the rest can be used as a decider.

Depends on the school. DS was not offered 13+ places he was interviewed for at age 10, and it was definitely the interview that was the issue. (ended up on academic scholarship at a pretty selective school but it took a while!)

Can you get to see these references, and if not, why?

You can, but I think it'll take an FOI request.

I think references can matter a great deal for
a) weeding out badly behaved DC
b) deciding between borderline candidates

Can you get to see these references, and if not, why?

I have been wondering this, doesnt GDPR mean that an organisation is obliged to provide any and all information the have stored on you upon request? I had some training recently where I understood that was the case but I’m sure there are others who know more than me.

@HalfSiblingsMadeContact Hi, I think we're saying the same thing: everything counts. But I think that however good an interview and/or reference, a candidate who doesn't do well in the (written) tests will not be offered a place. So test first/top, then the rest.