7+ offer just received Chigwell school

[Newmum1252]

I’m really undecided what to do. Just got an offer of acceptance for 7+ at one of the big 3 schools (Chigwell). Obviously should be happy but I’m secretly a little disappointed as I really liked Woodford green prep and St Aubyns when I visited. Their exams for 7+ are in next few weeks after I have accepted or declined this place so don’t want to risk it.

Am I being stupid? Surely it makes sense to accept one of the big 3 rather than go to WGP or St Aubyns who only go up to 11 for WGP and 13 for St Aubyns.

WGP and St Aubyns is a little cheaper too!

Please help me make a decision. Anyone got experience?

[Title edited by MNHQ at poster's request]

Can anyone please give me some insight into the schools I’ve mentioned or advice on how you chose your child’s independent school.

You probably need to mention the schools in the subject if you want feedback

Sorry, I have not heard of these schools but if all else is equal, I would definitely go for the one that takes your DC all the way through secondary. The 11+ can be very stressful for the child and parent if you have your heart set on a particular outcome.

If decide on WGP or StA where will they go after 11+?
You need to play the long game.

Thank you both. Yes good point about putting schools in subject line.

You choose the school that best fits your child and your family values. If you preferred the other schools then why would you send your child to one you acknowledge you feel disappointed about?

We turned down an 11+ place at one of the very top London day schools in favour of one many people see as a “backup” school. Friends and other parents said we were mad. It just didn’t feel right for my DD. Anyway, we haven’t looked back, she is thriving, and I am so glad she’s not at the other school.

So long as the other preps regularly send children to the sort of schools you are interested in for secondary then choose the one that your gut reaction says is right.

I also disagree with all through schools necessarily being a better or less stressful option. A good prep will guide you as to which schools would be best fit for your child and help them get there. Your 11 or 13 year old son will be very different to the 6/7 year old you have now. If he’s sporty and performing at a high level then your choice could be quite different to if, say, art is his main strength.

Outside London the pressures of 11+ are far less. You usually sit for two or three schools only and unless they are highly selective it’s unusual to not be offered a place.

Thank you @Zodlebud. I have terrible anxiety so I second guess everything! My son actually loved Chigwell when we went to visit. The school you rejected what made you reject it? Was it by any chance bancrofts/Chigwell?

@Newmum1252 It was 100% gut reaction as to why we turned the school down. I could just see my DD at the school she goes to whereas something just didn’t feel right with the other school. Can’t quite explain it.

It wasn’t Bancrofts or Chigwell. Think single sex north London.

Just out of interest, what are the BIG three? Chigwell, Bancroft and Forest?

I teach in a local state school but we take a number of students from each of the above into our 6th form. Out of those three, I'd go for Bancroft and I'd place Chigwell third.

@grosgirl yes that’s the big 3. I wasn’t too impressed with forest to be honest. I know a few families who go there and couple of teachers who teach there.

Bancrofts and Chigwell both did better in the league tables and destinations post A’levels. I know it’s not all about the results as private schools offer other skills too. Can anyone tell me anything else about Chigwell school?

@Newmum1252: Do you have to pay just a deposit before your child sits exams in other schools? Is it possible to find out if Chigwell will return deposit in case you change your mind?

The management at one of the schools we visited for 4+ told us that the schools should return deposits if a child did not join them.
I mean, if Chigwell would be willing to return the deposit, you can pay now to secure the place. If your child gets a place in another school you prefer, you will get money back from Chigwell. If the otehr schools do not offer a place then at least you will have a place in Chigwell.

That’s brilliant advice @Lily7050 thank you. I might sound crazy but I absolutely struggle making decisions. My DH just goes with whatever I choose so I am under so much pressure to make “right choice”. My friends n mum envy me for being the decision maker in my family but it’s so difficult! Thank you again, I’m going to look at contract again. I can’t really phone the school and ask can I? Anyone had experience of paying deposit then saying no?

@Newmum1252 what year's data have you based that on? 2019 presumably?

The deposit will be non refundable. I would imagine you then have until Easter to decide finally, otherwise you will be liable for a first term fees. It’s an acceptance deposit. You are saying you want the place and it shouldn’t be offered to anyone else. Many parents choose to risk losing the deposit.

Hi @Newmum1252 Did you end up going with Chigwell last year? My dd got an offer today and am nervous about accepting after reading some of the older reviews of the school.

Hi @Cominghomemom, did you start your DD with chigwell september 2023? how is it? I have an offer too for sept 2024 and i am very nervous. Please can you let me know. Thanks

Hi all. My DD got offered a place on the 7+ “waiting list” at Chigwell. Does anyone know what the likelihood of the offer is by the deadline (for those who received offers first)? It’s nerve wracking and need to plan a move accordingly.

Hi, looked back through emails, we had to accept by March 6th. So maybe around that time you’ll hear. Wishing you all the best! Xx

@Cominghomemom yes we will hear by March 7th…however they over offer in the first place so wanted to gauge the likelihood of them offering a place to us. Thank you for looking back through your mail.