7+ Kings College Wimbledon/ Westminster Under / St Paul's for boys junior

[purplemoonparty]

Hi all,

My son is currently 6 years old and is about to sit the 7+ exams in the coming term. We have a private tutor and I do a lot of homework with him but I still feel that there's something missing. He's currently at an Outstanding state primary school.

He has applied to Kings College Wimbledon, Westminster Under and St Paul's for boys Junior School.

I personally went from state, then did the 11+ plus to attend boarding school with a scholarship and am from a much more humble upbringing than my children. Therefore I don't think my experience was that relevant.

I welcome any tips on the above schools from those who have recently experienced the tests/interviews.

What is being done currently by the tutor and yourself and for how long a day or week?

What are his strong and wear subjects?

Hi @dancingbyriver000

He is currently being tutored twice a week, one hour each session. The tutor goes through the past papers and focuses on maths.

I do 'homework' with him for 1.5 hour each on Saturday and Sunday. I teach him new things because he's at a state school so he's not ahead. For example, I taught him 3 and 4 times table, column addition/subtraction and et.

Daily we do 10-15 words dictation/spelling.

His weaknesses are writing and looses focus quite easily during a mock exam.

Any tips on how (else) to prep and what routine worked for your little one that would be appreciated. Thanks.

hi, have you tried some of the online papers and seen how he is doing. for example, KCJS papers. you still have some time but have to be realistic because he has to do well across the subjects. can he do papers or group exercises etc for 3-4 hours with breaks?

It certainly wasn't a fun experience, poor kids are so young to go through it - but it is ultimately for their future. We used https://www.kizara.uk to supplement the bond books, for some focus on areas our DS needed some extra practice in. Luckily got an offer from our top choice last year and took it!

Dear all,

Looking for your advice here!

Our lucky boy has received the 7+ offers from both SPJ and KCS and we want to know if there are any major differences between the two?

Looking at the league tables, it seems both of these are very good schools with very similar results.

Logistics wise Kings is more convenient ( 25 mins) and St Paul’s is around 55 mins drive each way. There is a bus to Kings from our place but the closer bus stop for SPJ is in Wimbledon.
We can consider relocating close to school in long term (not possible for next year or so) but looking for some recommendations from mums if it’s really worth the move?

Thanks a ton for your feedback and time!

First congrats to your son! You must be a very proud mum. If you have any question on SPJ my son is in year 4 there (started after 7+). Will just say one thing commute is very important when they are little (especially during those winter months)!
they are both excellent school so you can’t go wrong. You will probably have the offer holder tour soon, go with your gut feeling!

Neither is worth moving for. Just go for the easiest journey, bearing in mind that your son will be making it for the next 10 years or so! Important to be able to get public transport when they're older as well so easy bus/ tube/ train routes are important.