7+/11+ feedback

[blackwheels]

Hi all - just curious to hear how parents are learning at different stages of a child’s education journey.
DD is bright and sat 7+ for 4 schools. She got through to the interview stages for all schools but didn’t get any offers. She is a bit shy. We also did not do any tutoring/interview prep.

We just want to understand what the feedback is but schools won’t share it. How have other parents dealt with it? Can we speak to someone (tutor) to better understand?

Not having any feedback is just unhelpful!

Were they all really competitive schools? Sometimes it’s just the reality that if there are lots of applicants per place that not everyone will get an offer. Have you been waitlisted for any? There may be some movement if some people are fortunate to have offers at all 4 of the schools ultimately they’ll only be accepting one.

I'm sorry to hear the DD didn't get an offer

Is she on any waiting list ?

your child will shine at a different stage in their life.

Unfortunately this means getting ready for 11+

Whatever the you, make sure she has that one passion or hobby or interest that she can really talk about in her 11+ interview. Be it writing stories, publishing books, county team swimmer, semi pro ballet dancer, etc. Just being academic is not good enough at 11+

Yes DD is on 2 waitlists - Highgate and CJS - but they were our backup options and would require relocating as the commute would be 1hr so not ideal.

This is one of the most helpful piece of advice. Thank you!!

@blackwheels , were your other 2 schools in west / north west London then? The number of spaces that the top schools have are tiny and as you can see from the threads some parents get offers from all the schools they try for, ie the offers are held by a tiny group of dc. Your dd needs to be the full package for 7 plus - both bright and with a confident personality. I would take heart at how well she has done to get this far and if you try for 11 plus have a wider range of schools.

Also if you get offered a WL place you don't have much time to accept, sometimes it's only a matter of hours, You can accept and then lose the deposit if change your mind quite soon after but do be prepared to make quick decisions.

Those are really good schools, I’m surprised they’re what you consider back-ups! They probably had 5-6 applicants per place and I know it’s not what you wanted but she’s done enormously well to get through to the interview stage and to get onto the waitlist without tutoring! You know where her weakness is- that she’s a bit shy. There were probably just others that were more confident and stood out more at interview. Also, people can hold the places up until the Easter holidays before they become liable for the first term’s fees so depending on where she is on the waitlist you could still get an offer- fingers crossed for you! If it does come be prepared to make some quick decisions. If not, there’s still 11+ and when it comes around you know that you need to work on interview technique and confidence. Lots of luck!