7+ 2024/25

[Caps0218]

I haven't seen another thread similar to previous years, so thought it would be beneficial to start one as exams are now 1 month away.
I think SHHS, UCS, KCJS and WUS are all in October.

Also - Curious to see if number of applicants are down this year, with Labour's VAT raid.

@San2023 Yellowbird Education, their mock had the questions read out and again you had 10-15 seconds to answer.

Does anyone know how similar to KCS/SPJS/WUS the level of difficulty is for Habs Boys and City?

Hi Yogibear - we live locally near King’s. When we applied for our older one, we used to live outside London that time and he still got an offer. So not sure if that plays a part. Best of luck for the next one 🤞🤞

My understanding is that Habs is simpler.

My understanding is that Habs is slightly easier, but City will be easier.

Can anyone clarify if all SPJS boys directly go to the senior school or do they have to appear for the 11+ internally? Does WUS require the 11+ exam for their own junior school also? Only Kings has direct entry, right?

St Paul's and King's, they both have a direct path to their senior schools, as long as you keep up with your studies and behave. If you don't, they'll show you the door.

Westminster Under, they have this 11+ formality, but almost everyone passes. Some of them choose to go to boarding schools like Eton instead.

So, different policies, different ways of saying it, but they all mean the same thing: if you're good enough, you're in. And the result is the same: almost everyone makes it through.

King's
5.5.1. Pupils from King’s College Junior school automatically transfer into the senior school. Junior
school pupils sit internal examinations in the May of the third form; these examinations will
determine academic scholarship candidates and may be used for setting.
5.5.2. If it is thought that a pupil is unlikely to cope in the senior school, for whatever reason, the
junior school headmaster will make every effort to inform parentsin good time, before these
examinations.

SPJ
3.1.4 Transfer from St Paul’s Juniors at 13+ Pupils at St Paul’s Juniors hold a place at St Paul’s School and transfer at the end of Year 8 subject to good work, conduct and them being able to comfortably meet the academic standards of St Paul’s School. At the start of October, the Director of Admissions will ask the Parents of all Year 8 children to confirm their intention to progress to the senior school.

WUS
Transfer from Westminster Under School to Westminster School. Pupils who join the Under School in Years 3 to 6 inclusive are assessed for 13+ entry by Westminster School during the course of Year 6. The assessment takes the same form as that for entry to the Under School at 11+:i. the ISEB Common Pre-Test is taken during the Play Term of Year 6;ii. all Under School pupils are then invited to take Westminster School’s13+ entry tests in English and Maths, normally in the Lent Term of Year 6;iii. all Under School pupils are also interviewed.Most Under School pupils will then receive an unconditional offer for entry to Westminster School at 13+. As a result, there is no requirement to take a further examination in Year 8 6(though very able pupils may choose to sit the Challenge scholarship exam), and transfer to Westminster School is automatic subject to continued academic progress and good conduct.

Ok thanks. I think it is basically to evaluate seat availability for 13+ entry as many move to Eton or other boarding schools at this age if they prefer. Thanks for the update.

Our friend made her boys skip 7+ for St Pauls as she thought they were not ready and because St Pauls doesn’t like boys who didn’t do well at 7+ and reapply. The boys both made 8+. Less relevant for us as we were only after Kings but interesting nevertheless. So we are in 8+ land…

I know they ask only to choose 11+ or 13+. I had know idea about this one. then should not allow at first place retrying for at 8+. such a waste of time for someone. But this is not fair sometimes children develop/ mature later.

I didn't think St. Paul's had an issue with reapplying if you didn't pass the 7+?
We made it to second round but didn't pass that and in the email it said you are welcome to try for 8+ and that some boys mature over the course of the year ie they may be more successful then.

If you are close, they ask you to reapply and are okay. If not, they hold it against you…

Really? How do you know that?

@Yogibear1324 A boy could have been unwell, had a bad day….i would be astonished if it’s held against a child.

I was thinking the same.

It also goes against their values of kindness, integrity etc…not a chance.

A lot seems to be changing with new head at SPJ over the last 2 years. Siblings priority is now totally gone (though never very strong in the past), unlike King's. Exam ranking less important in giving offers, and seems (or guessed by current parents) an effort to "rebalance" the ethnic mix rather than strictly adhering to scores etc.

Also, it appears the interview of parents by the head is no longer just a formality. It might have some weight now. Also, the current head seems to like niches or special talents.

Of course all these are just guesses by current parents. No proof if anyone insists these are not true. Rather, these are just inferences based on observations of offers given.

And it won't surprise me if the kid did not do well in 7+, his chance at 8+ will be jeopardised. But then, this may apply to other schools as well.

I called admissions today as I wanted to know whether doing the 8+ and being unsuccessful would impact applying in the future and I was told no. I also asked whether the ranking from the first round of exams has any weight when it comes to making decisions for those boys who do well in the second round and I was told no, the decision is solely based on the second round performance, unlike kings.

Honestly, what other answers would you be expecting?

I guess no schools would say the results of previous attempts would have an impact, or say they offer mainly based on exam ranking. The head (any school) always has his idea on what he thinks is the best approach on how to select the boys.

@SWLondon001 Interesting. Regarding ethnic mix, also this is the 2nd year that they no longer sponsor visas at the junior school.
”Re-balancing the ethnic mix”, don’t think that would be legal….obviously one will never know….but there certainly is a large proportion of kids, obviously British, but with Chinese heritage….at the open day, I counted one year 3 class had 10 out of 18.
He is the headmaster of the junior school, if this is really what is happening….it would have come from higher.
At the same time scores are going to be key, as they want the best.

Interesting. What do you mean by ethnic balance