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.

Just need someone to confirm A-D numbers!
I also saw a few crossed out names, I assume kids who got WUS / KCJS.
Still can't believe it's 180.

I believe the maximum number of candidates is closer to 150. I also noticed several names that were crossed out, of the 20 boys in my son's group.

Realistically, there would be fewer than 150 serious candidates. For example, I know of many boys who have offers from WUS are sitting for the exam today, just to see.

If the numbers are accurate, more than half of these serious candidates could receive firm or waitlist offers. Although the relatively lower level of selectivity this year may result in a different cohort and learning environment for the boys who join, this is great news for us.

Is your group between A- D?

E-F!

Kings had 300 kids, previous years it was closer to 350.
SPJS had 350 last year, what could have caused the drop? I think the bridge closure is a real pain, basically an additional 15-20 minutes each way. 4 times for a parent. Perhaps many north of the river decided against it?

Not sure how much of the waitlist would move, as they will over offer and you would assume most who are sitting will want it?

If WUS being centrally located, did not see its numbers affected by distance, why would this be the case for SPJS? Such a mystery

But WUS is central, so people from all directions can come with no issues.
SPJS has the bridge closure...a 30 minute journey from central London is now 55 mins.

The bridge issue is new this year. I believe that the increase in the cost of living and the introduction of VAT may be contributing factors. Candidates for the WUS are less affected by these issues. Additionally, there is a growing preference among families for co-educational schools, or at least schools with some female presence, such as King's College.

Excuse my typo. I meant that the bridge issue is NOT new this year.

We don't have anyone here from SPJS A-D group?

Bridge issue is not new, I agree.
SPS has absorbed the most out of all the schools, with regards VAT.
Co-Ed, is a factor.
But a 50% decline is incredible.
Last year they took 95 to the second stage.
I wonder if they will take less this time around?

No parent would let a bridge issue deter them from applying to one of the best independent schools in the country. It's probably a mixture of VAT increases, no overseas students sitting the exam this year, offers already being out for Kings and parents wanting WUS for their son over St. Paul's too. But it's a very surprising drop. We did it last year and there was definitely a very large number of boys!

Either way you should be dancing as it means you all have a much higher chance this year

There are two drop-offs, 8:15 and 8:45 am. If every letter has two groups, this might let the number double.

@SWlondonmum123 Overseas students could not apply last year also. The bridge closure certainly has affected a few North London parents we spoke too.
But it's bizarre, huge drop unless we are missing something. Need verification from groups A-D

@chatchatchatchat we were parked outside early, around 8.10 and there was no flow of parents out of the gate at 8.15-8.30.
I certainly did not notice.
I suppose we will see at 12pm.

@chatchatchatchat you could be right, would make the numbers seem more sensible.

Does anyone know, for comparison, how many sat the exam for WUS this year?

Did anyone have an 8.15 start?
How does dictation work across the speaker system, can they shut it off for some rooms?

If 2 sets entered same alphabet group at different times- means exam starting at different times and ending at different times. It is a bit odd. What this 15 mins gap will make difference.

@san would be 30 minute gap.
360 would sound more sensible.
Can't believe there is not a single 8.15 parent on here

Over 350