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.

Thank you for your thoughtful reply. Someone also mentioned that SPJ specifically said recently that no plans for joining with SPGS. So that's explains it. We are not bothered by this really. More looking for a sense of a school in terms of academics, daily life and nurturing environment (if it can't be in such academic schools).

We looked at the coach timetables on the website. For us it would be 7.15 to 8.10.

@alquora - only co-ed out of those 3 but there are lots of other excellent schools!

West London you have Latymer and North West you have Highgate, central is City Junior. These are the main 3.

Are there any mums here with experience of having DS/DD in highly selective academic senior schools like SPJS/ WUS/ KCS/ NLCS? I’m curious about the long-term experience of staying in one school environment from Year 3 all the way through to Year 13. That’s nearly 10 years within the same school, the same campus and the same environment and not being co-ed also sometimes.

For those whose children have gone through this, did they ever experience boredom or burnout due to the lack of exposure to different environments or new experiences outside the school?

On Co-Ed we also thought about Alleyn’s and Eltham College.
Though maybe these aren’t quite as academic as the others?
I liked Alleyn’s head, who is the twin sister of CLGS head.

I can only comment about myself and my sister - we both went to LEH from year 3 to end of 6th form. I would say the juniors of most schools are quite different so it doesn’t feel like the same experience. It does also have the huge advantage (if you’re happy!) of moving to secondary school knowing a group of people which for me was amazing. So it never struck me I’d want to move at all!

I have sent one child through one of the city of London secondary schools. I would say that burnout was less of a concern than expected, the pastoral and study skills departments are extremely proactive and supportive through every year, not just year 11 and 13. They also know the children very well throughout their time there and use this to support children well.

in terms of a lack of exposure, I’m guessing you mean social class? My oldest continued with their local activities despite commuting to central for school. This meant staying in their local sports team, continuing civic activities locally such as scouts and local music lessons. We initially intended to do this to keep continuity during a period of a lot of upheaval but unexpectedly gave my child a firm understanding of just how lucky they were. My child used these connections to help with DoE and also to secure part time work locally.

School is just one aspect of childhood after all.

I also think that city schools are as diverse as it’s possible to be for a private top tier school. There was a large variance from the super wealthy (v much a minority) to working parents to bursary children. When my oldest was there 1/4 children were on some sort of bursary. Yes there were pockets of extreme privilege but these were notable for being rare. City of London schools have a clear expectation that they are preparing children for the work of work, not trust fund babies.

Thanks a lot for a holistic feedback. 🙂

City Junior School email should be tomorrow if I’m not mistaken?

I don’t think we have an email that revises the City outcome date (by 5pm today)… so here we go, another day of relentless perspiration and inbox refreshing 💦
All the best, guys

@Fullmoon99 At most there may have been 10-15 kids needing the extra day and their papers can easily be marked quickly. Today is Highgate reserve day. Wonder how many people have been told any of the questions!

I wouldn’t be surprised… on exam day City’s head, Rachel, told a few others and I in the line that last year a parent managed to set off the fire alarm on their way out! Admissions people would have a decent window into the dark side of the human condition!

@Fullmoon99 you have SPJ right? Would you consider City vs SPJ? What do you think the advantages might be? Thanks

@FutureWestLondonMommy These are 2 very different schools. SPJS has, probably, the best facilities of any school in London. Academically, SPJS is a level higher as well. Obviously one is Co-Ed for 4 years, before it becomes single-sex.

@FutureWestLondonMommy you did SPJ and King's right? You could do 8+ at those but City doesn't do it...

Our considerations are of an individual nature: we’re creatures of the city and relocating to a more suburban lifestyle would be a big change.

Also my sense is that CLS is very cosmopolitan and possibly less of a wealthy bubble, but have slowly come to the conclusion that it is impossible to avoid being in a bubble of some kind in London.

@FutureWestLondonMommy can I ask why you didn’t go for SPJ as you mentioned before? Did something about the school not appeal to you?

Hi @Fullmoon99 pm me as I don’t want to share in an open forum:-)

@NeatRedCat could I pls check how old your kids are now and whether they were at City Boys or Girls? Were they bussed around as the facilities are meagre? If they are older and you have any info, where do the boys end up after school in terms of universities?

There were lot of kids doing Highgate today.

We are seriously considering between these two. Not straightforward as we like different things in both.

@JadeDeer Everyone is different, but if distance was not an issue then SPJS would be our choice. The bridge being closed is a massive issue for anyone North of the bridge, adding 15-20 mins extra.

Yes - It was the reserve day, lots of NLCS girls doing it today as their 2nd round clashed. Highgate results out next Friday.

Anyone heard back from City yet?

Heard nothing yet from City.