St Paul boy 7 & 11

[TCBL]

My DS got an offer 7+ St Paul boys without any tutoring and we are from state school. We applied exam for checking his academic level, without checking school fees etc, now we felt shocked about price! I don’t know how people afford it? Do you think if DS gets in 7+ maybe he will get in 11+?

I know there are more people in 11, but roughly how much? For us if we can save few years school fees that would be super relief because we have other young son.

Everyone told us we should enrol him, but the money is an issue……,,,

There are only 36 places at 11, more at age 13

First of all, a huge congrats. It’s a great achievement for him 🥹.I know it is a lot. but unfortunately, as they get older, it becomes tougher to get in so you are at an advantage now.
is there anyway you can apply for bursary or scholarship?

@TCBL it is a lot better chance to join at 7+ or 8+ then later down the line. But that being said, the fees are very high. If you can afford it, then join now....but if it is a struggle, I would wait. And of course there are other schools.

If it is not easily affordable I think you are crazy to consider it, he is thriving at a state school - why spend all this money for something that might be worse for him?

Well done to your son - what a great academic achievement! I would think long and hard about this because it is a long financial commitment. Fees increase every year as well and it’s not just fees - you need to pay for extras like certain sports or extra curricular activities as well. Then add things like school trips - it won’t be great for him to be left out. Is he eligible for a bursary?

The reason we registered him in private because he didn’t like his local state school. School is very nice and outstanding but he just wants school can provide homework and exam every week, which is a bit odd, I know. I asked headmaster and surely they said no. I guess if we don’t go St Paul, I need to find him other school more challenging.

State schools will not be more challenging and they won't stretch your dc....they are busy focusing on helping the dc who struggle or need extra help. Perhaps you could stretch him on other schools and have him focus on friendships and getting involved in school life other ways so he enjoys his time. As pp mentioned fees go up every year at private and it gets very expensive!

Hey, huge congratulations to your son! I was in the same position just a few days ago. What have you decided?
My daughter got into LEH juniors without any prep at 7+ but since we have a younger one, we decided to wait for 11+. Saving four years of fees means we can invest that in secondary school instead. That said, I won’t deny feeling a bit sad about not sending her there, I really loved the school’s vibe.

Huge congrats both - I would be confident they could get in at 11+ (unless an unlucky day) with some prep, given they got in with no prep now against well-prepared kids.

@TCBL What have you decided? And what a fab sign that he wants homework and weekly exams!! There are plenty of good "education centres" that will stretch him at relatively low cost and he'll have fun working with others - and of course fab Maths apps - and what excellent preparation for 11+.

Sorry was a bit late reply. We decided to join St Paul. And it is the best decision we made. DS went to school very happy everyday.