George Heriot's entrance assessment

[AKingdomForAUsername]

Does anyone have recent-ish experience of the entrance assessment for upper primary at George Heriot's? We're thinking about applying for P6.

DC is really bright and a more academic environment would do them the world of good. However, they're currently at a rather poorly performing primary school. From what I can tell, their P5 class is miles behind their friends at other Edinburgh primary schools in both maths/numeracy and literacy.

DC is really bright and would catch up soon enough if they were to get into Heriot's, but the problem is getting in.

Could anyone tell me a bit more about what the assessment entails - and at what level? All I can find online is that it's Maths, English, Reasoning and some group tasks and group interview. Wondering if there's a point in applying and then swotting for the exam (and, if so, what 🤔) or not.

Thanks for reading.

There’s not much point applying to Heriots if your child is in any way neurodivergent. It’s got a real reputation for screening the neurodivergent out. It’s much easier to get in since VAT was added to the fees.

Thank you. DC not neurodivergent as far as we're aware, but disappointing to hear regardless...

I have a neurodivergent child at the school and they have been excellent. Very supportive and have put real effort into finding solutions that work for my child.

Try and work on literacy at home, encourage independent reading, then ask them to tell you about what they have read. Ask them questions about the book to check their comprehension. Make sure they are absolutely solid on times tables and practice adding and subtraction. I have no experience of GH entrance exam, but even if they don't end up there, it's better to try and bring your child on, even if their current school isn't great. Have you thought about tutoring, such as Kip McGrath centres?

I second the Kip McGrath centre suggestion. About half of their work with primary pupils is preparing them for these entrance assessments.

Certainly worthwhile to stretch your child if you feel the current school isn’t doing that.