Whitgift and Trinity 11+ exams and Interviews

[mummax]

Hi all
I am new to this. I am loving this site.
Has anyone's DS taken an 11+ exam at Whitgift or Trinity this year. We have taken both and have an interview at Whitgift.
Any tips for a first timer.

@keepingit - we were interviewed on Friday at W by one of the Senior staff (not HM) who told us that, obviously the HM has the final say, but he could see no reason why we wouldn't be offered a place. DH and I were a bit and between us engineered the chat full circle and said that it would be a long month until 16 Feb and he again said that we really had no need to worry. So whilst not actually told we're definitely in, I would be axtremely disappointed if we don't get an offer now. Obviously we haven't told DS in case it still goes horribly wrong.

Thanks to everyone re comments and chats with the HM at T - interesting. I just wish teh blooming letter would arrive so I can see what the actual situation is!!

From what was said in DS2s Whitgift interview I would be extremely surprised if he was not at least offered a place. Actually, I think they said "... and he will get offers from all the schools..." when discussing his exam results.

It is entirely possible that it was not said explicitly but yes, I would imagine it is possible to know your child has definitely got a place in certain circumstances.

I am still following this thread and reliving the stress of the whole process. I am feeling sick, elated and hopeful for you all. I know only too well how the doubts and then that creeping dread of 'maybe he will be rejected after interview' takes over your life between now and offer day. I am posting because I remember just how better I felt once I had my back up plan in place and discussed it with DS. As LadyMuck has said there are schools out there that will still consider applicants and let you know quickly about outcomes. pooziepuzzle if W doesn't come through for you have you considered Ewell Castle? They offer good sports scholarships and accept a wider range of abilities than most.

@Ladymuck & @seeline, many thanks. Just has a chat with a friend whose DS was interviewed last year by Dr B (as we were Friday). She said that those that are borderline see the Dr, which makes sense as our DS was asked a few maths questions and quizzed on a few other points. Friend said that the DS's they really really want normally see Mr B whose job is to sell W to the parents of these pupils. This makes sense as our DS will be borderline, not the best sportsman (but OK), smart but no genius.

So, if you are interviewed by MrB and Dr B, they really want you but you're borderline :o?

@all....FINALLY...We received the CALL FROM T! DS called for an interview on Sat morning. We were just about to leave for work, DH took the call, I stood with a gun ove head to ask all the right questions . No mention of a 'letter' in post !

@Soup - They haven't offered the 'chat' with the HM...do you think I should ask for it?

Any help/tips/hints would be greatly appreciated

@keepingit - I know exactly how you feel about hibernating away until 16th - but I will do that after Saturday...

Yay!

I think the HM is available for a chat if you want one. I don't think you have to book, just ask on the day. As a first time parent I do think you should talk to him though, yes.

I have a friend whose DS is being interviewed on Saturday too - he found out last week.

Woop Woop to Kravings!!!!

@soup - thanks for that - They said that the HM is available all day and we can talk to him, however, if you want to meet him then she will have to book an appointment at a later time/date. However, you are right, as 1st time parent, we should ask for the talk with the HM.

Happy Days!!!!!!

frankie/soup x x x

He's worth talking to as he is, IMO, wonderful, down to earth and cares about the school and the pupils.

kravings: Awesome! Really SO pleased you got good news after all that anxiety. Good luck to you, and EVERYONE, with interviews in the next 10 days.

@ PoozieP. so sorry to hear that your son hasn't been contacted either, especially with his sporting ability. my son is a great all rounder but football is his passion. I also feel that it is their loss, and shall be emailing them in 9yrs when he is a premiership player :-) Really inconsiderate to leave the rejection letters until the end, I was under the assumption that they would come out with the interview ones. perhaps they are keeping some options open ie if some of the boys who did well in the exam but not what they were looking for in interview???? am i just clutching :-0
@Frankies69, sorry to hear about T, but as you said, perhaps it takes the pressure off somewhat if your DS loves W, good luck for Feb!
another week of waiting then, if interviewing up to 30th Jan.
am ignoring the postman now after hounding him for 2 weeks, he clearly thinks i'm a maniac.
xx

Kravings-im so please for you!!!!Soup and LadyMuck thanks for your advice. Took DS for sports scholarship this morning-YIKES-gosh there were alot there, and booked an interview already. KeepingitTogether-im right there with you, sick and incredibly anxious! I hope this horrid feeling goes away soon! Well done all on keeping everyones spirits up, as you say DH's have no idea. My DH said he is going to ban me from the laptop!! I threatened no dinner, he soon submitted :-)

@ stress - was that at T? Does DS interview happen today or is that separate? Is your interview with HT separate too? I want this letter to tell me the details!! My DS is not sporty so no info there Hope your DS does well!!

Seeline-yes at T. Interview Wednesday not sure who with but am awaiting phone call to confirm details as i told them that i hadnt received a letter. My message will be passed to Mrs Mayer so awaiting call from her. Thanks for support-Leaving soon to pick him up :)

All, think I am gonna go off of here for a bit, just to give myself some time to get my sanity back!!.

Every time I read something different my stress levels are going up and I am getting absolutely no work done. Thanks for all your support and I wish all yours Ds's luck in their interviews and assessments. I will be back on on 17th Feb with my news hoping for good!!! You are an amazing group of people and I am looking forward to hearing from you all in due course where your Ds's get .
Take care everyone...back soon

Oh well, can't help myself...lasted all of 1 hour

Am going to try and just check in once a day wonder how long that will last

@frankies69 - I have tried not to login but there really is no one else who understands that is the trouble. It must be against the Human Rights Convention to make us wait nearly three weeks and not use modern communication like email and text. Who on earth only relies on post nowadays!! Sure a bright T or W DS could invent an iPhone App - thats an idea :)

@Asterisk -
@stresscity - yes, husbands don't understand the stress we go through, my one thinks I am a loon
@frankie - I have tried that - try not to login - but I can't see to keep away, as I feel you all the only group who understand and relate to my anxieties :)

Even now I can't keep away
to you all you are keeping me sanish .
I just wish the 17th was today and it was all over!!!

What to do with halfterm? Dare I be away when results are posted or would it all be too much?

Just spotted your good news, Kravings - yippee!!!!!!

I am working as normal half term, want to see the letter before Ds so I can be prepared if its not the news we want