Selective Girls' Schools 11+-Did you have a good experience?

[horsemadmom]

Just got back from dispensing 'tea and sympathy' at DD's school 11+ interviews. I heard some real horror stories from parents about the experience at other schools. How did you find it?
Obviously it is a really stressful time but, what made the process less hideous for you?

I won't say which school DD goes to. Just really curious.

i told my DD it really didn't matter. And I meant it.

Her school and I had prepped her very well, which I htink really boosts confidence if nothing else.

Another nice touch at one of the schools was a little pamphlet put together by the year eight girls saying 'I knwo you're nervous, I was too.' 'Don't worry and try not to panic.'

I thought that was very sweet.

Did the pamphlet come with the invitation to the interview or was it in the room at the interview?

my DD has had 3 interviews over the last week for London indys. I have to say that they were all fantastic and really attempted to calm the girls.
One school interviewed all the girls from ours school together and this seemed to make them relax and have 'fun' with their friends before and after the interviews. Very friendly and lots of lovely biscuits for both girls and mums at each interview.
One was for the whole morning which my DD loved but her other friends didn't.. quite a good way of seeing if the school is the one for you!

I do think that having all the girls from the same school together helps. It doesn't do the parents any harm either. I sometimes think that they look more freaked than the girls!

horse I think it was handed to the girls as they arrived.

DD said it meant a lot.

And Mums were kept well away. We dropped at the door so no hysterics.