2012 entrance exams for 11+ entry

[StressedSian]

My dd is sitting entrance exams for 4 independent schools over the next 2 weeks with some possibility of missing further days of school if she is called forward to any interviews after the exams. She also sat an exam for a local comprehensive which offers 65 places based on an entrance exam back in November. I wish all these senior schools could agree on a common 11+ system and enable children to sit one set of papers nationally rather than have different syllabi and many days away from school. I guess I am asking for the old 11+ back.
Now waiting for the results through to March.....stressful and tiring. Cannot make many financial decisions until we know the outcome.

That's 65 of 220 places in a year. I don't understand how it can be truly comprehensive with a selective intake for 65 children....

Thinking that you might be in SWLondon StressedSian....And think I know which comprehensive you are talking about

Yes, it is stressful but I think you will never get the private and state sectors to work in tandem and it seems as if the standards/subjects covered are so varied that it would virtually be impossible to have a synchronised system that would suit all.

There are a couple of girls in DS's class who started doing grammar school exams in September and have done probably 4 state selectives in the Autumn Term and are doing yet more - private school exams - in January too!That is cruel in my opinion but not sure if that's down to the schools or the parents....We thought it was bad enough putting DS through 5 selective school exams twixt mid September and late November!

But do agree that it is stressful and tiring....But we have known that DS passed two of the 11+ exams since early October and there's absolutely no guarantee that he will get a place at a grammar school...

At least it's under seven weeks to wait now methinks...By the way come and join us on the 1st March National Offers day thread!

Thanks gazzalw. We are in Hertfordshire and the comp is Dame Alice Owen. As of Friday 20th my dd finished all the written papers and now we need to see if any interviews are forthcoming. I just feel worn out with it all and am so aware that she may get nothing despite all the hard work put in and my mantra of "hard work always pays"! Anyway- I appreciate your friendly message of support. Yes I will look for you on the 1st March thread!

Well at least all the written papers are out of the way now - good luck with interviews.....When are you likely to hear? Is it mid Feb for the indies and of course 1st March for the others.....

Know what you are saying though - as DS has done five selective exams and there is the same prospect possibly looming over us too....

It sounds though as if you can't even take a chill-pill yet if your DD has interviews to do.....???