Moving a Child in Year 7

[Nickmom]

Last year my dd took the 11+ and was accepted at a number of good independent schools. We chose the one closest to us with a good academic reputation. While my dd is happy, it is clear that she is not being challenged. She is very keen on academics. Many teachers are just sending her off to "work on her own" while they teach the other girls. I am beginning to think this schools reputation had more to do with being "difficult to get into" because there are lots of pretty wealthy girls than with strong teaching. Is moving my daughter (and trying to get an occasional place at a more academic independant) ridiculous??

Recently a place opened up in DS's Year 7 class (parent got posted back to home country). The place was allocated to a boy who was on the waiting list.

In your case, you turned down the offer of a place at your other choices so I'm guessing that any freed up places will go to those on the list but there is no harm in calling up those schools and discussing your options.

Hi, DD started a reasonably academic all girls school year 7 last September. WE haven't been that happy with the school and the ethos that it wasn't 'cool' to work hard and not a lot of value added activities e.g. good sports, drama etc. We have also had a rethink about co-ed. Therefore a few weeks ago we called round some schools and asked if there were any spaces. Most were positive about registering in case a space came up although some were more keen for us to wait another year for year 9 entry. However we found one school which had just had a space come up for Sept year 8 entry. We looked round just after half term, DD sat 3 hours of exams, had interview with Head and now has a space to move in September. I think it is so worth making those calls. Hope you have some success.

I agree with remum.

This is a good time to start phoning round as parents will need to hand in notice about now if they are removing DC at the end of the school year.

It is easier if there are a few schools you might be willing to consider, as places do come up, but you cant be sure where.

If you were offered a place at 11+ it is worth mentioning as I understand this can help.

You might ask what sort of test might be required, especially if you are considering a more to a more academic school, as it might be worth ensuring your child is up to speed, especially in maths.

More places are likely to come up at 13+ when some exit to boarding.

Thanks for the responses. Re. I think my dd is dealing with the same issues. Not cool to be so interested/excited @ school. Personally, I am thrilled that she is and want to encourage it!! I see that issue at a lot of girls schools.

In our area, the only school we would move to placed her on the waiting list last year. In the end, we did not pursue it as her heart was so broken we felt we needed to move on. I seriously regret that decision. I think we will start calling Monday to see what the situation is.

Need more....luckily maths is her best subject. She made a clean sweep o all the maths awards at her prep school. She finds algebra "fun."

Thanks again for the comments.