Non selective independant schools?

[cottonhead]

I am new here and looking for some advice / opinions please.
My daughter is only in year 3, however although she enjoys school and is progressing OK,she is still a little below average in Maths and Literacy.

I know things can change but I am concerned about what will happen if she doesn't pass the 11+ or more importantly for us ( as its a smaller more nurturing school) the entrance exam of the independent school we are interested in. Are there such things as non selective independent schools? The upper schools around here are massive and do not have a good reputation for behavior or exam success so I really want to avoid if possible. Thanks in advance for your feedback.

where do you live? boarding or day? single sex or coed? is this for entry into year 7?

Single sex, day and yes year 7. We live in Bucks but traveling over to Oxfordshire / Herts / Berks is a possibility.

My DC goes to go to a non-selective independent. Academically, school really gets best out of and adds value to kids rather than just living off DCs who were hot housed to gain a place and will over achieve anywhere. Interestingly, results in last few years at DCs school, despite non-selective entry, are virtually equal or better than many of schools in our area that do select.

It depends what you mean by 'non selective' - in my area, the independent schools all have entrance exams, but the required standard is very different for some of them. Is your DD at a private school now? If so, your HT should be able to give you guidance in due course about what schools would suit your DD.

Bucks is not over endowed with non selective independent schools. Pipers Corner and Berkhamsted have junior departments so limited opportunities to get in at 11. You do not have to be brilliant to get into Bradfield, Queenswood, Heathfield or Stowe. Lesser options might be Wychwood or Akeley Wood. Small is not always best by the way. The best upper school (not grammar) in Bucks is probably Waddesdon but you have to be in catchment to get in. No harm in looking at websites to see where might suit.

Not sure what you mean by "average" though. Is this average in the year group or by using levels? If nearly all the year group are very clever, below average could be quite good. Or not so good if the year group are below par. If it is a prep school, talk to the Head and look at where others have gone. Schools have had similar children so can advise.