Hearing Westminster-Under super pressured these days - true?

[Notalwaysabowlofcherries]

Approaching the 11+ dilemma with our Y5 boy and wondered if anyone could shed some light on this issue for me. DS is a v. clever boy, but quite anxious/sensitive so needs somewhere academic AND with good pastoral. Have been hearing tales of v. able boys being taken out of W Under because the pressure was too much and they'd become little shadows of their former selves. Hearing that Colet Ct has got rid of their 13+ internal exams so actually less pressured environment than W Under. Does anyone have any experience of either from the inside? DH went to Colet/St Pauls and admits it was quite a narrow, hot house educational experience (turned out ok for him, but may not suit DS). My impression has always been that Westminster suits quirkier kids, but that may be wrong/out of date. Big thanks for anyone who can shed some light.

I'm interested in this to - but can't help shed light. DS is doing the 11+ next week. I'd describe him as quirky (as well as bright, natch) - and we certainly got the impression that some of the teachers were quirky - so thought that might be a nice fit.

From my look around, I do think there is probably too much pressure than I'd probably want for my DS (saturday classes in French and Latin starting straight away in March to get ready for september!). But as I say, happy to hear from current parents.

I would not worry. My son did not go through the Under School but most of his friends did, including some bright interesting boys who joined at 11+ from state Primaries and who are in the process of turning into ...bright interesting young men.

I would say leave it to the school. Westminster is fantastic for the slightly quirky boy who really enjoys education. They are very used to a type who in many other schools might be perceived as nerdy or odd.

As you will have noted from the numbers applying, pressure to get into London's tops schools is increasing. Put simply, your child needs to be prepared sufficiently that they can show on the day what they are capable of. However if that preparation turns into pressure, your child might just squeeze in but runs the risk of remaining under that pressure all the way though, which would be a pretty miserable childhood. The school has good experience of selecting boys, so your sons are offered a place without over manic tutoring then be confident they should thrive. I understand that it is extremely rare for a 11+ entrant to have problems with CE.

The Saturday morning school reflects the Westminster sees itself as a boarding school. So all the way through there are two afternoons a week devoted to sports, and then time for lots of other activity especially music. Our son has been genuinely enjoyed his education, and our perception based on his experience and that of his friends, is that Westminster is a very happy school.

That's interesting, Needmoresleep. I think the point you make about avoiding crazy tutoring and just seeing if your child is up to it without that - is a good one. No point scraping in and then constantly struggling. Many people I trust and who work in education field have said that it is far better to be one of the brighter children in a school - so if that means going for one that is not right at the top of the league tables that is FINE. Ultimately, they may well do better in that environment if they are more confident. But clearly, WU et al fine if one's child is bright enough. Think we will go for it, but not do extra prep. DS is at a good school and should be prepared sufficiently as it is (she says - hoping to keep her nerve as the time gets closer and all the other parents are tutoring on the QT)….

My son went through 11+ WUS route a couple of years ago and now in the Great School. He was also very bright but sensitive and quite quirky. We didn't go the Colet Court route for this reason. It wasn't pressurised at all from school, although the boys do want to do well and put pressure on themselves. Pastoral care was outstanding and very personal. I have experienced several London schools and it reflected most favourably. It was altogether a fantastic experience. Are you sure the boys who left were 11+ boys? Some 7+/8+ boys don't make it through to Westminster School and may make a sideways move at 11+ if this is likely. I have never heard of an 11+ boy who hasn't gone on to Westminster (or Eton) and infact many do really well and take the scholarships. If he is accepted then I wouldn't worry that he will struggle academically.

Also wondered what the latest view on the Head of W Under was these days? Know views were 'mixed' when she first arrived.

11+ at WUS is very competitive and the boys who get in through that route are most unlikely to find themselves struggling with the work for the remainder of their time at the Under-school. The few who drop out tend to be from the earlier entry points. If they get in at 11+ they will pass at CE unless something really major changes. The Saturday classes are one term to make sure the new intake are up to speed in French and Latin as some will not have studied them much (or at all) before. WUS does not otherwise have Saturday school although Westminster does.

My son is in the middle section of the school and I don't think it is at all pressured. They have just been going through the Westminster and Eton (where relevant) pre-selection process and it has been almost worryingly laid back. It is a small school with, in my view, very personal and kind pastoral care and from what I have heard from friends the "gentlest" of the big London prep schools by some margin.
The Saturday school for 11+ boys is tedious but doesn't last long, and is necessary as so many primaries don't do Latin and French to the same levels. Your son has to be willing to commit to this and get it caught up, if he isn't there already, but once in the school I don't think it is more pressured than any other year 7/8, and you are sorted for the next move, unless something very unusual happens.

And Colet Court haven't got rid of their 13+ exams. They have just dropped common entrance for some subjects and instead writen their own, which they claim are rather harder. If your boy is sensitive and you hesitating about WUS you definitely don't want Colet, for all its manifold strengths.

OP I'll be there today too :-) Good luck

That's really interesting about Colet Ct, Michaelahpurple. Clearly I'd been misinformed. And also good to hear a clear opinion (which supports my gut feel) that Colet/St P would be too stressful an environment for DS. Also relieved to hear what you say about your experience of W. I think a smaller school would suit DS better and pastoral care key so your experience in that regard is encouraging too. Can live with Sat school, which DS would definitely need. Really appreciate this input - many thanks. Feel more confident about giving it a shot.

Yikes. Just dropped off DS for 11+ at WUS. There were SO many boys there (and they had two drop-offs). I'd estimate over 100 and perhaps 150 at 10am drop off, and same number at 9am. 200-300 in total all for 20 places. I know its competitive, but still. Yikes, as I say.

Anyone else?

And indeed: Latin in any primary, these days? I doubt it. DS doesn't even do a MFL (except a term or two of spanish a few years ago) in his! ...

Good luck Justanother! I'm at home with one who thinks WUS 11+ is great as he gets a day off school...

We're now home from the exam. My son reports math was surprisingly easy, English comprehension was v difficult, verbal reasoning was straightforward.

My DS reported: Maths hard (didn't finish), English ok, Reasoning standard (like the GL papers state schools use) almost finished but not quite. Ah well. At least the wait is short on this one.

Yes someone has a grim night ahead!

Two grim nights, no? Post letter tomorrow - arrive Thursday! Or did I misunderstand? WUS your first choice?

^ or even post tomorrow, arrive Wednesday.

They post tomorrow!! No WUS is aspirational. How about you?

It's really nice to have a happy stress free house again!

I'd like to think he's in with a chance (:-), but its not our first choice given the fact he'd then have to do CE in 13+. It was one of our back-ups! But in reality aspirational and doesn't sound too hopeful after today. Luckily had some interviews and good vibes already from others (esp Dulwich).

It's fierce there, UserName! I've heard great things from a lot of parents about Dulwich this year.

Hi Crowler - your post arrived yet?

No!!!! Yours?

Not until 2pm.... grrr.... but still can't keep off this site.

Maddeningly, ours is due/overdue.