private boys secondary anywhere around london 10+

[innercity]

I would appreciate any advice (and schools' names) on which schools to sit at 10+ (DS currently 9 in Year 4).

Some background story: he is in a "good" state primary, which doesn't provide any rigorous teaching. I work with him myself quite a lot. DS is bright, above average, as they say, but I have no means of knowing how above and what kind of school he has a realistic chance of entering.

I am a single mother on a good salary, so wouldn't qualify for bursary but will be v.difficult to pay the full fee (especially if it is high). I currently rent so can move pretty much anywhere affordable. I was thinking of sitting him for Whitgift and Trinity (Croydon) - I very much like CLSB (difficult exams). As I am foreign, I really don't want a 'traditional' school. I like CLSB because it has such an international air. Trinity is like this too, and I like Whitgift much less (a bit too pompous?).

Also, Trinity and CLSB are both on a cheaper side than lots of schools in North London. Also, you can still find cheaper places to live in South London, whereas if he goes somewhere in the North London, I would imagine his peers would be coming from large expensive houses (i.e. Hampstead) and I don't want him to feel too poor (as I'll only be able to afford to rent a tiny flat there).

Could we brainstorm for schools / places to move to in my position? I take a train to work from Euston; so maybe even around Milton Keynes or Watford?? Though I like living in a big city, really.

Sorry for baring all my psyche and huge thank you for everyone who says something to say. I've spent so much time thinking about this that I suspect I am now going around the same circle and am unable to see new things anymore.

Consider UCS. You don't need to live in a huge expensive house. You can live in a nice apartment one stop up the Northern in Golders Green. Your DS can hop on the 82 or the 13 in the morning and it takes no more than 20mins. It's a nice international feel also. Good luck!

What about Hampton or Colet Court - both have a 10+ entrance exam ?

My Ds joined Trinity at 10+. It was great for him. However, I would disagree OP - I think it is quite a traditional school (although has great modern facilities etc). I certainly wouldn't call it international either. I would say it was very 'normal', and I know what you mean about Whitgift being pompous

The main entrance points for Dulwich College are 11+ and 13+ but they might have an ad hoc place at 10+. Whitgift has 10+, and if you'd consider co-ed, so does Emanuel.

I agree about the pompous feel at Whitgift! However it does seem more international. Trinity is is cheaper than Whitgift and seem to consider allow for the fact not everyone can afford everything. eg they say they publish list of trips well in advance so you can better budget and they encourage fund raising.

Thanks everyone! I do like UCS; thanks for pointing out about Golders Green! ANd for other suggestions, too

Just to clarify the Colet Court 10+ is actually 11+ deferred. It is taken in year 5 for a year 7 place. You don't get to start in year 6 (like CLBS or others). On top of that the fees rise sharply from 13+ once at St Paul's.