I'm a weeny bit cross that there hasn't been a SW/W London Independent schools thread this yr.

[SonorousBip]

Every blinking year there is one - and I read, and nod, and note. Sometimes they go on for months and pages. But this year, when I'm actually doing it - pah, not a sausage.

If anyone wants to do a last minute SPGS/Latymer/Godolphin/ KGS/LEH/WHS/PHS thread, please do! (disclaimer - I'm not doing all of those.). But views welcome. Because I've got several days to form my final views

I'm sorry to hear that buggybored. Yes lots of vitamins and oranges before the 11+. Hopefully they will give you constructive feedback and the exam experience I think is a good one before the 11+. Best of luck xx

This thread has become very quiet! Can I just check what the children (should) wear to interviews on a Saturday?

Also thought this thread had gone ominously quiet!
Can I throw in a curve ball and ask if anyone has opinions they can share about St Georges in Weybridge ? (Or is it too far SW so I should start a Surrey schools thread ??)

Sorry afrodizziac I've no idea of what's 'right'. DD has worn smart casual on Saturdays, but uniform on weekdays. I have seen lots of uniforms on Saturday tho'.

Yes very quiet...everyone hunkering down as results loom.

I am thinking of taking a spare set of clothes for a quick change once I've surveyed the scene!

I would go "smart casual"
But bet most prep kids will be in uniform
Saying that for the interviews yesterday some prep kids were there in pe kit, dirty trainers and then blazer over the top

Re St George's I don't know but I think you are in the right place as many from our primary did at George's alongside KGS etc

papalazaru it depends where you live, there is a bus from Fullwell so you do get pupils going there from as far as Twickenham. However most of the pupils will be from Weybridge /Walton, so if not local there will be a need to programme those postcodes into the sat nav for the next few years.......

I know quite a few who have gone through there and been really happy and done well, including Oxbridge. It has definitely improved academically. It's Catholic ethos is not in your face and inclusive, it is not at all like some of the Catholic state schools. It seems to translate into a caring pastoral system with the religious aspect there for those who want it. And the campus is lovely. My DD sat for it, and it was another option I felt we would feel very safe if it ended up the only one.

Hunkered down, also our focus area is slightly different to thread being more West, though remain interested in everyone's journey, where ever we are, DDs or DSs!

Awaiting on one more for interview/rejection with a busy week next, one rejection, 2 through to interview so far. Hate this but counting down the days until 13 Feb...

Blimey definitely own clothes for interviews on a weekend. My understanding is that some schools tell/suggest children wear uniform for exams as it makes them feel more "normal" (which is debateable but an understandable statement). But I've not heard anyone say their school suggests it for weekend interviews as well. Presumably people just do it as they are not sure what others will be doing and somehow default to the most conservative approach. Dunno. For weekend interviews Dd will be wearing the more acceptable (to me) end of her weekend attire - I said the sort of thing she would wear if we were going to visit her grandparents, rather than her preferred full-on River Island finest.

This waiting part is worse than the exams themselves!

Re what to wear- easier said than done when you have boys that think smart means and shorts that are fairly clean and any t shirt that they haven't spilled food down. DS had to wear chinos for cricket festival dinners last year and we had to go out and buy some but they haven't seen the light of day since.

Question - for sports scholarship assessment would you wear random sports gear or your County tracksuit etc?

Ah, but boys don't think that looking like Rihanna is a good look for an interview...

Ibstock on Saturday - the letter says 'normal school attire'. But that's an exam, not an interview.

Haha Sonorous, dunno about that, it was great people watching outside LU's school gates. Quirky should cover me well

Hadn't thought about interview clothes. Ours is tomorrow was thinking school uniform as all his other clothes are scraggy jeans and tracksuits and I wouldn't go to an interview like that ? . Could buy some smart stuff but will be once only wear. She said he could 'wear what he liked' . At home that's spongebob pants only and then wrapping himself in a blanket. Tempting....

Waiting - I wouldn't wear the County tracksuit - just school sports kit or any old trackies/tshirt (and warm coat at the moment!). They will know from your application form the level DC play at - and it can send out the wrong msg to certain sports teachers as they like to judge for themselves.... Good luck with it!!!

Thanks poisonwood and Amidai. We're really chuffed that DD just got offered a place at St G's but it's not top of her list and the commute will be longer (though nowhere near as long as some are willing to do). So I am grateful for any opinions about the school. I do understand the academics are on the up but that's not everything to consider is it......?

Sure havinganightmare, yes you are right. Just asked DS and he immediately said that would be boasting and he should wear something else!

Hi I know a bit about St George's and it isn't for everyone. Friends there love it but others hate it... Bit like marmite! HM can be a bit pompous and they have had some issues in the past with drugs and even a case of sex in the fields among pupils (!), but was dealt with swiftly. Pastoral care not great, but for those who love sport and love learning it can be a fantastic school. It is also trying very hard to improve on the academics front, so doesn't welcome coasters. We decided it wasn't for us as just didn't warm to it but as I say I have good friends with lovely children who adore the school and all its sporting facilities.

Papalazaru I will PM you.

KGS interview this morning and music scholarship audition on Monday! Good luck DD and all other DC on this home stretch of the 11+ process... It will all soon be a distant memory!

Good luck to all those at KGS interview day, and any others?

Did I read up thread that surbiton letters were due today? To stop me sitting waiting for my very random post, let me know if anyone gets one (or not!)

For future reference, if you need an emergency ruler at 8.10am on Putney High Street, the lovely lady in WH Smiths will open up JUST FOR YOU, let your DD choose one AND give her a hug for good luck!

Thank you, Fran!

That is lovely, just what you need on a stressful morning. We'll done WHS and Fran!

Right ladies surbiton has arrived. As I predicted not good news for us. Waiting list.

What am I going to do? How could it all have gone so wrong? Surbiton is supposed to be the easiest so we haven't got a snowballs chance of anything else.

I just want to cry.