SW/W London Independent Schools thread part two

[Chillaxalready]

There. I've done it and started one.
1001 messages and counting!

See you there empty!

wheresthebeach heard from a parent who attended the offer-holders look-around, citing the headmaster's talk then. I don't think he was saying they knew for sure that early on that they won't be going to the waiting list, more that the level of turned down offers at that stage was still on the low side. It was a week ago.

Emanuel closing date is today, so if on top of their offer admin, I guess they'll go to their WL (if they need to) tomorrow.

I have heard of schools not using their WL in previous years, but it's not that common as they are all experienced in the numbers games. It probably doesn't help this year that PHS alternates two difference entrance numbers and this year it's the lower one.

To those of you who have to go through it again, I would honestly say it's easier second time around. You have some benchmarking or frame of reference, both for where you think your child will get in, you have a realistic view of what you want from a secondary school (this in particular really helped us) and you know where works for you travel-wise in light of your existing commitments.

My own view having done both is that it is also significantly easier with a girl than a boy. The other thing I have learned is for most schools, and I may be being cynical and/or this is blindingly obvious, the absolute key is the exam. I don't think the extra-curricular stuff your child does gives any extra weight at all. I'm also slightly dubious about the interview - my empirical evidence from both DC's and their mates is that the ones who are bright even if a bit, erm, socially awkward, did better.

Agree with you SonorousBip, it's sadly down to the exam only now so get practising those past papers future 11+ parents! It's probably true 're the girl/boy thing, as long as you enter your daughter for multiple schools you should be fine but, I do think they expect much more of girls than boys aged 10/11.

definitely agree re the exam being the key. far more than i had thought. i thought these schools all wanted county sport, grade 3 instrument etc but it doesn't seem to sway them and wouldn't be enough for scholarships!

a few years ago i was panicking and ensured dd did squad swimming, drama, musical instrument etc..
it probably helped in the interview (hers were all 1:1) as she had things to talk about, but the level REALLY wasn't important (she hasn't yet done grade 1 in her instrument, the drama is saturday morning opposite of stagecoach type affair!)

chocfinger, what swayed you?

Girls vs boys in SW London there are more spaces for girls BUT you are competing directly with the prep girls.
At least for boys the most academic preps go on to 13+ entry so you're not competing with as many of those very well prepped boys at 11 out of the state system.

I agree - much easier second time round, and both of mine were girls. It's so helpful having some idea what you're up against, although it does sound like this year has been a particularly stressful one.

Where have you gone for SonorousBip?

Is anyone else on this thread (and lurkers) going to Surbiton? I am considering wearing something quite identifiable on the open day which is 23 June

How about this?

Thanks Another... Sound unlikely for us then...

I agree about exam. We too thought extra curricular would be really important esp for Emanuel.

Now wishing we'd done more practice papers as WL is so close, yet so far...

Waiting any chance of a blue version?

Waitingandhoping love it!

I think it would ruin my hairdo though tosses mane

So perhaps I might go for a leopard print scarf instead.....

Given the MI6 thread, perhaps it should be beige trench coat and black trilby, copy of the FT and a blue carnation in the lapel?

Hope everyone's DCs are happy at their new schools!

choc still in a real quandry and trying to justify what WHS would offer that is £16000 a year (plus inflation!) better value than our unexpected offer. Her test results were also really decent (makes me wonder what would have happened if she had had some tutoring or done any practise!).

Newt, normally any excuse for shopping will send me into a frenzy, but given that I'm about to be adding a shedload more to my household expenses, perhaps I shall lay off the Burberry! Damn, I've always wanted one....

But a tasteful scarf is surely not going to be too much?

Small MN embroidered in the corner?

I can do one with an LV in the corner!

Empytcoffeepot-I am not stalking you but I am in a similar position in that I have both KGS and Tiffin.You have explained the differences bw schools but why have you plumped for KGS?
Your thoughts are much appreciated.

My baby got an offer from KGS just before the deadline of our second choice school yeaterday! Thank you mums, we followed the advice given and showed our interest in the school and it paid off! See you at KGS xxx

Well done Twickers! I hope you and choc will also be wearring a leopard print scarf or trench coat on day one!!!

Thank you Dark! We are thrilled, it has been an experience and unfortunately one we will have to endure again next year as DC2 is in Y5, but I agree with previous comments that it will be easier 2nd time :)
I think I may need to almost over prepare DC2 for the exams as I’m sure the process is not going to any easier.

Will start shopping for Day 1 outfit :)

Well done Twicker! That's fab.

Yes Dark...we need scarf's!

yay Twickersm0m fab news. see you at KGS! (am amidaiwish by the way i name changed and now can't seem to change back!)

Nice to hear all the good news! KGS is lucky to have you all. Just popped back to see how it was all going and to echo the fact that second time is much easier. We were lucky enough to have a gap so could do 10+ for year 5 DS. And relax....

I have learned that 10+ is useful, looking at VR useful, writing a few stories useful. Sport , instrument, prep school reference , tuition all much less so IMHO.basedon DS2, bless him Honestly. Whatever anyone tells you.

P.S thank you to the mumsnetter (I'm sure it was one ) who gave positive feedback about DS1 giving them a KGS tour. Nice thing todo, made me wish I had done the same

Congratulations to everyone who has got the school of their choice. I have been a daily lurker on this thread over the past month or so and found it really helpful, especially the recent comments re the importance of the tests versus extra-curricular.

I was wondering if any of those who are now done with the process could PM me with any recommendations re a good tutor in the Twickenham/Richmond area. DD is a year away from this and I am beginning to realise she needs a tutor. She's reasonably bright and has excellent extra-curricular but she really needs some help with test prep, which I don't feel well enough equipped to do myself. Thanks for any suggestions.

Thanks Tedd, look forward to seeing you and the others on the April 27th. Do I need my leopard print scarf for that night or should I save that until Sept?