Is it too early to start a 2016 girls 11+ W/SW London thread?

[orangina]

What do we think? DD is sitting 11+ for various consortium schools in January 2016 and I am slightly desperate for a thread to compare notes, pat each others shoulders etc..... I lurked on last years thread, but it didn't start until much later....

Just booking up open day places and filling in my registration forms now.....

nooooo don't go!

No. Don't go Newt. All views are welcome neve if we don't like the sound of them or disagree

Iheartmarmite replies have to be in to SHS by 3 March. I do think lots of people enter for Surbiton as a back up for the likes of LEH, PHS and WHS and so many will take up offers for these and the waiting list will move. Best of luck anyway. It's torture having to wait even longer.

Thank you Ashers40. I'm hoping that those with multiple offers will start to decline their lower choices in February, so that the lists can move quicker, if they're going to.

ealingwestmum - we applied for a music scholarship for Latymer Upper and have heard nothing. I wonder does this mean a "no" for us then? Are you going by dates or days? Last year did they post on a Friday and it arrived Saturday for music audition? Do l sound neurotic? I tend to open envelopes these days with the calmness of a child opening presents on Christmas morning. Anyone else heard about music auditions from Latymer? oh the agony.

Crazy, 465 are interviewing at FHS Sloane Square. I don't know what the intake is.

Did anyone else's DC sit Ibstock today?

DD came out looking exhausted. She managed to finish it, but has no idea how it went.

In the afternoon she apparently did a 'really awesome chemistry lesson'

Intake at FHS is 40 with some coming from prep.

Why does FHS interview 465? For 40 spots? The numbers are insane.

FHS like quite a few of the girls schools interview everyone and the numbers are so mad that I just can't imagine getting an offer. I'm sure that it's the same group of kids who get offered by all but who can only accept 1.. Seems so mad the whole thing...

Hi good luck to all. This is my third time at it and it's still a nightmare!

Anyone out there applying for Radnor House, Twickenham this year?

The numbers I'm hearing are insane 1200/1300 for Latymer, 900 for Godolphin, 500+ for Putney. Feels like buying lottery tickets.

Shirley
The numbers are misleading. What is happening is that parents are perceiving intense competition and applying for more schools. I know i did- DD1 registered for 4, now with DD2 registered for 5. All the schools have to over offer. But CLSG was caught out last year so have a bulge class in the current y7.
Some children will get multiple offers-but they can only take one school.
We were told by CLSG in the open day to apply for either Godolphin or City but not both - sensible advice.

NowIknow - I'm going on more the more the days last year - someone had heard today, that they hadn't got a music audition, but was getting an interview letter later the following week. We (my DD) was devastated to not have news on either, based on this and assumed the worst. Then at 6pm on Monday we got an audition email for the Thurs of that week, and on weds we got the interview letter for the saturday of that weekend (30th for those of you with LU on list).

I know it may not help, but, I did end up ringing on Monday with a 'I guess no news on music is now bad news' but please can you put me out my misery where I was given a really cheery response of not at all, and that notification was due out next 24 hours for music.

I know you have to 'hold' days, 3 in your case but keep doing so until you hear definitively, as there is no option to move the audition time if you get one...I really hope you do!

sorry for poor english, not reading through properly

Everyone remembers to inform schools of a change of address, but we got caught out last year when we had to change our telephone number (changed supplier, couldn't keep the old number) just before Xmas and didn't think to inform the schools. Luckily they got hold of us by email.

Once the offers are out, waiting list and arrangements for scholarship interviews will often be made over the phone, so make sure all your contact details are up to date for all the schools.

Thank you ealingwestmun - there is hope yet then. Did you have any more observations on Latymer re music or generally? How was the audition?

They make the children feel really comfortable and at ease, but in a young adult way. This is the same as the interview day too...probing but really enjoyable was our feedback from DD, who loved it.

Have pm'd you NowIknow

NowIknow

I have 2 at LU (not music scholarships though). Happy to impart any info!

Thank you houseofmuppets. If we get good news next week l'll have lots of questions.

Another one at LU.
re interviews, don't panic. It was well organised and the staff were friendly and helpful (in the Latymer style, which means no need to hold your hand, which I really like).
Please note that DS got three questions asked of a general nature and got one wrong (a kind of riddle). So they don't expect perfect answers! I think his reaction was the right one though. He immediately realised what had gone wrong in his thinking, bounced happily back (didn't sink or get teary eyes) and laughed the whole thing off.

Another one at LU here as well! Happy to answer any questions for those who get interviews. choselatymer is absolutely right about not holding their hands and that is very much the style of the school - staff are there to help and are very happy to do so but they do expect children who join the school to take responsibility for themselves eg making sure they have the right books with them each day, emailing teachers themselves if they have any queries about homework etc. I was quite surprised that their mobile phone policy is pretty relaxed - students allowed to use them at break and lunchtime - but this is all part of the same approach and actually I think it's the right one - they need to learn to manage devices/social media etc

I am another happy LU parent! Both posts above spot on. I have been amazed and so impressed by the way the teachers interact with the students. DS in in Y7 and emails his teachers regularly - always a speedy response and all the exchanges are very polite and professional. It is a nurturing school on one level but definitely suited to a more independent self starter IMO.

To the LU parents & others with DC already at secondary independent schools: Isn't that the case at all such schools? I remember being quite amazed that responses came swiftly from form tutors etc when we joined from state primary, though I expected homework to be marked very promptly. But chatting with other friends, both speed & ease of communication for parents & DC plus the use of mobiles only during breaks & lunch seemed to be the case in all the local indys.

No Tumfy not in my experience - I have another DS elsewhere and it is a very different for him but can only go on this and what I hear from friends with DCs in different SW London schools.