Alumni & independent school selection

[chicagogirl]

How do competitive schools view alumni connections? In particular City of London boys and Highgate? Some of our family attended these schools and just wondered how it will affect our child's chances. Any of you had any experience in this area. Many thanks!

I don't know those schools well.

In general, it's becoming less of a factor as schools become more selective. So no matter how well-connected to the school, the prospective pupil will need to pass the exam to the required level and interview well.

I do think it's likely to help if the school considers borderline candidates in the round.

But for the ferociously academic selective (eg those who have no sibling policy), it won't count a jot.

That's exactly what I was thinking! He needs to get in on his own merits! Best that way as far as I can see as it will be disappointing for him otherwise.

We were once told by the man in charge of admissions for a very famous and very over subscribed boys boarding school that if they were deciding between two boys and everything else is equal then if your father was an alumni then it would sway their decision.

Right ok. That makes sense. So it's just one of many factors. It's right that IT shouldn't sway admissions as it makes it unfair.