City vs Forest vs Belmont?

[chicagogirl]

We are in the process of applying for City Boys, Belmont/Mill Hill and Forest at 11+. The number applying for the small number of spaces is just absurd and only North Bridge house seems to be a sure thing. I know everyone takes more than one but I'm trying to ascertain how difficult it is to get into Belmont & Forest as my son really likes both. City extremely selective as far as I can see! Help!

I would not say MTS is a backup for the above mentioned academic schools - I'd say it's on a par more or less with UCS etc academically but with fewer applying so perhaps more statistical chance. I'd say MTS is viewed more as a backup for Harrow due to its location?? I may not be the best person to ask though.

Belmont MH is definitely a backup for the academic ones above. You're lucky they've abolished Saturday lessons! Brilliant campus and sports.

So what's your latest list? Aldenham & NBH as backups, Belmont in the middle and Forest & MTS for preference?

Yes sports key for my boy. I'd say he's sports obsessed and very good but not county level or anything like that.

If I'm being honest, while I adore City as a school we are only applying as 3 members of my husband's family have graduated from there. DH very keen for him to go but it's not right for him.
I personally love MTS & Belmont for the sport and academics but Belmont has so many children apply, I can't see how they even choose!
Forest is brilliant- loved but no rugby.
NBH great back-up but no sports? Anyone know about sports at NBH.
I'm a totally normal rational person and I've managed to get myself into such a tizz! I need to get a grip!
But what if he doesn't get a place anywhere?

I feel awful that I've given the impression that you need a boy genius to be offered a place at City/Highgate/ucs. Mine really isn't and nor are his new school mates. I completely shared your pessimism and v nearly didn't put in the applications as I couldn't face the rejection.

Anyway, he was offered two of the three and although he's v strong in one subject, he is also v careless.

I'd add that he developed a lot during the process. He was definitely average bright in y5 and then came on a long way.

But if you're in crouch end, are you not considering Highgate woods? The reason we only did three, pretty selective, schools is that we weren't totally sold on private in the first place.

Highgate woods is our local. Sadly of the 14 boys in my sons current class only 2 families have stayed. The rest have moved for APS. Or Fortismere. I'm not opposed to it in theory but would just like more organised sports teams onsite. This will be key to keeping my child out of trouble.

Yes so going to skip on the super-selectives and fingers crossed on MTS, Belmont, Forest! Its hard just feeling very out of control and also trying to manage my child's expectations. What do I do if he does all this prep and doesn't get a place anywhere?

glad you've chosen MTS, Belmont, Forest. I'd be tempted to add in NBH as another backup? Or You could always try your luck with one of Highgate / UCS? 3 schools doesn't seem like enough to apply to IMHO.

Ps. I don't think he won't get in to Highgate / UCS, just that so many people try that you really can't count on it by a long way.

For what it's worth, I went to Mill Hill for a rugby match recently. Lovely buildings and grounds (just amazing for still being in London) and college work staff very polite and helpful with directions, as were the pupils. Good game - no nastiness or bad behaviour so that is a good sign. Interesting displays on the corridor boards etc - OK, it coincided with the Founders Day or some such but it was a good show for that and more importantly felt good. There are some schools where the staff seem quite indifferent as to whether you can find a loo or find the sports pitches and I think it tells you a lot about the place when staff/caretakers take the time to show you or direct you. Slightly different point - also some supposed boarding schools where you won't find anyone to ask on a Saturday afternoon. Anyway, I thought that Mill Hill looked like thumbs up and the new head, Frances King, is a capable and interesting head who should do good things. Just to add that we know someone who goes to Forest and he and his parents are happy but if you want rugby (he is cricket mainly) then Mill Hill. Wouldn't worry too much over the results vs City because City have the pick from everywhere that can commute into the City (huge, obviously) and the trade off on sport is that they do mostly indoor sport or what can be done with playing fields a 30 to 40 minute drive away - this isn't a dig at City which is a great school but just different ie it is a different experience.

No rugby at Highgate, just to make your choice easier.

Thankgoditsover
Can you tell me roughly what level your boy was at the end of year 5- I'm assuming for these schools you must be a 5c or 5b going into Year 6?

I can't remember exactly, but I'm pretty certain he wasn't a 5 for writing. He stuck on a high 4 for ages and couldn't quite add enough to go higher. The knack of over writing (and it is over writing - cramming in adjectives, adverbs, metaphors etc) came v last minute (Christmas!).
Maths was different, he was just about a 5 at the end of y4.
So not a genius at all, especially in comparison to mn kids. Why not go for ucs or Highgate in addition (whichever you prefer) as I don't think 4 exams is excessive. And don't write off Highgate woods, I hear great things about it and it's a shame the families at your primary aren't putting more faith into their local school (are results so dissimilar to Fortismere?).

Chicagogirl, where did your DS end up? I am interested in these schools for DS.

@chicagogirl I'd love to know how it worked out for you too :) also info/experience on the school your DS is attending would be super helpful!