Question about Common Entrance Exam at age 13

[Bimla2013]

Hi

This is my first post, my son (year 6, age 11 currently) has been offered a place at RGS in Guildford, we are really pleased as this was our first choice school.

We were encouraged by his current school to go for a place to start at age 13, rather than starting this year.

The offer letter from RGS says that it is 'conditional on there being no significant deterioration in his performance when he takes the common entrance exam in 2018.'

I am keen to know a bit more about how this stage of the process works, is it just a routine assessment, or is it a case of fail and you can't have the place? I suppose I am trying to work out the chances of him falling at the last hurdle.

Can anyone shed any light? If we go with RGS it will mean turning down other offers for schools he could start this year, but I don't want to run the risk of it falling through if he somehow messes up the common entrance exams in 2018.

If anyone has any experience of the process I would be keen to hear more!

Thanks

We didn't go through that process as DSs moved schools at 11+. However as far as I know the CE exams will have a certain pass rate which is set by the relevant school. For RGS I would guesstimate this to be 70 or 75% - a level which someone who has gained a place at the school should easily accomplish. Other lesser academic schools will have a pass level of 50-55% for example.

So there should be no problem for you. I would speak to current Head to gain reassurance as to how the system works.

Our son did this. Your prep school should be able to guide you. It's very very unusual to fail CE. Boys just need to continue working at the level they've shown they can achieve.

Rest assured no school is trying to trip a boy up in the Common Entrance exam. RGS will mark it btw........

If your DS continues to work well, and produces good mock results (and mock mock results if his school does them), then he could afford to get 10% in the real exams if he suddenly felt rubbish/broke his right arm/was upset his cat died etc. His current school would be able to provide evidence to suggest that his sub par performance was not indicative of where he is at....

If however his work deteriorates over the next 2 years and his school doesn't inform RGS that he might not make the grade at CE, he would be given no leniency in CE. And his current school's reputation as a feeder to RGS would be impaired too.

I mark CE papers in similar school and can assure you it is very very uncommon for someone holding a conditional place not to offered a place. They were good enough at 11 and still are. It's a thorough way of checking they have been gainfully employed for the intervening two years. Enjoy the fact your son will be going to an excellent school

Phew OMA! We have to choose between offers (and sit ce at13).

Op - speak to your current school and make sure they know your situation. Check with the new school what their pass rate is. Iseb have books and papers to practice.

Keep up the good work (and let the little guy have fun too - he's done the hard work but theres more to come!)