Clavinova just to a few points to note. Since the first post OP has stated that they are now looking for Grammar as first choice and “top indie” as fall back.
I posted to state that if OP is looking at Grammar with comp. fall back they don’t need a prep. If they are looking at Grammar with “top indie” fall back then prep. would be best. I do think a prep. is the best route for a “top indie”, I don’t think a prep. is needed for Grammar.
if one of the child's parents is a doctor for example, then it's probably a reasonable expectation if nearly 30% of dc in Kent pass for grammar school.
I find it hard to believe that any medical professional will predict that a 4 yr old has a 70% chance of gaining a place at a grammar. In fact I find it hard to believe that they would entertain any discussion about the likelihood of Grammar at that age, full stop.
so how I am planning too early
Because you are trying to identify a secondary school before your DC has started primary school. The phrase “all your eggs in one basket” springs to mind. I did ask you earlier about your DCs interest in Maths, English, Languages, Sports, Art, Drama, Music etc. all schools differ in terms of what they offer as an all round package. The risk you are taking now is that you move to an area only to find your can’t get your DC into the Grammar school you really want in a few years time due to catchment or logistical issues.
looked at Tonbridge school and is madly expensive £9743 per term
Do bear in mind the advised % year-on-year inflation to be factored in when planning affordability of school fees.
You may also find, due to moving at such an early stage, that the “top indie” you want is only accessible through a boarding option which will increase the fees further (which is why I asked which “top indies” you would be considering).
Taffeta my DC has done the 11 plus. I have no problem with people who choose Grammar Schools. However, I find it hard to get my head around those to blindly believe “Grammar is best”. More so when they have never even set foot in one. OP was initially looking for an area that will give access to Grammar with comp. as a fall back option. They have now changed their mind and now want a Grammar and “top indie”. They have not even looked at any of the schools that have rejected outright.
they now are scrabbling to move somewhere in catchment before the Dec deadline. The short shrift they’ve been given by others is eye watering
Can’t say I’m surprised, those scrabbling to move before the December deadline are, more often than not, the ones who don’t bother to check if it is feasible or necessary to move within catchment before putting their DC in for the test. It is only when they have a score in hand or are filling out the CAF form that it occurs to them to check. They seem quite happy making their DC do extra work for a few years to prepare for the test but they can’t quite find the 10 minutes needed to read the admissions policy. These are normally the same people who post comments like – DC scored X, what Grammar school can they get into (Whilst posting the same question on three or four different Regional boards at the same time) – Or, we live in Scotland, My DC scored X, does anyone know any private mini-bus service that can take my DC to X Grammar (they then realise they need to move PDQ) – Or, I’ve submitted my CAF, does anyone know how my DC can best travel from Scotland to Tiffin (they then realise they need to move PDQ).