Applying for selective north-london states (Latymer, DAO, HB) - your tips / advice please

[elevenfuss]

DD1 is 10 so will be applying in just over 6 months. We've done a bit of prep (about half a dozen sessions with a tutor, and a bit of verbal reasoning and story writing at home) but I suspect not nearly enough. Her maths is strong so I'm more confident about that but I"m not at all sure how she'll do on the literacy side of things. She's a good but slightly reluctant reader - I downloaded a recommended 11+ list and she's been working gradually through that but alternating with Lemony Snicket and Lois Lowry etc). She can write great stories (but the results when I've timed her are soooo variable) - and, honestly, I've no way of working out whether she's anywhere close to the right level.

Anyway, from what I hear the odds of getting a place at one of these schools are very slim. I've told her that but she still wants to apply because lots of her friends are doing the same so, she'll need to make a really concerted effort from here on in.

Pretty please can you give me your best tips on prepping for the exam. There's so much stuff online and I'm finding it hard to decide what to focus on. Exams are in September so just over 6 months to spend on this.

Also, if any of your DC have managed to get into one of these places, did they like it once they were there?!

Hi Elevenfuss,

We went through this process a few years ago with both our two. It's always worth a go, lots that your DC will learn will be beneficial regardless of the actual result so long as the learning is done without pressure. There's no sure fire outcome, so so long as you have good solid back ups, and a calm measured approach then it's worth it whatever the outcome.

My pointers for what they are worth

Be clear what structure/system type of approach the school takes - is it CEM, multiple choice in Maths, is it comprehension and story writing or persuasive writing. Look at the schools admissions information.

Look at the 11 plus forum for threads on factual specifics about the types of exam (but don't get scared by some of the posturing : some parents and tutors take a very pushy approach on the number of hours of prep needed, when it really is down to each child's aptitude and character)

Understand what your child's strengths in relation to the papers and what they find harder. Focus on the areas they find harder. Endless papers for the sake of them is very dispiriting. Use them once or twice to find out the areas of focus - and them leave them until 6 weeks before the exams.

Think about a mock exam: they do them at places at woodhouse. Helps to take away the stress of being in an exam condition for the very first time. Use the result as a learning point - not as gospel - we got quite different results in one of the mock papers from the actual result - though two of the other papers were quite representative.

Think about audio books. It's much more relaxing for a reluctant reader than having to wade through books.

Little and often prep with a light touch.

The schools you list are great - but so are lots of other local schools. Selective schools get good outcomes because they start off with an academically high attaining cohort.

Hope that helps and good luck.

farfallina thank you so much for taking the time to write such a comprehensive (and sensible!) response. Really helpful feedback. I didn’t actually know there was an 11+ forum but will find it now. Your point about a mock exam is a really good one.

Thanks again!