Ds doesn’t seem prepared for 11+

[mummy2aPrince09]

Hi everyone, I’ve been reading loads of posts but this is my first ever time posting!

My ds is sitting exams in January and in practice exams he doesn’t seem to get more than 60-70% and I’m getting super worried.

We have applied to Hampton, upper Latymer, Highgate, merchant Taylors and Habs.
Back up schools are reeds school and last choice Epsom but don’t really want ds in school 6 day’s.

What my worry is that with all the competition his scores aren’t enough to get him through, especially his English.

He was in a state school until last November and only joined in prep last year in year 5, he’s in the middle sets in maths and bottom in English.

I have weekly tutor but progress is so slow and time is running out.
The school says he’s really bright but needed that extra attention and the curriculum was different in state school so he needs time to catch up, but the issue is we don’t have that much time to get him to the 90% mark.

My question is that is it still possible to get in with 70%?
If he doesn’t get through do we get a chance of being on a waiting list? He is working hard but is also an Xbox addict which distracts him. Please advice me as I’m having sleepless nights and super worried!

X posted, sorry.

Did you apply for state where you now live?

Honestly your son sounds like such a sweetheart that you need to take a deep breath and take it easier on yourself and him.

If he's so bright that he recently passed tye prep school entrance exam and the head recommended he applied to all those academic schools then he's done really well. My daughter has been at a prep school since reception (now year 5) and her head recommended we tried some less academic schools than Habs and Highgate for her so you should be very proud of your son. As for the recent move to prep, you did what you thought was best for your son, so don't kick yourself.

Anyway, plenty of kids fail to get into grammars nut pass the super- selective independent tests as less kids sit them. But just in case as a backup (and since you are pretty flexible) can you not try to move closer to a great comprehensive like Fortismere?

@mummy2aPrince09 , it sounds like Reeds might be a good bet because if it's assistance programme, have you spoken to the admissions team at length? Also the new style exam this year will be new to everyone so an equal playing field. He can also get there on the train & walk from the station & you could either live in Surrey or at a point on the train line out of London.
If he is bright Epsom sounds like a possible, you must have registered by now, the lower school looks very nurturing & home like,
I would hesitate at Hampton, most of the intake at 11 is from the state sector or preps that stop at 11 but it's not a school for the faint hearted, it's very full on from day 1 - they select ds who thrive in that environment & I feel their open day reflects this.
PM me if you want more info on these 3 schools.

It's not impossible to do a state application for secondary. He'd count as a late application, but post March 31st he'll be in the mix and there are huge amounts of movement for secondary schools. One of mine went from getting offered 5th choice, then 4th, then 2nd and finally our completely-aspirational-never-get-a-place first choice.

@XelaM thank you, he is a sweetheart, opens doors for me, helps me in the car, Carries my bags for me when we go out, etc.

Unfortunately we have missed the deadline for states which I’m gutted about, and being in action at the moment we don’t have any great states nearby.

The only past papers he’s getting 90% on is the Epsom college and that has Saturday school and Long hours, not sure if he’ll like that. He does enjoy is screen time and loves his after school sports! Big fan of sports and a part of a football team in his school and in a Saturday league.

Anyone have any other school options in the north or west that are at the same or similar tier as Epsom?

Are you still in SW London? I know children who were at Ashcroft and did exceedingly well there. There are lots of great state comprehensive schools, not grammars, around. Did you apply?

Iirc at Epsom the long hours and Saturdays are spent on homework and sport so less time outside required for those. Also check that their year 7 & 8 is same hours as college as it is relatively new and was set up to capture those not in a 13+ prep, so may be less.

Also think you need to narrow down your applications - 6 sets of exams and interviews is a lot.

Sorry, cross posted. Apply for a state school, really, even if it is a late application. Do you mean you’re in Acton? Loads of children that I know who went to not great (by repute) secondaries still ended up doing really well and going off to top universities.

Epsom isn't Saturday school for years 7 & 8. All the schools listed have sport on a Saturday that you have to attend if you are in a team.

If you're applying to Habs why not Aldenham? Have you missed the application deadline (not sure when it is). But both schools are so close to each other and Aldenham is such an amazing school with lots of facilities and they also push very academic kids, but are less selective in the entrance exam.