Harrodian

[Ds123]

We have applied to sit the 11+ for Harrodian School for a bright and sporty boy (rugby) who is very social. We really liked the school when we went to visit. But I hear from quite a few people that it is impossible to get in even if you have a bright child. I’m wondering if it’s even worth taking the exam. My son has a pretty brutal schedule and I would hate for him to sit the test for no reason if those places have already been allocated to siblings or if the rumour is true that they only take children from famous parents. Can anybody share any insight into the process? What are they looking for exactly? Son is bright and will likely do well on the test but I imagine lots of kids will do well.

I know several (non celebs!) who got 11+ places at Harrodian but seems entirely random who got the places. One was certainly quite bright ( didn't take up the place), a couple didn't get into any other schools and a few got other offers. Also know lots who didn't get a place. They obviously what kind of child they are looking for and whilst they have a smaller number of places I suspect they have a smaller number of applicants so no harm in trying if you like the school and your DS won't be too upset if he doesn't get a place. My one bit of 11+ advice is do not have a favourite school!

Check with them on number of places and number of applicants to work out the ratio. I think it is around 10 applicants per place which is about average for the London day schools we looked at. Inevitably, therefore it can be a bit unpredictable as to who will get in. From what I have seen and heard Emanuel can be similarly unpredictable so you just have to apply for as many schools as your DC can manage (5 or 6 seems about average but some do more).

We are also doing the entrance exam.
DS isn't top of the class or particularly sporty, but really likes the school, so why not try?
Like all London day schools , it's a tough process...but if you look at the Harrodian offers that some west london prep schools publish, you can see a fair amount of offers are made.

ie Ravenscourt Park Prep lasy yr.......15 offers/4 acceptances

The head at our school used to say that Harrodian was the only school that she would make no predictions about whatsoever. She said it was almost as if they pulled names out of a hat, as there was no rhyme or reason as to who was offered places and who wasn’t. Also, I know some celebs whose children have been turned down - even though theshe children are celebs in their own right! Then there are children accepted who didn’t get any other offers at 11 plus. So who knows? Worth a shot, I guess?

This thread really surprised me, never expected Harrodian to be a "difficult" school to get in. Many of my friends are using it as fallback option. oops...

I wouldn't listen to anyone but your instinct. If you liked the school and - more importantly - your son liked it, I would always try. Celeb or non-celeb (or rumours around odds of getting into the school) shouldn't be the parameter you set for yourself to plan your child's academic future.

Co-Ed schools are often harder to get into as they only have half the number of places for each sex. Add to that the fact that the Harrodian year groups are small and its entrance criteria are not solely academic, and it should be considered unpredictable rather than impossible. It is certainly not a fallback!

We got an interview! Can anybody share what questions they had during a Harrodian interview?

Hi Ds123 - DD also has an interview at Harrodian next week.
I remember the headmaster saying the interviews are pretty informal so hopefully just the usual "getting to know you" type questions. If I hear anything else, I will let you know!

We got an offer. So pleased! Just goes to show that if the fit is right the odds don’t matter.

Congratulations

Hi. Just read on here that your child has got an offer from Harrodian. Is that for year 7? My son will be joining year 7 this September. Was looking to connect with some of the year group.over the summer.