13+ schools in Surrey/London that DONT require pre-test in year 6

[WishfulMum09]

Hello, my son will be attending prep for year 7 and 8, he didn’t quite get through to 11+ but missed the pre tests. Can anyone recommend 13+ entry schools in Surrey/London that do not require the 13+ pre tests?
Ds loves sports but not in the higher teams. He is in middle sets at his prep in most subjects.
We would also need about 50% bursary.
Look forward to your suggestions

Apologies for all the typos in my last post

Straight no's from several schools must have been quite disheartening for him. If he doesn't do a lot of extracurricular activities now I'm a bit sceptical about how much difference it will make to take on new ones between now and the autumn term of Year 8 when applications are submitted. You may be better off focusing on getting academic performance up to really solid levels in the core subjects of English, Maths and Science (which is what most Year 8 entrance exams will be based around), abnd workng on interveiw technique.

If you're going to try to "add value" with more extracurricular involvement, I'd suggest not going for the obvious ones of music or sport (very hard to achieve stellar levels in a short timeframe). Maybe instead think about your DS's other strengths and how they might fit some more unusual extracurricular activities that would demonstrate initiative and enterprise and enable him to stand out a little more at interview - e.g. involvement in charity work/fundraising, writing a school magazine, volunteering or community service, starting his own business making or selling things.

@WishfulMum09, have you looked at Aldenham School? It's not so selective as the ones you mentioned and they have weekly boarding.

Mill Hill always seems to have places. I've also noticed that a few preps are opening senior schools in September 2020.
How about Kew House?

@TheatreTaxi that’s great advice.. I’ll start to look into it once the global crisis settles! @Soma I haven’t heard of those schools but will definitely look into it! I’m thinking even if 2 years more in prep it should help towards his gcse! Then even if it’s going to be a state he should do well? Do you agree? Or should I go straight to the state route?
Our head mentioned Christ hospital - anyone heard of that?

Christ Hospital is known for its funding support. However it is largely if not entirely boarding. If he did not get into Epsom I'm not sure he would there. Why are you so keen on independent schools exclusively? Did you look into state boarding schools?

Full boarding isn’t an option for him.. he gets homesick even on school trips.

If you live in SW London did you consider selective state schools? Apologies if I'm misunderstanding but you seem very naive about the different options.

And if boarding is a clear no, bearing in mind CH is in Sussex, I'm not confident your head has fully grasped your criteria and the importance of gaining a significant bursary.

Yes we are in Putney. Just checked Christ and yes it’s too far! Our local state is outstanding but I heard it’s not nurturing and extremely strict.

I guess schools closing is going to back fire on us! If anything it’s going to effect his progress...

There are a number of state schools that have selective/aptitude streams or scholarships - Graveney, Kingsdale, Haberdashers New Cross Gate, West London Free School.

You've missed all the selective/aptitude entry points as these were in the autumn, but some have lottery entry or faith entry rather than just distance.

I would get on as many waiting lists as possible now so that you at least have the option. At least in London you have a lot of choice available.

Once you are past the main entry point, you are relying on whatever space comes up if you have to go for state in Y9. A number of state schools teach GCSE over 3 years with options being made in Y8 so it wouldn't be ideal to be the new kid at that point.