Westminster 11+ ISEB pre-test or 13+ ?

[W4mama]

Hello,
I was wondering what people think about entrance to Westminster via the ISEB pre-test in year 6 or the 13+? I know the advantage of the ISEB is that it is all online but I was wondering if it is more competitive for the pre-test places or the 13+ in terms of number of places and people applying for them? I know we are not allowed to apply for both tests so we want to ensure we get it right. DS is strong in maths, reasoning and science but not amazing in English so that is another consideration....

Thanks for any insight at all!

Not sure I understand the question fully - the pre-test is part of the 13+ entry process.

So, you would pick the 11+ or 13+ entry options at Westminster. 11+ is for the state school students (usually), and the 13+ for the prep school students finishing in Y8. If you go for the 13+ option, then you do the ISEB pre-test in Year 6.

Thanks TypsTrycks. Sorry I wasn't very clear. I suppose because for the 13+ process one would need to take the ISEB and the Westminster papers in Year 6 whereas in the 11+ process one takes the exams in year 6, what the advantage (if any) is of going for the 13+ over the 11+ since the time the child is examined is during the same academic year.

It depends if your ds is in a state school or a prep, it sounds like he is in a prep that supports 13+ entry.

Thanks singinrain1223. We are currently at an independent prep which ends after year 6 but are thinking to move DS to another independent prep that ends after year 8 as he has some learning difficulties to address. So we think we likely have to apply for the 13+ to do this but want to understand the difference.

If you are in a prep that ends at 11 then take that option as then you are up against state school ds who are being prepared out of school rather than via the national curriculum.
It might be worth also having your ds assessed by an up to 13 boys prep to see which schools they would advise he sits for.

From what I hear, the 11+ seems to be very much aimed at state school students. I know a lot of state school children who have cleared 11+ at W, a lot of prep school children who have cleared 13+, but no independent school children who have cleared the 11+! It's purely anecdotal though, with no idea of actual numbers!

I would recommend taking your DS to an assessment centre that can tell you where he ranks amongst his peers. If he has the potential to get to W, you could do it from anywhere. If he needs extra help, perhaps consider moving to the other prep. Also be mindful that preps won't let every child who wants to do W or St. P apply to them. They will only let you apply if they think you have a reasonable chance to clear the test.

The school prefers children to stay to the end of their career there - so in your case 11+ (well it was the case when we looked). You need to have a good talk with your current school and ask them to advise you - the should have a relationship with the school and have a good handle on their requirements. They may advise a final 2 years at another prep to ‘round him off’ education and maturity wise.

What other schools are you looking at!

Sorry should say "by the national curriculum " for above, your ds will get a more tailored approach at his prep with practise papers etc.

Thank you Singingrain, TypsTrycks and Lordfrontpaw for all the insight. Do you have assessment centres you recommend? He has been evaluated by 2 educational psychologists (as part of his diagnoses) and Emerson House as being very gifted but he has some very real learning difficulties which he must address as early as possible. I think they concur that he would do well academically at these schools if we can teach him to compensate for his difficulties. In answer to your question Lordfrontpaw, DS is keen on W for its very strong maths and science whereas we want to focus more on pastoral care so were going to look at Epsom College, St. John's of Leatherhead, St. James and Reed's. Unfortunately Kingston Grammar and Emanuel take very few at 13.