Westminster/KCS 6th form exams

[Positive2021]

My DD is currently in Year 10 in a high performing independent school. She loves her school but would like to apply to Westminster and KCS for 6th form for various reasons.

She is strong across the board (at the very top of the top sets across all subjects, whether it's STEM, humanities, languages, arty subjects etc). She's already decided she wants to chose Maths, FM, Physics and Chemistry for A levels.
However, I'm wondering if this is a good idea for Westminster as she will be facing very strong competition in those subjects. She's very bright but despite what the school has told us, I don't think she is in "G&T" territory and I know she's definitely no genius! She is just extremely driven and motivated, and very hard working (she is super fast which helps her in her studies as she can cover a lot of subjects without being overburdened, if that makes sense). If anyone has experience with the Westminster 6th form exam, I'd be interested to know whether "normal" DC stand a chance, or if they're looking for geniuses (I'm thinking about FM in particular). Would it be a good idea to swap FM for another subject (e.g. biology, Latin etc) as I fear this exam might trip her up as she's no maths genius.

The more I think about it, the more I believe KCS would be a great option for her as she is a true allrounder and I think she would do very well in the IB (although we haven't discussed it together, for now she is dead set on STEM subjects).

I would be very interested to get some feedback from parents whose DCs have been through this process. Any tips welcome on how to maximise her chances, the type of exam papers, how to practice etc She would be taking the exams in November 2021. Any idea on the numbers, i.e. how many applying/getting offers.

Thank you!

I don't have any experience here, only biases as I have boys. I never understood what girls think they get out of moving to a Westminster or a KCS for 6th form if they are already at a good school. I believe the schools are taking in a small cohort of summer bright girls to boost their A-level results. I think its mercenary and of little benefit to either the girls or the boys who are already there.

If you look at the GCSE results for Westminster they are 95% 9/8. So if she's not on track for straight 9's I think she's unlikely to get a place as they are hoping to increase the level of their existing cohort. Their A-level results are 76% A*/A. I've heard it said, which is probably a teeny exaggeration, if you aren't already capable of getting an A at A-level, you won't get an offer. If you read the prospectus, you will see the entrance exam is basically to test you on your declared A-level subjects.

There should be about 68 spots available at 6th form.

My DD did the exams for both a couple of years back and got into both, but chose to go to neither in the end. The Westminster process is an intellectual steeplechase, and as you noted very competitive, more so than any other school I know but that shouldn't put her off. Our DD loved the challenge and enjoyed the intellectual fizz so it was a great experience. KCS is a less rigorous, gentler process with fewer steps but still great outcomes, so I would suggest does both.

Numbers for Westminster at initial stage c600 sat the 6th form entrance exam that was then whittled down to 200 or so, and so on and so on till they reached the magic 65-68 figure. So its a 1:10 chance.

KCS I cant remeber the figs but it wasnt as many.

Thank you @Fevertreefan and well done to your DD for getting places at both schools, that’s really impressive. May I ask you why she didn’t go to either of them? Did she stay in her current school? My DD loves challenges so I think she will have a go at it. Thanks a lot for sharing these numbers, I hadn’t realised how low the odds were
Last question - didn’t you find it awkward to apply to another 6th form vis a vis her current school, and were they totally objective in the reference (assuming the 6th form asks for a reference?)? Obviously schools don’t want to lose their top pupils! We have a great relationship with her current school and should she stay there for 6th form, I don’t want the fact to have looked elsewhere to have a negative influence on predicted grades, university applications etc Or am I overthinking?

Happy to answer those. She decided that she didn’t want the hassle of Westminster: esp as the focus is v.much geared to the academics (despite protestations otherwise). KCS was she felt just like her old school but with boys,(so not sufficiently different). In both cases it was her decision - she chose to go to another mixed school out of London.

Re. current school, you are overthinking. Never burn your bridges though. Send them a note alerting them to your plans ( as they will be contacted for reference etc), along lines you are exploring options alongside existing school. Hers was fine as DD was well liked and we were supportive of the school.

For what it’s worth, the girls at Westminster and KCS are an eclectic bunch and more interesting generally than their male counterparts. So both school Imo are looking for girls who aren’t just academically able but will add some vibrancy even if offbeat or quirky, esp the case for Westminster