St. Margarets and Aldenham School tests 11+

[Staceyrose5]

Hello,
I'm considering St. Margaret's in Bushey and Aldenham School for my DD, currently in Y4, for senior school. She is average academically and would suit these smaller, more nurturing schools. I'm concerned she may not pass the tests, what is the likelihood of being accepted with a child that is of average ability? What tutoring would you recommend?

Is she at an independent or state primary school at present? If she’s in the independent sector then school prep should be more than enough. If she’s in state then have a look at the CGP books for informal tutoring at home. If she is weak in maths or English then it might be worth tutoring just in that specific subject but there’s honestly no need to go full on 11+ mad London style.

Both schools are in the same area as Habs, NLCS, St Albans Boys and St Albans High Schools, not to mention Henrietta Barnett and QE for boys. Whilst both great schools they are academically not subject to the same pressures as these big name schools. I don’t know a single person who applied to Aldenham not get offered a place. Don’t panic!!!

Thank you, she'd in a state school and has a tutor for maths already so we'll continue with that and look at CGP as you suggest. Any similar schools for us to consider, we are in Bushey.

Queenswood in Potters Bar is a great school if you would consider single sex. They have a door to door transportation service plus offer flexi boarding if that floats your boat. It takes a wide range of abilities but is looking for “average and above” in their entrance exam.

Royal Masonic in Rickmansworth is also worth a look although it’s a big school so might not fit.

A great small school with a fabulous reputation is Abbott’s Hill in Hemel Hempstead.

All single sex though I’m afraid.

Abbots Hill has a fab reputation for pastoral I should say

Have you considered Belmont/Mill Hill? There are coaches from your area.
It's more selective than Aldenham and St Margaret's but nowhere near as selective as Habs and the like.

Is it much more difficult to get a place in Mill Hill?

I know several children who didn't get places at Belmont at 11+. I don't know anyone who didn't get a place at the two others.
I think Belmont is just at the edge of an acceptable commute from London and is seen as a Highgate backup, whereas it is harder to travel to St Margaret's or Aldenham from London.