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Secondary education

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Original poster

Westminster Under WUS 11+ 2021 Entry

32 replies

1980sMum · 19/01/2021 11:01

Hi

Anyone else on here for the Westminster Under 11+ online 2021 assessments next week?

And any WUS parents who are able to provide advice on the interview please? My DS is not someone who would take to prepping (he's very honest!) - plus I assume they want to see the 'real' DS - but it would be useful to know the rough format of the interview at least.

I don't know anyone who has ever attended or been for WUS so it's a bit unfamiliar and DS is not at a prep school.

Thanks in advance.

OP posts:
BettertoChange · 19/01/2021 11:44

Not WUS parents. WUS interview is a continuing academic assessment. I remember DS was shown a poem and then asked questions about it (a few years ago). DS was not at a prep school either and not prepared for the interview.

StrugglingPa · 19/01/2021 12:12

@1980sMum My DS gave 7+ but I have a friend whose children gave the 11+ and passed it. She didn't prep them at all but they were from pvt schools. She did say that at 11+ they wanted some understanding of the current affairs. Creative writing or thinking was another thing she pointed out as u can't be tutored in that beyond a point.

Original poster
1980sMum · 19/01/2021 13:06

Thank you, that's very helpful. My DS likes to read the daily paper (often on the toilet haha) so hopefully that's enough current affairs.

His creative writing is pretty OK but his handwriting is atrociously bad! Not holding out much hope here but he'll give it a go...

This year they are doing the second stage online in the format of 2 x 15 minute tests - any idea of how many kids normally sit this stage and how many are invited for interview?

OP posts:
MrsPatmore · 19/01/2021 15:28

Search my old posts as ds offered an 11+ place. The independent talk forum on the eleven plus exams forum worth a look too.

BettertoChange · 19/01/2021 16:06

2 to 1 for interview previously. This year might be different as the exam format is quite different.

Original poster
1980sMum · 20/01/2021 10:40

Thank you all. I'll look them up; also useful to know the exam to interview ratio.

OP posts:
questioningalways · 03/02/2021 19:03

If anyone's DC has been for 11+ interview, what did you think?

I'm worried that my DS was just invited out of courtesy as the interview was very relaxed (mainly questions about book read, family, interests etc), whereas other schools have been much more 'demanding'. Not complaining, as DS came out happy but just wondered whether the fact that it wasn't particularly probing is a sign that he was not really considered a viable candidate?

A shame in a way, as DS really enjoys and responds to in-depth, probing questions.

Dadababa99 · 04/02/2021 01:55

My son just finished the 11+ interview, as you said, it’s just casual chat and nothing academic.

questioningalways · 04/02/2021 08:49

@Dadababa99 Thanks, that's good to hear.

elevenplusnightmare · 12/02/2021 16:55

We received an offer (email today) from WUS!!!

Sonotzenmum · 21/02/2021 07:31

DC been waitlisted at both CLS and WUS this year. Is this just sheer bad luck? Do these lists actually ever move? Is it just courtesy I.e.: your son is bright enough but we dont think he/you are the right fit?

Sonotzenmum · 21/02/2021 07:34

Does anyone know of parents with a WUS 11+ offer that are thinking of rejecting it? Is that ever done?

BettertoChange · 21/02/2021 12:39

@Sonotzenmum

Does anyone know of parents with a WUS 11+ offer that are thinking of rejecting it? Is that ever done?
We rejected the WUS offer a few years ago.
elevenplusnightmare · 21/02/2021 12:53

I think we might - it's a tough, tough one, as we've heard amazing things, but timing wise, as a result of Covid etc, it's not going to work for us anymore.

Anyone rejected an offer at WUS and then reapplied to Westminster Senior School/6th form later?

BettertoChange · 21/02/2021 12:59

@elevenplusnightmare

I think we might - it's a tough, tough one, as we've heard amazing things, but timing wise, as a result of Covid etc, it's not going to work for us anymore.

Anyone rejected an offer at WUS and then reapplied to Westminster Senior School/6th form later?

Re-apply Great School at 13+ can only go through the scholarship route. 6th form mainly for girls.
elevenplusnightmare · 21/02/2021 13:04

@BettertoChange How competitive is at at 13+??

HappyMamababa · 21/02/2021 13:19

I think 13+ Has more places available than 11+? But then once you have applied 11+, u can’t reapply 13+?

BettertoChange · 21/02/2021 13:39

@HappyMamababa

I think 13+ Has more places available than 11+? But then once you have applied 11+, u can’t reapply 13+?
You can't. The deadline for applying 13+ is roughly the same time as 11+.
elevenplusnightmare · 21/02/2021 15:35

So, basically, if you've applied for 11+ and don't take up the offer it's almost impossible later as mainly girls admitted in 6th form, is that correct?

Sonotzenmum · 21/02/2021 15:37

Not sure at the moment, just sitting on 2 waitlist positions hoping something moves at this level.

elevenplusnightmare · 21/02/2021 15:58

My DS has an offer from WUS 11+ and we're thinking of turning it down for a significantly less academic (but still excellent) school locally.

I'm sure people do turn WUS down but wonder how many do it for something that is way down the schools league.

So difficult....

BettertoChange · 21/02/2021 16:00

@elevenplusnightmare

So, basically, if you've applied for 11+ and don't take up the offer it's almost impossible later as mainly girls admitted in 6th form, is that correct?
It's possible. 6th does take boys. You should be able to get information from their website.
Talksunderwater · 21/02/2021 16:37

@Sonotzenmum the WUS waitlist definitely moves and often right up until the last day. My DS is there and one of his friends from his primary school turned down an 11+ place there on the last day. The boy who got that place was offered it that afternoon.

Sonotzenmum · 21/02/2021 18:32

Thanks. Feeling rather let down with 2 waitlist positions. Now have to wait forever as not keen on 3rd and 4th choices.

Sonotzenmum · 21/02/2021 18:36

Is it worth calling WUS to find out where on reserve list we are? Do they give this information out?

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