St Benedict's (Ealing) 11+ interview

[sotiredtoday]

St Benedict's 11+ interview are 5 minutes long. This seems very odd ! Can anyone share what the format and content was last year and any idea what they are meant to do in those 5 minutes ?

Not a lot is the answer! ...it did seem strange last year.
It’s was the first interview for DC, so it was a nice easy intro in the interview process.
FWIW all the children I know (6) got offers if they got an interview.

@sotiredtoday Just has a chat with DC, Can't remember too much, but just a chat about likes at school / hobbies or interests / why St.B?
No tasks (ie describing a picture)

Good luck.

Thanks @Ripple11 ! That's really helpful.
And also good to know that they offer generously :) Any idea how many called to interview / how many offered / how many places ?

I have seen school reports showing that StBen does have a waiting list that it did not 'go through' as some children were reported as still being 'on' the waiting list at the end of the process.

@sotiredtoday
I don't know actually numbers, but for example if you look at the website for offers/acceptances at Kew Green Prep and Ravenscourt Park Prep last yr the ratio is 21 offers/4 acceptances for St.B. Our school also had a 5/1 ratio.
All schools over offer, but I would surmise St.B over offer that bit more, as some parents look upon it as an insurance offer.
We liked it, but DC wasn't keen on 2 terms of Rugby or Fencing!

Indeed @ripple11, their choice of sports is not enticing ... Out of interest, where did you son chose to go instead ?

He was lucky to get a few offers and is now at Hampton.
So far it's been very good good, in between quarantine spells and lockdown!

Hi everyone,

oh wow, 5 mins for the interview? Other schools last between 30-45 mins

How can they make a decision about a candidate in that time?

Any more info about what they ask?

Congratulations on the interview! When do you have it?

The interview was very general as far as DC can remember. Why St B's , fav subjects at school etc.
It seems more of a tick box exercise that they have seen the child and they can speak/answer!

Thank you

@Pastamaking does your DC go the school now?

Oh my brothers were there! It was over 40 years ago though, so the questions will have changed, I reckon!

No, but a friends son is and very happy.

@Pastamaking thank you for responding.

I hear there will be a new head in September.

New head is from the Oratory (not London one) does anyone know much about him?

I understand the current head is the one responsible for turning the school completely around after the sexual abuse allegations.

Anyone have any concerns about the school's history?

From what I have seen and heard the school has revamped all of its policies and Board and teaching staff.

The new Headmaster comes from the Oratory in Oxfordshire Joe Smith. interestingly they have become coed recently. I do not know much about him but will be interesting to see what he brings to the school.

Naturally I had concerns about the school's history but they have been alleviated by my conversations with current staff and parents.

Given the history, the school is under close scrutiny and have put in stronger safeguarding processes.

I also believe the management of the school has been distanced or removed from the protests too. So now they have a lay Board filled with professionals.