What to do for secondary?

[DecisionToMake123]

My son just sat the 11+/ISEB and it didn't go very well.

His current school told me he'd get in anywhere he applied to. CAT score average over the years is 132. Can do GCSE maths and science easily and quickly.

He has an offer from one school. It's a 20-mile round trip every day. It's recommended for less academic kids, and for those with SEN, which he doesn't have. He'd be travelling 2+ hours a day and getting home knackered.

Our local state schools aren't places where he would be very happy. Or even a little bit happy.

I didn't know you had to put in 13+ applications two years in advance. So I didn't make any, and it's too late now.

He could stay on at his school for two more years but his friends are leaving, so he doesn't want to, and he'd still have nowhere to go at the end of it.

What would you do?

Why did you apply for the 20 mile away school if it wasn't suitable?

Did you get any waitlist offers? What does your prep school head say? They should be guiding you on this - it's what you are paying for

Not all require year 6 registration for 13+. There may also be some less selectives with a later sitting for 11+ after state offers day. You need to ask the head/SMT for advice. Tbh a 20m round trip is not necessarily unusual. Is there a school bus route? Could you move closer at some point?

Another question - did you complete a state school application?

Have you actually looked into the state schools? You sound extremely dismissive of them.

If he stays at his prep for another two years, he'll make new friends, which is what he would have done at a new school anyway.

Is there a reason that he underperformed at 11+? It sounds like both you and his current school expected stronger results, so maybe the pressure of exams got to him. He may do better at 13+.

I think there's lots of room for manoeuvre for Y9 entry but you may need to be realistic about your expectations.

AveEldon we were considering moving house, but aren't doing so any more.

We didn't complete a state school application because his current school were so, so positive he would get in anywhere ("I never usually say this to parents, but" etc). More fool me.

I've asked his current school for advice, but had no reply by the end of the day yesterday and it's half term now, so thought about posting here in the meantime to see if anyone else has been in the situation.

One waitlist place, at a school where he would be really, really happy.

LIZS that's good to know, that some take later applications. All those I've looked up wanted an application last year but I'll keep hunting. There's no school bus route.

Thank you both for replying!

Hi Stokey - I've looked into them and read reviews that don't suggest very nice, safe, or happy places. My son gets bullied by their pupils on his way home (in non-lockdown times). He's scared to go to the same school as them, but might have to just toughen up and go.

OP, are you in SW London? If so St James's in Ashford and Ewell Castle take late entries but these may be on a par with the offer you have. I would consider staying on at the prep and looking at 12+ entry, it's been a funny year and there will be more movement than normal.

A wait list place sounds good especially this year when there is likely to be lots of movement. Have you told them you’d defuaccept a place if offered?
Where do you live?
I’d stay at the Prep and speak to schools about the 13plus. Occasionally places come up mid year as well. People do move and leave schools all the time, especially in London.

I'm sorry about your predicament. Sadly, I think that there will be some children who lose out this year because of the switch to ISEB. In a normal year, a bad day would mean ruling one school out, not a handful.

My advice is;

1. Call your waitlist school and tell them you'll accept an offer immediately
2. Ask your prep school to call them as well to advocate for your DS- he is a bright child who for some reason didn't show his potential
3. Investigate non deferred entry 13+ schools. I know Dulwich College has a non deferred 13+ entry point, I think Hampton may do as well but not sure
4. Ask your prep school head for advice, and see if you can get feedback from senior schools

Good luck