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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

SW London boys 11+ 2022 entry

412 replies

Sweetnhappy · 18/05/2021 17:01

Hi, my DS is in year 5 and we're struggling with not being able to see schools in person. We're having a think about where to apply and at the moment KCL is a favourite geographically but we haven't seen it so don't have a feel for the vibe. We went to see Hampton and KGS before the first lockdown without DS and liked them both. The Emanuel tours booked so quickly when they were released a few weeks ago, I think they are releasing more slots soon. Just wondering if anyone can give us a feeling of the vibe of these schools. Does anyone know what is happening with the headteacher at Kings? They seem to have an acting head at the moment.

OP posts:
Tw1mum · 09/02/2022 20:31

@Didsomeonesaythank you so much that’s so reassuring.

Sunrainclouds · 10/02/2022 09:05

DS also in lower school at Epsom College. He had offers from Hampton, St Johns, Trinity and Whitgift. It was a difficult decision but in the end you have to go with your gut for the school that you believe is most suitable for your child. We loved the day school with boarding culture ethos, the house system, the fact it's Co-Ed, the space the children have. The long days are full of opportunity to try so many different activities and DS comes back every day happy, sufficiently tired and homework is all done! Every child is expected to put 100% and do their best, in every subject. We have DC in other top London schools and so far I must say our experience of EC is most positive. DD is sitting 11+ next year so I'm on here reading through and preparing mentally and emotionally for the lovey process it is...not!

Didsomeonesay · 10/02/2022 11:01

@Sunrainclouds oh no. Me too. My DD is sitting EC next week and I’m already dreading it. Bulk ordering gin as we speak. Ha

Same here with experiences with EC. Ruddy love it.

Thisonesfortheroad · 10/02/2022 16:59

@SW19mumKat Weirdly EC they say the don’t put waitlist in an order but will pull from waitlist based on need. I guess they try balance the year in terms of boy:girl ratios and other metrics??

Anyway, our feedback was pretty telling of our chances: DS ranked ‘exceptionally high’ in English (their words) and had a ‘good interview’, but we should ‘take offers elsewhere if the opportunity arises’. Humpf.

One positive is this feedback equates to an almost unbelievable outcome in English for DS and shows tremendous progress from just 6 months ago when he could barely hold a pen correctly let alone write a paragraph under timed conditions. It was easily his weakest area and for no apparent cause other than physical challenges with writing - had me thinking there might be some underlying undiagnosed “something” going on(?).

Anyway, he clearly fluffed reasoning or maths enough the other way to cancel his success out sufficiently!Confused

Not sure what this means for our results tomorrow …

finallywokenup · 10/02/2022 19:39

My ds has just told me that a boy in his class was told by the headmaster that he has got into Hampton. I don’t want to intrude and ask the other boy’s mom . It’s just a matter of waiting for another day for our results
But this def adds to the butterflies in my stomach!
Would the headmaster know earlier about children getting a place ?

sunshineclouds24 · 10/02/2022 19:43

Yes the prep and primary heads were told today (possibly y'day).

finallywokenup · 10/02/2022 19:49

Right. So if my son wasn’t told anything by the headmaster, guess it will be a No for us

sunshineclouds24 · 10/02/2022 19:53

It's really bad form for the head to indicate anything to anyone.

finallywokenup · 10/02/2022 19:58

Hmm.. well is it what it is 😊
A bit of a warning for my ego in preparation for tomorrow x
Thanks for the reply

FlyingPandas · 10/02/2022 20:03

Just popping onto the thread to wish everyone good luck for tomorrow: We were enduring the wait this time last year so I feel for you all. Our DS2 is now very happy at Hampton, he was also offered a place at RGS which we turned down. From memory both offers came out via email some time in the middle of the day so hopefully you won’t have too long to wait tomorrow.

@finallywokenup I would take that comment with a large dose of salt if I were you. I think it’s more likely to be the boy making it up. I mean he may well get offered Hampton, but I can’t believe a headteacher would pull one child aside to tell them!

Good luck to you all for tomorrow.

Sunrainclouds · 10/02/2022 20:47

[quote Didsomeonesay]@Sunrainclouds oh no. Me too. My DD is sitting EC next week and I’m already dreading it. Bulk ordering gin as we speak. Ha

Same here with experiences with EC. Ruddy love it.[/quote]
We should start a group...to exchange ideas on gin cocktails 😂

Pyrfwondering · 10/02/2022 21:04

@finallywokenup Prep school heads are told early, but they should (and usually do) keep it confidential. Please try to stay positive, there will be a good outcome. The waiting is torture, but in the end the boys end up in the right school for them.

Good luck, for tomorrow, everyone! Hoping your Post-people arrive nice & early!!

finallywokenup · 10/02/2022 21:53

Thank you all for the encouraging words
@FlyingPandas- I dont think the boy is the type who makes up stories. He has been at the the school from reception and we have been there only covid filled socially distanced two years. Maybe the head feels more close to the other boy. I guess thats only natural.
@Pyrfwondering-Absolutely. My only prayer to the universe has been that 'I know you will bring the school which is right for my son. Because only you know what he really needs :) Just give us the strength and grace to accept your will gracefully'
In spite of myself, I do find myself getting caught up in the drama but thankfully that lasts only for a short time.

All the very best to all of those waiting for results tomorrow. Not much longer to go..

11Plus2022 · 10/02/2022 22:10

@finallywokenup, if your head has said something he has been shockingly unprofessional, and I reallly wouldn’t read anything into it. No-one at DS’s prep has been told anything, and DS and many others have been there since reception.

Good luck for tomorrow everyone. Here’s hoping the emails and post arrive early and bring good news.

finallywokenup · 10/02/2022 22:37

@11Plus2022- I didnt realise that it's not the done thing..

travelturtle · 11/02/2022 06:49

Good luck today everyone. Fingers crossed all round!

Sweetnhappy1 · 11/02/2022 07:06

Good luck everyone! My nerves are shot!

Sunshine6363 · 11/02/2022 07:59

Good luck everyone! I hope the postman brings you all good news!

mimisilly · 11/02/2022 08:16

Good luck everyone. Now I am starting to check my emails every 5 mins. Grin

Parentingfor2 · 11/02/2022 08:25

2 results out of 8 so far... going to be a long wait for the rest. Not expecting a good result for Latymer as DS said it and Tiffins were the most difficult out if the 8 he took (including Kings and KGS).

mimisilly · 11/02/2022 08:31

Hampton outcome has finally arrived!! My DS got a place. I am extremely proud of him.

Sunshine6363 · 11/02/2022 08:49

Congratulations! Wonderful news!

7plus11plus · 11/02/2022 09:08

Hi can I ask do we receive post or just email?

Oldmonk · 11/02/2022 09:50

Good luck everyone. Yes for us for Hampton and RGS.

11Plus2022 · 11/02/2022 10:01

Congratulations @mimisilly and @Oldmonk.

No emails or post yet for us. @Oldmonk, was RGS email or post?