Does anybody know about Newstead Wood scores/admissions?

[Housemove11]

My daughter has just received her score for the NW entrance exams - 233. Is this good enough for us to put it as our first choice? The cut off is historically 210-218.

Reading this back it does sound stupid of me and her score is good but I'm completely new to 11+/entrance exams (just moved to Kent) so I have no idea whether this mark would guarantee a place. What would count as borderline? I don't want to put it first if there is a chance she won't get in. The school have very clearly said on their letter not to contact them about the scores.

We are in the catchment for one state secondary but we wouldn't get in if we put it as our 2nd choice. I think we need the first choice to be a school we will definitely get into. Argh, so confusing!!

Its an equal preference system. Putting Newstead first won't affect your chances of getting your favourite alternative if you don't qualify for Newstead. It all depends on the entrance criteria like siblings and distance.

Thanks for that, I didn't know that. I'll go back and re-read the forms but reassuring.

@Housemove11

Thanks for that, I didn't know that. I'll go back and re-read the forms but reassuring.

Yep, what @Aroundtheworldin80moves said is most definitely correct- the equal preference system has been law in England for many years now. You will still hear rumours about popular schools filling up with people who put it first, but it is not how it works. Each school you list on your form is effectively a separate application, with the order only mattering if more than one school is able to offer you a place (in which case you'll get the one you put highest). Put the schools in your genuine order of preference, always including at least one school somewhere that you can be fairly sure of getting a place at. Well done to your DC and the best of luck in getting a place

I agree. Put your choices in true preference order. That's how the system is designed to work. You'll be admitted based on the entry criteria and if you meet the entry criteria for more than one, you'll be awarded the one you've ranked higher in preference on the form.

This makes perfect sense, I've gone back through the application process. I'd be happy with either of these two schools, as would my dd, so I feel relieved that she will at the very least get the local secondary. Thanks all!

If anyone does have children at Newstead, I'd love to hear their thoughts.

That’s a great score and will pretty much guarantee her a place. Myself and my daughter are very happy with Newstead. It has a happy, friendly and relaxed atmosphere and the teaching is mostly great. Lots of sport and music clubs. Best of luck.

I'm sure that score will definitely get her in. If you go to the elevenplusexams forum, there is a talk section for the Bromley Grammars. Loads of info on historic scores and entry.
Also there is a knowledgeable poster on NW here, calling @Pettswoodfiona.

No personal experience but have friend whose dd went there and she has nothing but good things to say about it.

233 is considered a safe score for Newstead as long as you are within the required 9 mile catchment area. We know lots of girls who go there and are very happy. But it may suit certain types of girls more than others so I hope your DD liked it herself.

DD really liked the school, which is why we applied, it's all been driven by her, really. I was happy with the local secondary.

The girl showing us around was fairly quietly spoken, much like my daughter, and she was saying how supportive her friendship group was and how they all try and help each other. I think girls schools get quite a bashing but we don't often hear about the great the friendships are. And the comments on here about children enjoying it are helping!

My dd is a big reader and is really excited that they teach Latin. I think she would like it, out of all the schools we've seen this was the one she liked most.

It does sound perfect for your DD. I know about 30 children who are or have been through the school and none of them have anything bad to say and also know a teacher there who says the girls are lovely as a group and supportive of each other. Congrats OP to you and your DD and I hope she has an amazing time there.

223 should get an offer on offer day based on past few years. They are offering a few more places this year too. DD is in sixth form at Newstead and loved her first five years so if you have specific questions do ask. The girls in her year have been very supportive of each other.

Interesting to hear about the extra places @PettsWoodParadise. We were told by a teacher that there were 1400 applicants this year. Great to get that teacher's input as well @Incognito22333

We are within the 9 mile catchment but the journey to and from school isn't that straightforward. It would be an hour door to door, with two 15 minute walks to and from bus stops. We're not on the right train line for that to be an option.

I've been looking at the private coaches - around 35 minutes door to door so definitely preferable. The only downside is that they leave at 4pm in the afternoon, which would limit the amount of after school clubs we could do. From the info I can find, it seems most of the clubs are at lunchtime - does that sound right?

I'd also be interested to know how much children meet up after school? There is likely to be other children from the area where we are going to the school I imagine (and the private coaches will be a good way of knowing which children live locally).

Many clubs are lunchtime but the twighlight classes (Latin, Japanese, Mandarin) are sometimes a combination of lunchtime and after school. Sports fixtures are also after school as are some of the tie-ups with BYMT.

Pupils come from a wide range of locations, on half days at end of term they often go into Orpington and share a waffle or pudding. They more meet up after school in the upper school for example to go to the theatre or a park. DD is doing Classical Civilisation for A level and a number of them are going to see a play at the Globe after school on Friday - but these are 16 year olds!