Number of independent schools to apply for 11+

[WCC1985]

New to UK system. I know most (or all?) independent schools require a school reference report. Would the prep schools or state primary schools impose a limit on the reference report it will give, effectively limiting the number of schools the student can apply to?

If so, or in case the school does not want to give reference for a particular school for whatever reason, does it mean the application will not be processed?

In general, how many independent schools would you apply to?

Thanks.

I’m applying this year, and did a few years ago for older dd. Our primary doesn’t do references, but will send a copy of the Y5 report. It didn’t cause a problem for dd1.

In terms of numbers, I know of a range from 2 to 17! Both are extremes, I think 5 is probably average. But that’s London, where there are lots of options.

I don't know about the references, but I presume how many you apply to depends on local availability- unless you're looking for boarding.

Where I live, there are 8 independent schools within sensible travelling distance that would take girls at 11. I ruled 4 out on paper, went to visit 4 and applied to 2: a first choice and a back up.

@WCC1985 , in general the secondary schools don't look at the references until your dc has passed the exam. If the reference is missing they will contact you or the primary school direct and ask for the form to be completed or a recent report sent in. They won't offer a place without a reference. The primary schools are familiar with this process and know the system.

@WCC1985 , where are you based in the U.K. re number of schools to apply to and is it for 2022 or 2023 entry?

2023 entry. Not in UK yet, will arrive shortly after Christmas and settle in or around London (still not decided on exactly which part in or around London)

[quote cricketjoys85]@WCC1985 , in general the secondary schools don't look at the references until your dc has passed the exam. If the reference is missing they will contact you or the primary school direct and ask for the form to be completed or a recent report sent in. They won't offer a place without a reference. The primary schools are familiar with this process and know the system. [/quote]
Not necessarily. Some state primaries flatly refuse to give any sort of reference/report to private secondaries and the schools know which schools these are and will make offers without references.

You’ll need to think about which ones use the CE exams for their entrance - as when we did it you could only do those exams for one school. Then also about the exams dates and interviews/auditions etc (although schools that have the same catchment tend to organise themselves round each other quite well!) And also obviously there is the cost of admission, which you don’t get back if you decide not to pursue it.

We had our preferred one, and a back-up. And then at the last minute our HM suggested an alternative which we also really liked, so three in the end. Most in the year went for two or three - occasionally dropping one of they got an early offer from their preferred one (some did it all before Christmas)

Not worried about grammars, as they don't need references, right? Concern about independents. Back here, some schools are very reluctant to give references, some take a long time, and some only gives a limited number of references per year. So just want to learn about the game more, when we still supposedly have time.

We’re in SW London. I think there are a handful of preps who limit gene number of references they give but certainly I know many people at preps applying to 6 or 7 or more schools. ( schools can then put how many offers they get in their destination lists..). Most of the state primaries around here are also pretty switched on with references etc and won’t set limits.
We were at state primary- max number of applications was 12(!). Most applied to 5 or 6 if applying to independent secondaries.
Will be totally different in areas which aren’t so competitive.

Do you know important is the school reference? My kid will only be in that school (be it prep or state) for a few months when they are asked to write the reference.

@WCC1985 , the secondary will take into account the move to the U.K. and recent experience at prep/primary so for your dc the reference matters less and you possibly may not need 1. You need to focus on your dc performing well in the entrance exams of a range of schools so their result is a good pass etc. You have got time on your side as it's a long time until 2023 registrations close and if you move to SW London or Surrey there are schools to fit all abilities.

I think our prep writes a reference and sends it to wherever the parents request!