Eton’s Kings Scholarship

[Etonmum]

Our son has a conditional offer for September 2023.

He would be going through the scholarship route. I have looked at the past papers and do think he may need help with the languages ( French and Latin) even though they are optional.

We haven’t tutored him until now but it seems he may benefit from some tuitions.
I would like to know your thoughts on this and are there any tutors who prepare for KS exams.

I really appreciate your help!

Presumably your son is currently at a state school and only being examined on the state school curriculum?

There’s a thriving industry in KS tuition so you wouldn’t be unusual if you opt for this. Even boys at prep schools - where the scholarship class is focused entirely on prepping for the exam - may find themselves faced with tutors over the holidays.

Tbh I suspect it’s more helpful for parents than boys. The KS is supposed to interrogate the ability to think (and to translate thought into written expression). Not all tutors can teach that, and most pupils can’t go much beyond their natural ability. It’s not like learning by rote for CE or GCSEs.

But if tutors can make a child work harder and better that’s all to the good. As long as they aren’t needlessly stressed and expectations are managed mindfully.

There are many Tutors who prepare - make sure you speak to several and then speak to the parents that have used them before you decide.

Some tutoring to give him confidence is probably a good idea. But don’t overdo it, it will be counterproductive. Don’t push for him to go too broad either, if he doesn’t need to do the languages it may be better he focuses on fewer subjects, and if he gets a place you can get him up to speed on those before he starts - do take current advice on this though. The tutors will all know what strategies to take, so ask them when you interview them.

Thank you so much ‘Literally’ and ‘pomergranate’ for such insightful advice. He is at a London prep school, and has got his place through 13 plus. However, his school has never had a successful KS applicant so far. You are both probably right to get him some tuition, just not sure where to begin, where to find the right one. I’m sure they all say that they prepare kids for KS, since we get only one shot, don’t want to get the wrong tutor for him

@Etonmum i just bumped to your post. Iam in the same situation.
my son will start September 2025. Do you have good tutors for KS please you can share with me.
Thank you.