SW London/Surrey Indies

[indiesearcher]

Hi everyone,

We tried without luck to move DS into an independent prep from state earlier this year. Competition was stiff and we hadn't prepped very much. He is yr 3.

We've canned the idea for now as it feels a bit late in the day and he's happy where he is, but definitely decided that we'd like to try for a few of the independent secondaries - KGS, Hampton... these are the areas we can manage (KCS would also be possible but I think even more competitive).

Where do we need to start with tutoring? He has a general tutor twice a week already as is a bit behind in English post lockdowns. KGS website says not to tutor, Hampton gives some resources... surely most are tutored?

Main question, where else should we consider if anywhere?? Co-ed KGS would be our preference and is closest, but it seems like only one in ten applicants are offered a place which is a huge punt really!

I know nothing about Emanuel, Latymer (possibly too far), Claremont etc - basically, what's the order of hardest to get into vs something with a more likely chance?! We've a good state nearby which is of course an option too but for a number of reasons we think DS would benefit from independent.

Any steer much appreciated.

TIA

OP - you would be best served helping your DS into a indie prep now to assist with progression into your named secondary indies. If your DS is behind now, you must find the catch up too pressured for you child. All students are tutored in some form capacity (Parent led/ school/ paid tutor).

League tables help give you an idea of pecking order - with Hampton/ KCS / Westminster/ St Paul’s all selecting to 5%. You have time but also decisions as to appropriate school for your child.

Thanks @MrsHGWells - thing is, we tried! Without driving some distance, our options are a bit limited (one we were unsuccessful at and the other feels like A LOT of money for few facilities and a not brilliant reputation).

DS point blank refuses additional work with us, he accepts his tutor happily so we are doing that but it's catch up rather than getting ahead.

Are things like Kumon worth it? Group tuition? Or should we move to an area with less fiercely competitive indies??

I went to KGS myself and I'm sure it wasn't half as competitive back then!

A general guide, but not exhaustive is
Hampton and kgs - only the top children get to these schools although KGS is less formulaic so you never know who will get in. Pupils with offer from St. Paul’s and KCS will turn down places at Hampton and KGS.Hampton takes a good amount of state but they are bright boys .

Reeds, Emanuel , St. George’s - middle to top middle of children academically

Claremont - middle tier and no longer everyone’s safe bet since the new head came in a few years ago.

Claremont , Emmanuel and St. George’s offer an all through option. So might be worth speaking to in year admissions about a space. Then you would have the 11+ sorted but are still free to sit DS for other schools at 11+ If you want to

Also Hampton and KGS do the 10+ exam so you could use that as a tester for him to see how he goes. Places are hard to get at 10+ but it might give an indication of whether or not he has a shot - if he doesn’t get offered an interview then you’ll know he was short of the mark.

Thanks @Scaffoldhell that's really helpful- I think we've been a bit above so far in our understanding of just how competitive these schools all are.

I'd forgotten Reeds so will take a look.

Wow Reeds looks fantastic.

Where are you based? Could you look further into Surrey?

OP unless you have a state with great access to secondary schools or grammar, then I would secure an indie primary school yr 4 (this is a sweet spot as progress to 11+ starts with indies around this yr; at 11+ indie HT reports are critical to entry plus the pre work and academic tracking with assessments towards secondary school.

10+ /11+ are highly competitive these days; KGS more so as co Ed as entry threshold is spilt boys/girls.
Reeds/ Epsom/ St Johns Leatherhead are strong schools; From experience, the more you see the more you know what type of school would best suit your child.

KCS
Hampton
KGS
Emmanuel
Claremont
From hardest to easiest.
I know lots of children at Hampton and KGS, most of them had an hour a week tuition from year 5. They were all on top tables at their state primaries.
Is your son on top tables? Meeting or exceeding expectations in his reports?

Unfortunately our school give us zero indication of how DS is doing, we have to really really push for any kind of info/insight into his actual ability. I know the class is very strong academically. At his last parents evening we were told he is average in the class, but above average nationally- whatever that means.

We have a meeting with his teacher next week as I'm concerned about spelling progress (lack of). Everything else is okay, reading pretty good (free reader) and I think his maths is quite strong. Notice my 'think'. Tutor is impressed with his focus and effort but it's quite early days.

Is it really the case though that any prep school is going to be better than state primary in terms of securing a place at one of these secondaries? I've seen this de-bunked here and in other forums quite regularly and I don't want to pull him out of the school he loves. Argh, it's so hard!

Try and find an 11+ speciality tutor. They know the system and the schools and will tell you which schools your son is a good fit for, essentially that’s what a prep would do.

I have found group tutor on for 11+ that do tracking and practice papers etc for 2 hours per week from yr 4.

I think we might just need to do that and keep up his general tutor until then to get him caught up.

Sorry loads of typos , my phone is on the blink

KGS is not what it was 30 years ago, all the more average academic kids used to go there. It’s insane now round here and I think it your son is behind you’ll be massively struggling. These schools are super super selective. I know people who move country and bring their whole family with them just I get in.

OP- I wouldn't stress too much if your son is only in Y3- boys especially can change massively. I've been through the 11+ from state primary twice and every child I know who wanted a place at Independent secondaries got one that suited them. The process always throws up surprises- boys who get into KCS and don't get into KGS, ones that get into St Pauls but don't get into Emanuel etc. It's all a bit of a lottery and the schools know what they're looking for. It also might be the case that you'll look at these schools and not feel they're suited to your son one way or another. (Eg I really liked Latymer, didn't like KCS-others would have the opposite view).

KGS is not 'super, super selective'. Yes, it wants bright all rounders but not genius level.

KGS and Hampton 10+ are useful for the feedback you get if they don't get a place. I know a ton of kids who didn't get 10+ places and got in at 11+.

Radnor House is also worth a look if you live that way- have several happy friends there. Epsom College (although £££).

@mrspotatohedz thank you - I think this is what I'd hoped, that with some work, some luck, and preparation we'd be able to get him into a decent indie from his state primary (which performs well). I'd really rather not move him now before yr 6, so tempting as the all through is, we'll have to hedge our bets I think.

I'll sort out an 11+ specific tutor and the 10+ KGS/Hampton for a dry run sounds a fine idea. I actually went to KGS when they still had a prep year (yr 6) and I just loved it.

Hi there, my son goes to Radnor House and absolutely loves it. He was in top of his class at state and is around the top at school now but by no means does he find it easy!

Something to note is that they take a small grp at Yr 5 & 6 which enables them to skip 11+. It is still selective though.

They are also moving to a much bigger site in 2023!! Will then have all the bells and whistles!