Kingston independent schools

[worriedmum2023]

Hi, I am worried about difficult in entrance tests for Kingston grammar, Hamptons, Epsom college, claremont fan court.

My DS didn't pass Sutton SET round1 and checking indies now. Is it easier to pass indies compared to sutton or tiffin?

No it's not but you have got a range of schools on your list which is good.
You need to focus on Claremont and KGS with Epsom as an added bonus. I don't know what exam format Hampton are using this year but many of the cohort who take up places in sept 2023 will have also had grammar school offers they have declined.
Focus on the content of the exams at Claremont and KGS - ie maths and English by using practice papers and reading decent quality books to extend vocabulary etc.

I have heard good things about Ewell Castle as a less selective school.

thank you @hockeygrass . Do you think KGS is easier than Epsom? My DS is above average in maths and average in english and we were hopeful he will pass SET.
What kind of practise paper do you recommend for KGS or claremont? GL/ CEM or private school papers?

Thanks @BumbledBee . My DS didn't enjoy Ewell castle on open day, he prefers local comprehensive than it.

Then maybe he should go to the local comprehensive, OP. I used to live over the river In Teddington and know as many kids who did well there as elsewhere.

Yes, local comprehensive is a great option. However my DS liked KGS, CFC more than them. Hence checking. Thanks

@worriedmum2023 , sorry I can't help, my ds took his exams many years ago and the formats have since changed plus Epsom and CFC have become much more popular and have extended their coach routes to take in a much wider catchment. I'm sure your ds will do fine but it's a very long and tortuous process.

Look into ST Georges Weybridge too, not far lots of kids from that part make their way, school buses and trains.

@worriedmum2023 can I ask what he didn't like at Ewell Castle? We were considering it as a possible one for DS.

It is a very nice school, but my son (and I) felt it is too relaxed. My DS isn't the 'competitive' type, he likes a good challenge now and then.

The setting was really good and I'm sure it suits many children to thrive.

My son started sessions before summer with a tuition company who has a 100% pass rate for all of those schools you mention (one of the reasons we've signed him up!) They're really nice and offer great advice - the women who own the business are both mums and very much treat their students as if they were their own kids in terms of planning what's the very best for them. DM me if you want their number xx

Maybe you should look at st john's as well which is quite a bit easier to get into than Epsom. Worth trying still even if he didn't clear SET hurdle if you think generally he is academic, as there are still 3-4 months to study till the January exams. But both schools definitely looking at top third of candidates who take the exam, I don't think average will cut it.

sorry when I said "both schools" I meant KGS and Epsom, not Epsom and St John's if that makes sense...
I think generally KGS is slightly harder academically than Epsom but you will find children who got into KGS but not Epsom as Epsom looks for children who will benefit from their busy extracurricular environment, so it is a very different selection process. KGS is pretty much all about the Maths/English score.

Thank you @swgeek. I didn’t know about St. John’s as I am new to this area and looked for 5 mile radius. Do you know about Claremont vs St. John’s ?

St John's leatherhead is very popular, it's harder to get a place than CFC and almost the same as Epsom College. It's also very expensive from year 9 - same as Epsom.

My daughter got places at both KGS and Claremont Fan last year. my understanding is Epsom is easier than KGS, harder than CFC. Although CFC getting harder to get into.

@SpringCalling my son has a interview call next week at Kingston Grammar, can you give some pointers on the interview please ..what kind of preparation is needed. Thanks

@Dazzle85 The interviews were online last year so I did listen in! You really don't need to do any preparation, it is more a chat. They asked about what book she was reading, her family, her interests. Which with my DD meant quite a lot of talk about cricket!

@SpringCalling thank you so much..that really helps. Can I check on other thing...Do you have any idea of how many kids that were interviewed went on to get offers? Did you know of any kids that didn't get a offer post interview? Just trying to understand the chances of we getting one :)

@Dazzle85 your chances once interviewed at KGS are VERY high but it might be a waiting list offer. The waiting list does move. Head said on the open day that they only invite children for interview if they are planning to offer them at least a waiting list place. It's possible though that you might end up at the very end of the waiting list, but in general chances are very high. Best of luck.

@swgeek thank you...Was the headteacher mention for 10 plus or 11 plus....We are waiting for 10 plus offer...wasn't sure if they would have a wait list for 10 plus

@swgeek sorry to jump in here! DD is on WL for sixth form KGS and I was wondering how quickly the list moves? The waiting game is torture especially when you have deadlines to accept offers from other schools! DD is really keen on KGS too. Do you know anything about sixth form WL movement? I understand that tiffin school sends out offers slightly later and this might help with movement….

Hi there

Curious to know which one you chose? Am In the same situation - both very different schools and can see a balanced view of both …be grateful of a steer…

Thanks!

@SpringCalling that is ! (Sorry.. couldn’t figure out how to edit above post!)