Page 8 | SW London Private & Grammar: applying for year 7 in 2023

Daydreamscometrue · 21/01/2023 12:07

@QuiteAJourney Just Dulwich on Wednesday!

Original poster

QuiteAJourney · 21/01/2023 12:15

@Daydreamscometrue hurrah! Almost there 🎉

OP posts:

SamPoodle123 · 21/01/2023 12:48

@Daydreamscometrue that is great it went well! I really like how Emanuel has handled the process so far.

Justarrivedlondon · 21/01/2023 16:31

Had anyone been to the King's interview, and would you be surprised by the vast number of boys the school interviewed vs number of spaces. We went this morning and there were 15 boys in each batch. They called another batch every 20 minutes. So there must be at least 10 batches totaling 150 boys today, probably more maybe 200. There are 4 days scheduled for the interview, so they may be interviewing at least 600 boys. There are a total of 90 places for 11+ and 13+ in total, and even if they offer double the number of spaces (which I think they don't need to), the interview-to-offer ratio is still 3.3 times and may be as much as 4 times.

I am quite sure those down at the 2nd half in score ranking have almost no chance.

From this case and some in the above and our other experience, it seems many schools are interviewing many more boys or girls than last year (with same number of spaces), and it is really creating false hopes for too many. I know it looks good for the school to say we don't just look at the scores, but we know that the score is most important (albeit not the only factor), and I can't see those much lower in the ranking for those schools that interview 2, 3, 4 times the number of offers (not spaces) have any realistic chance.

I just hope that next year, they limit the number of candidates they interview to a more realistic level.

Justarrivedlondon · 21/01/2023 16:33

And if they want to interview that many, then just interview everyone, rather than creating false hope (like e.g. RGS Guildford).

woohooho · 21/01/2023 17:05

Justarrivedlondon · 21/01/2023 16:31

Had anyone been to the King's interview, and would you be surprised by the vast number of boys the school interviewed vs number of spaces. We went this morning and there were 15 boys in each batch. They called another batch every 20 minutes. So there must be at least 10 batches totaling 150 boys today, probably more maybe 200. There are 4 days scheduled for the interview, so they may be interviewing at least 600 boys. There are a total of 90 places for 11+ and 13+ in total, and even if they offer double the number of spaces (which I think they don't need to), the interview-to-offer ratio is still 3.3 times and may be as much as 4 times.

I am quite sure those down at the 2nd half in score ranking have almost no chance.

From this case and some in the above and our other experience, it seems many schools are interviewing many more boys or girls than last year (with same number of spaces), and it is really creating false hopes for too many. I know it looks good for the school to say we don't just look at the scores, but we know that the score is most important (albeit not the only factor), and I can't see those much lower in the ranking for those schools that interview 2, 3, 4 times the number of offers (not spaces) have any realistic chance.

I just hope that next year, they limit the number of candidates they interview to a more realistic level.

I expect there were lots more interviewed today than on other days as the other days are normal school days so teachers and rooms etc would be busy. I also suspect they have to offer more than 2 times the number of places. They are competing against Grammar Schools, St Paul's, Westminster Hampton, LU etc. The odds are usually a lot better than it seems! A couple of years ago they exhausted their waitlist and made late offers to some who hadn't got WL places. Possibly because they had a higher acceptance rate and needed to fill an extra class but who knows?

Original poster

QuiteAJourney · 21/01/2023 17:43

@Justarrivedlondon I think that @momomamiko spoke with someone and helpfully posted some information earlier in the thread.
The numbers posted for 11+ were around 200 interview invites (out of 500 exam entrants) for 60 places.
(Aren't the interviews for 11+ and 13+ over the same period? That might explain the numbers)

OP posts:

momomamiko · 21/01/2023 18:14

In our 9am slot on Thursday, there were 4-5 boys per batch.

momomamiko · 21/01/2023 18:16

@Justarrivedlondon sorry I meant to respond your Q re King’s

knopka · 21/01/2023 20:15

Hope everything went well for everyone today at interviews and good to hear that Emanuel was good at putting children at ease.

SamPoodle123 · 21/01/2023 21:10

Justarrivedlondon · 21/01/2023 16:31

Had anyone been to the King's interview, and would you be surprised by the vast number of boys the school interviewed vs number of spaces. We went this morning and there were 15 boys in each batch. They called another batch every 20 minutes. So there must be at least 10 batches totaling 150 boys today, probably more maybe 200. There are 4 days scheduled for the interview, so they may be interviewing at least 600 boys. There are a total of 90 places for 11+ and 13+ in total, and even if they offer double the number of spaces (which I think they don't need to), the interview-to-offer ratio is still 3.3 times and may be as much as 4 times.

I am quite sure those down at the 2nd half in score ranking have almost no chance.

From this case and some in the above and our other experience, it seems many schools are interviewing many more boys or girls than last year (with same number of spaces), and it is really creating false hopes for too many. I know it looks good for the school to say we don't just look at the scores, but we know that the score is most important (albeit not the only factor), and I can't see those much lower in the ranking for those schools that interview 2, 3, 4 times the number of offers (not spaces) have any realistic chance.

I just hope that next year, they limit the number of candidates they interview to a more realistic level.

Yea, to me it does not make sense to interview so many if the scores matter most. For G&L I wonder if they already made the decision pretty much based on scores, which would explain why the interview is only 15 minutes. But then I wonder what is the point in asking so many for interview if they already know pretty much who they want based on scores.

KindergartenKop · 21/01/2023 21:30

@SamPoodle123 I wonder whether group activities would be more useful than a 1to1 interview. Surely they already know who is academic, don't they really need to know who rubs along well with other people and are kind and tolerant?

SamPoodle123 · 21/01/2023 22:12

KindergartenKop · 21/01/2023 21:30

@SamPoodle123 I wonder whether group activities would be more useful than a 1to1 interview. Surely they already know who is academic, don't they really need to know who rubs along well with other people and are kind and tolerant?

I think both are useful. I liked the feedback my dd gave from the FHSS and Putney interviews. Both had group activities first and then 1 to 1 interviews. I also felt the questions asked during the interviews gave them a better idea of how the candidates think....I really wonder how the different schools decide in the end. Do they tally things up and decide by an overall score (like interviews get scores as well).

Daydreamscometrue · 21/01/2023 22:23

KindergartenKop · 21/01/2023 21:30

@SamPoodle123 I wonder whether group activities would be more useful than a 1to1 interview. Surely they already know who is academic, don't they really need to know who rubs along well with other people and are kind and tolerant?

@KindergartenKop this is my thinking. With the group activity they're assessing teachability and it gives them chance to see how they interact with one another. DS has had three such interviews now. He's enjoyed the sessions and it helps loosen them up for the following one to one interview.

cerealchange · 21/01/2023 22:24

I agree that the group activities are extremely important for checking out the temperament of the dc. I liked the PHS way for doing this then interviewing afterwards and asking questions relevant to the group task.

Any idea how many interviewed at PHS? Also any idea of how many are at the junior school? I heard they have automatic places.

Original poster

QuiteAJourney · 21/01/2023 22:25

More and more schools seem to be going down the route of group activity / classroom situation and interview - which seems a better idea in terms of getting an understanding of how children interact with each other / behave in a learning environment but also of their individual personality.

OP posts:

Mamabear12 · 22/01/2023 08:04

cerealchange · 21/01/2023 22:24

I agree that the group activities are extremely important for checking out the temperament of the dc. I liked the PHS way for doing this then interviewing afterwards and asking questions relevant to the group task.

Any idea how many interviewed at PHS? Also any idea of how many are at the junior school? I heard they have automatic places.

I was told half of the applicants, which were 600, so 300 to interview. Putney was nice enough to call me in response to my email asking. And they confirmed again in person when another parent asked the same question in front of me. I then asked about kids moving up from primary and it seems it depends on the year, but sounded like they take everyone. Although; they do have to go through test and assessment and obviously if they are really struggling they would perhaps suggest another school (my guess, not sure if true). But some girls decide to apply to other schools such as G&L or LU etc, while it seems many stay.

Mamabear12 · 22/01/2023 08:23

QuiteAJourney · 21/01/2023 22:25

More and more schools seem to be going down the route of group activity / classroom situation and interview - which seems a better idea in terms of getting an understanding of how children interact with each other / behave in a learning environment but also of their individual personality.

Yes, I think this format is best for interviews. Good to see how dc work together in a group. Also, good for dc to get a sense for teaching style.

Taurus23 · 22/01/2023 09:32

Appreciate I’m driving myself round the bend speculating but it’s seem like WHS and PHS are calling back approx 5:1. WHS had circa 400 at the creative assessment although 50 may have been from the junior school who were also participating. PHS 300 for 60 places. Does anyone know the figures for SHS and LEH?

The ratios do seem high but the multiple applications most families seem to make may justify this.

I understand TGS is historically 450-500 ish for 180 places so approx 3:1, may have been different this year…

Daydreamscometrue · 22/01/2023 09:49

Based on those figures which would probably be similar for some of the boys schools, do you think it's easier to get offered TGS or TBS on allocation day? A few who sat the second round at the grammar schools may also be out of catchment further reducing that figure of 600.

Taurus23 · 22/01/2023 09:57

Daydreamscometrue · 22/01/2023 09:49

Based on those figures which would probably be similar for some of the boys schools, do you think it's easier to get offered TGS or TBS on allocation day? A few who sat the second round at the grammar schools may also be out of catchment further reducing that figure of 600.

I’m not sure as I think the Grammars don’t over offer only go to a waiting list (20 - 35) ish down for girls assume same for boys.

The independents do over offer so it may end up evening out to a 3:1 chance.

DD been offered all her interviews/2nd rounds but this could be due to the large call back.

Depending where she sits in that call back. She’s either going to be offered everything or nothing.

We do have an offer for Sutton High. If anyone has any feedback on this school it would be gratefully appreciated. Unfortunately we can’t make the offer holders day.

PreplexJ · 22/01/2023 09:57

Not sure how many DCs in the threads apply for Highgate.

We have a very nice experience on Highgate's assessment day last Wednesday. A brief visit follow by group interview team work exercise and 2 different subjects taster class/exercise. DD enjoyed it all the way. She found it very inspiring when hearing other children answer the group interview questions. And a lot of interactive opportunities.

The school facility is the best among all the schools (all North of the river) we visited so far. The teacher team is young and enthusiastic. A good diversity in the class.

The process is well organised, lots of help video on school website to cover first round assessment. It is the only school asked for applicants availability before sending out second round dates.

Based on the assessment format, think the school is looking for DCs that work well in a team, naturally bright but give little pressure on academic front (no set , not time pressure exams).

The school has become Coed for many years. However, somehow I still have the impression Highgate has the public school "alpha/beta" male culture. This probably is my biased view as all the Old Cholmeleians I know at my age is male.

The school itself definitely become more popular year after year.

sailingsunshine · 22/01/2023 10:01

Based on previous experience as a parent and speaking to other parents a Tiffin Girls or Boys straight out offer on 1st March is the hardest offer to achieve. A Tiffin WL offer which turns into a place by Sept (ie high ranking) is on a par with a Hampton/LEH straight out offer in mid feb. The offer ratios are far higher than you imagine which is why schools never disclose them and the WL movement with Tiffin and the privates in some cases can be massive - ie LEH if they decide to add a bulge class at last min - or tiny in some
cases like Surbiton last year that had too many acceptances. It's best not to spend too much time worrying because you have no idea how many schools are going to announce a bulge class post 10th Feb.

Taurus23 · 22/01/2023 10:04

sailingsunshine · 22/01/2023 10:01

Based on previous experience as a parent and speaking to other parents a Tiffin Girls or Boys straight out offer on 1st March is the hardest offer to achieve. A Tiffin WL offer which turns into a place by Sept (ie high ranking) is on a par with a Hampton/LEH straight out offer in mid feb. The offer ratios are far higher than you imagine which is why schools never disclose them and the WL movement with Tiffin and the privates in some cases can be massive - ie LEH if they decide to add a bulge class at last min - or tiny in some
cases like Surbiton last year that had too many acceptances. It's best not to spend too much time worrying because you have no idea how many schools are going to announce a bulge class post 10th Feb.

Thank you, makes sense. A bulge class although not ideal would ease a lot of pressure!

Link2022 · 22/01/2023 10:05

Taurus23 · 22/01/2023 09:32

Appreciate I’m driving myself round the bend speculating but it’s seem like WHS and PHS are calling back approx 5:1. WHS had circa 400 at the creative assessment although 50 may have been from the junior school who were also participating. PHS 300 for 60 places. Does anyone know the figures for SHS and LEH?

The ratios do seem high but the multiple applications most families seem to make may justify this.

I understand TGS is historically 450-500 ish for 180 places so approx 3:1, may have been different this year…

Not sure if this helps at all, but 5 girls at our school got the second round at phs and I think only one will take the place, if offered. The other girls are very likely to get/choose g&l or spg.