KCS 13+

[need13advice]

Hi was wondering if someone could give some insights into KCS 13+.

As I understand, it is a pretty small intake (30 places compared to 60 places at 11+). This is in addition to the kids who are coming up from KCJS (incidentally, how many places are given to KCJS kids?). How do they do the integration at Y9? I do know some schools re-set and mixes all kids up at Y9.

In terms of academics, if a kid struggles a bit to catch up, how supportive would KCS be? I wouldn’t have this concern if DS is entering at 11+ as he is academically able and top of his sets but we will be abroad for Y7 and Y8. I am not sure if the school overseas will be able to prepare him sufficiently for the demands of KCS especially since at Y9, they need to “hit the ground running” so as to speak.

I have also heard that KCS is not as sporty as say, Hampton or Whitgift and is for “gentle” types. Is this true? I have also read that the opposite is true (Hampton is more for “gentle” types). Would KCS suit a non-sporty, gentle/sensitive kid with ASD high functioning?

Lastly, can I ask what is this “tutor” that is being referred in some threads? Is it a tutor system like St Paul’s or the kids have external private tutors outside school? I can’t recall what I heard on Open Day about this.

Sorry for the long post and many thanks in advance!

I think with any 13+ entry if your ds is at a school that ends at 11 the admissions will ask where he will be schooled for years 7 & 8 and if you say abroad it will ring alarm bells. Most ds sitting 13plus are at prep schools that cover those 2 years so KCS know they will be taught the basic common entrance planning, for example with a MFL my ds is at Hampton (he joined at 11), the ds who joined at 13 where at the same place as him in French so they could all be taught together at the same pace ready for GCSE.

Have you spoken to KCS admissions?
Don't worry about sport/alpha/quiet ds etc, gaining a 13plus place at any school is a much bigger challenge due to small number of places available.

@sailingsunshine many thanks for the reply. Yes I have written to all the schools that we are interested (KCS included) and asked them about being abroad and if the offer given will be conditional on any other factors/CE etc as obviously the overseas school will not have the same curriculum/CE. They have all said it will be based on satisfactory school report in Y8 (some also said Y7 and Y8 report but I can’t remember which).

That's good to know. It's best to apply for a range and see where you get the offers. If you aren't in a prep school it's worth looking the destination schools of leavers for 3 of the leading prep schools - Shrewsbury House, kings house and Tower House and you will see the schools their pupils move on to. This is who you are competing with for places. My ds's year at Hampton had a large intake from Kings House and a few from Shrewsbury. It gives you an idea of how competitive it is to get a place.

Many thanks for the helpful information. I will take a look at it. I know I posted asking information on KCS but interestingly, Hampton is one of the schools that we are considering too. However I have discounted it slightly after our school tour as I didn’t get much impression of it (the boy showing us round probably wasn’t very prepared as he was a last min substitute) but DS did like it a lot. Might be worthwhile to hear from an existing parent if you would care to share your experience? Similar questions to KCS in terms of integration, academics, SEN/sports. Many thanks!

@need13advice , I will send you a PM but it's really hard to get a place, all these other factors only come in to play when you have an offer. We were 11 plus which is statistically easier esp because the grammar schools take so many of the high achievers in the cohort sitting 11 plus exams.

Hi @Sashamia, many thanks for the detailed response. It is very helpful and reassuring.

Regarding tutors, does it mean that from Y9 onwards, the boys will have a form tutor in addition to a tutor who meets on a weekly basis?

Also, can I check, 6 house heads/form tutors x 25 kids per class = 150 kids. I have read in a newsletter that KCS has around 170 kids in a year group which works out to be 6 classes of 28 kids. Do they have so many kids in a class or do they have 7 classes (7 x 25 = 170)? Sorry but the mathematician in me just had to ask…

Lastly, any comments about sports? I think they still have rowing at Putney but is everything else onsite with the new sports facilities? Would be useful to know as we intend to move closer to whichever school we get. Many thanks!