KCS 13+ waitlist

[Watermelonsalad]

DS had been offered a waitlist place for KCS Wimbledon at 13 + entry. Is there ever much movement on this list ?

Hi. We are in the same situation. Did you find out anything further? Or if they re-test the kids in the run up to year 9 entry, like St Paul's does. My husband spoke to the admissions office but I don't think he got the right story. Trying to decipher what he is telling me.

When I called the admissions office they said they ask for a report from the headteachers if a spot opens up from the waitlist. But was told not to expect any movement on the list until year 7/year 8.

My husband said something similar. I wonder if we should push to find out where DS is on that wait-list. Feels like being on death row for the next 2 years ... Some kids will have better odds than others depending on where they're placed, I would assume.

@RaspberryCake , it's likely the drop out rate on WL is quite high because parents have already paid a deposit for another school at 13 or during the next 2 years dc change and find somewhere else. It's unlikely the school will reveal too much re your position on the WL because it will be giving too much info away, plus they may replace a sporty offer rejection with a sporty WL offer etc as they need to ensure the year group is balanced - sporty, academic, music etc.

I was told there was no ranking for the waitlist candidates at the moment - I did ask this question specifically. I agree the drop out rate on the WL must be high … only those who really want this would remain on it until the end.

For King's 13+, you are not required to pay any deposit until Feb 2024. So, unlikely to be any movement until after that.

Also, some from our prep with a King's 13+ waitlist also have 11+ offers from schools like Hampton or Wilson and will not remain in the prep for year 7 and 8 and will, even if offered a King's 13 + place in year 7 or 8, not take it, once they settled into the new school.

Fascinating dynamics! Just out of curiosity, why wouldn't these kids with 11+ offers at other schools also apply for 11+ at Kings and instead opt for 13+? I

@RaspberryCake , 11plus favours state school applicants at some schools but Hampton is 50% state 50% prep at 11, if you aren't top cohort at your prep it's advisable to take 11plus for Hampton rather than 13. Or if you dc is bright and you are considering ducking out of private you need to sit Wilson's etc at 11. As you say the dynamics are complicated.

Some take all of SP, Westminster and King's at 13+ (plus Eton for some) and if they got a firm offer for one they would stay on and waitlist for the others and decide later. They may also sit 11+ for others and if only WL and no firm offer for any of the top 3, they will not stay on and very likely let the WL lapse, or in the case of SP, will not sit the reserve list exam.

I know of someone who only got off the waitlist in year 8 last year . Very late in terms of timescales.

Agree with all the comments from pp about the different dynamics involved.

Just to add, we have the same information as @Watermelonsalad but Kings has also mentioned that there are 20-25 places available for 13+. I think most have said Kings has 30 places available so it seems like they have considerably reduced the number this year. This might be another consideration why some like us have decided to move on. Feels like a very small chance especially looking at the number of boys on waitlist (and they overoffer) vs places available. But never say never! The list might still move!

Good luck @Watermelonsalad @RaspberryCake Are there other options that you are considering?

DS has an offer at another school which is one I’m pleased with. DS keen on Kings as best friend has a place there. We will remain on waitlist until deposit for other school is due. If no movement by then we will have to accept things for what they are.

We're going to stay on the wait-list too as it is my son's top choice. Otherwise, waiting to hear from Eton at end of March and Winchester in May. Those are our top choices. My son is in the 13+ cohort so he still has 2 more years to go in his current school.

Hope both of you get what you want! Best of luck!

Just to add that the current Kcs advice is in line with what happened to us a few years ago. DS2 was on the wait list and we were told to keep in touch, so every now and then I would call to ask for an update. At the end of y7 had the same chat, they then spoke to the prep head and he was offered a place. He went there and loves it. Fantastic school. My advice would be to make a rational decision only when you really need to. We know boys who changed school in summer holidays of y8. Remove the emotion of who has offered most enthusiastically early on and decide where you Ds fits best. No regrets here whatsoever. Do not take the wait list as any indicator of how good a fit it might be later. DS2 did scholarship route etc…

Thank you Monkey for your words. Your experience is so valuable to help parents like me see through all of the emotion this brings out. Hearing your story gives me hope that DS will hopefully have some choices. I’m pleased to hear your DS is thriving there.

Just curious … has anyone heard about any movement on the waitlist for 13 plus entry 2025?