Greater Manchester Grammar and Private - Year 7 entry 2023

[SalvePuella]

Anyone fancy joining me on a thread, as the 2023 offers go out?

We didn't apply to many schools, so I'm on tenterhooks right now. Really hoping for Stockport Grammar for DS.

Thanks for all your help @ThirstyMeeples, she said the assessment day went ok on Wednesday, now just checking my inbox all the time to see if she gets an interview 🙏

Glad it went well. Let us know how she gets on x

Woop she has an interview @ThirstyMeeples :D It's only 10 minutes long! Can you remember what they asked you at the interview last year?
I'm assuming it's questions such as why do you want to go to this school, what hobbies do you have, that type of thing? x

@MushPeas congratulations! Is that for SGS the interview?

Ours lasted about 20 mins but they just asked about hobbies, how DD found the exam, what she thought of her primary school and what she would change about it. What she liked about SGS and about her favourite subjects.

The SGS interview was short and relatively boring tbh! Not sure if you’ve done cheadle too? That was much more in depth.

Hi @longshot thanks so much for your response, it's super helpful :)

Oh, it doesn't sound too scary at all! It does sound v short. Do they ask the parents anything, or will we just be there to put DD at ease?

We've only applied for SGS as she didn't like anywhere else (though do have the local comp. as back-up which she likes too). I've heard Cheadle is good though :)

I can’t remember exactly but don’t think they asked us anything really. It’s definitely about the child. They did ask us for our questions so take a few of those in!

Ooh I'll prepare some, thanks @longshot My youngest DD applied for the Junior school this academic year for Y4 entry. We went and had a meeting with the Head. I think he was a bit surprised when she pulled out a list of questions she wanted to ask him 😂Might have to ask her for ideas 😉

Application numbers have risen post covid but that said, everyone we knew who applied for privates got a space. All who had sgs interviews got offers.

Hiya @deeprealisation I didn't realise application numbers had risen so much post covid. I was v surprised there were up to 600 students on assessment day. Good to know that everyone who had an interview got an offer, gives me hope!

I think it's a combination of reasons. State school funding slashed for years. A lot of parents wanting smaller classes & less disruption and will pay through the nose for it if they can. Better sports facilities too etc
Academically a lot of decent state schools Inc ours do just as well. But the high % of SEN kids and then disinterested ones worries many.

Covid made a lot of people evaluate the state v paid for provision. Lot more DC now need more support than ever before too. That sends some private as they need smaller quieter classes for their child and to avoid those who may disrupt - that the state sector has to manage.
Sad but true.
The horror stories about state high schools are massively exaggerated tho

Our DD is happy if she goes to the local state school. I think lockdown learning has affected lots of kids and maybe that's why parents are looking for smaller classes?
I hope DD gets into the school, it will suit her really well :)

Does anyone have experience with late entrance assessments for grammar schools in Trafford (Manchester)? My son is y7 now