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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Original poster

SW London Private and Grammar - applying for Year 7 in 2023 (part VII)

304 replies

QuiteAJourney · 02/03/2023 06:59

We come from:
www.mumsnet.com/talk/secondary/4739261-sw-london-private-and-grammar-applying-for-year-7-in-2023-part-vi?page=40&reply=124308644

Let's continue the journey together

OP posts:
momomamiko · 06/05/2023 08:46

Should have said before/around the time.

Which schools are you waiting for?

KindergartenKop · 06/05/2023 09:12

I would definitely have paid a deposit and a terms fees if my child had been near the top of a grammar school waiting list!

HawaiiWake · 06/05/2023 09:29

We knew families paying deposit and first term fees moving to another private school up to August in the last few years. They said they are chilled and happy with their choice and suddenly St.Paul’s, Westminster, NLCS and GL last minute offers and they move. A few months later we found they been campaigning all that time with letters, emails etc to get move from WL.
Also, grammar space offers right up to first week of September.

Turquoiseturtle3 · 12/05/2023 13:56

I caved and contacted the council. Heard back today - have moved a few places down the list. Slow progress but at least a bit of progress.

Movement trickling in from the grammars

HawaiiWake · 12/05/2023 20:29

PreplexJ · 12/05/2023 19:33

Saw earlier discussion about SAT, this year the English paper is not easy
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-65570684

But still easier than 11+ paper 😂

Yes. I think the teaching and expectations in all primary schools should not be opaque. I was new to the UK primary school system and I found unfairness embedded in the system since there was a lot of inside knowledge of curriculum, how far ahead, 11+ marking scheme etc and luckily met with some parents willing to share. Some schools were very transparent and they were mostly boys schools. Some lovely, helpful folks vs some crazy, competitive underhand ones…quite a spectrum.

So from this article, the top sets for SAT, unless preparing for 11+ grammar or private has a wide gap before entering secondary schools. What a waste of young kids’ curiosity and talents.

JuliasBiscuit · 14/05/2023 21:55

This reply has been withdrawn

The OP has privacy concerns and so we've agreed to take this down.

Workhar · 30/05/2023 22:06

My girl’s senior school requires us to purchase a school ipad and there is an (expensive) option of taking insurance for it. My girl is quite responsible and handles her stuff very well. Does it still make sense to buy the insurance? Thanks

MumGPT · 30/05/2023 23:51

Workhar · 30/05/2023 22:06

My girl’s senior school requires us to purchase a school ipad and there is an (expensive) option of taking insurance for it. My girl is quite responsible and handles her stuff very well. Does it still make sense to buy the insurance? Thanks

LEH? I will not buy the insurance.

HawaiiWake · 31/05/2023 07:24

Workhar · 30/05/2023 22:06

My girl’s senior school requires us to purchase a school ipad and there is an (expensive) option of taking insurance for it. My girl is quite responsible and handles her stuff very well. Does it still make sense to buy the insurance? Thanks

Check your household content insurance and see if it covers your DC iPad.

Original poster
QuiteAJourney · 03/07/2023 15:57

Hi everybody! As the summer approaches, just wondering how the induction events and preparations / anticipation is panning out.
DD super-excited and arrival of new uniform, purchase of laptop and induction events (which have gone well) have really made it real!

OP posts:
SamPoodle123 · 03/07/2023 17:28

Hello @QuiteAJourney the inductions have been great. My dd is very excited. Uniform purchased, but all quite big, so will order smaller size. Very pleased with the school and the parents. Everyone is so friendly.

Original poster
QuiteAJourney · 03/07/2023 17:59

@SamPoodle123 It is great to see them excited and to get a warm feeling from the school and parents, isn't it? Especially as excitement of secondary is mitigating the sadness of leaving primary (which DD has loved).

OP posts:
confu5ed · 03/07/2023 21:04

We have an induction day on Wednesday! Exciting! Glad to hear that yours have been going well!

I wanted to ask if anyone on here has a DD or DS starting at Harrodian in September?

sugarcookie5 · 03/07/2023 21:22

Hello everyone! Such an exciting time!! DS loved his induction day at Halliford and I connected to a few Mums on here who have sons going in September too which is fab. We have a few WhatsApp groups going and they have to choose extra language this Wk- he’s going for Spanish. Uniform fitting coming up soon. Sad moments as we come to the end of junior school!!! How’s everything going with you all?

Original poster
QuiteAJourney · 03/07/2023 21:49

@sugarcookie5 @confu5ed nice to hear from you again and to know that it is going well.
All good on our side - DD has had 2 induction events at WHS, including getting to know her form teacher and other girls in her form (and we had a parents' induction too)... all (DD and us) like the school even more now, which is a great feeling!
Practicalities now mostly sorted: Uniform bought, computer purchased, languages chosen, etc. We have some get-togethers organised during the summer with other girls also going there. When back in September, they have a sports trial day before they start and then an overnight residential on the first week, that I think will be brilliant for extra bonding.

OP posts:
confu5ed · 03/07/2023 21:56

@QuiteAJourney That all sounds really great! Glad it's all going well and that your DD is loving the school!

Daydreamscometrue · 04/07/2023 06:34

@QuiteAJourney Lovely to hear from you again! DS loved his induction evening at LU and has already made a couple of friends. He is very excited about joining in Sept.

SamPoodle123 · 04/07/2023 10:55

QuiteAJourney · 03/07/2023 17:59

@SamPoodle123 It is great to see them excited and to get a warm feeling from the school and parents, isn't it? Especially as excitement of secondary is mitigating the sadness of leaving primary (which DD has loved).

Yes, it is great and so happy that parents seem very excited as well :)

Original poster
QuiteAJourney · 04/07/2023 11:15

@Daydreamscometrue so nice to see you back on the thread and to know that your DS has enjoyed the induction and is already making friends! One of my DD's friends is heading to LU and was very enthused by the induction too!

OP posts:
EweCee · 04/07/2023 20:19

My DD loved her induction day at SHS - she made 5 friends, LOVES her form teacher, who is also her English teacher (one of her favourite subjects!) and now can’t wait for the pre-season sports/ social events in August. Haven’t got uniform yet - seeing as she grows over 1cm a month (and has for the past 18 months), we’re waiting until the last possible moment 😆

Parent comms and cheese+wine event have been great too

Daydreamscometrue · 05/07/2023 06:28

@QuiteAJourney Thank you!

Turquoiseturtle3 · 07/07/2023 20:00

hi all, does anyone have any updates? Pls can I double check - are the private school fees now locked in for the first term? I know some are due after the induction day so was hoping this might prompt a bit of movement. Thanks

SamPoodle123 · 07/07/2023 20:50

We already got an email about fee increase...starting after Autumn term. Curious if all the schools are increasing?

Original poster
QuiteAJourney · 07/07/2023 20:51

Ours are not payable until early September, but all paperwork committing us to the payment was signed at the start of this term (I think that many schools have one terms notice). I am assuming other GDST are the same.

OP posts: