Less selective schools (11+) - Radnor House, Hampton Court House, Claremont Fan Court, Halliford etc.

[kyunak]

Hi folks,

I need some opinion for the less selective schools for 11+ path. Here is my list I want to get your opinion from the families whose children are there. My son is not super academic, sporty and we live in Richmond. Appreciate any input.

Reed’s
St John's School (Surrey) leaterhed
Whitgift School
Ibstock Place School
Hampton Court House
St James Senior Boys School
Epsom College
Claremont Fan Court
Radnor House / Kneller School
Kew House
Halliford School

Lots on that list are super selective

Agree with pp.

My SDD has just left St John's. Great school, excellent pastoral care. She's had a ball and done very well.

As PP said, at least half on that list are super selective. Some weren't considered so a few years ago but that has all changed. For example, Reeds overtook St George's in the academic stakes a couple of years ago (although I admit I don't know where they stand relatively now).
Whitgift, Epsom, Ibstock are certainly very competitive. And Radnor / Kneller getting more so.
All the others are also "upping their game" academically.
Off the top of my head, for a sporty boy I'd recommend trying Whitgift and Reeds and avoiding Hampton Court House and Radnor. Not sure about the others, although I saw from a friend that St James have just won a national football cup for U13.

I’m a Radnor parent. Standards are definitely on the up and getting harder to get into. Sports provision and opportunities to play sport is excellent. They use the facilities at St Mary’s Uni and Teddington Cricket Club for example. Huge range of lunchtime and after school clubs. Pastoral care is excellent.

If you want more info on sports at Radnor follow Radnor Sports on Twitter and Instagram

Interesting to hear the term "super selective" for lots of these schools.

It maybe refer to the number of applicants compared to the number of places available for the school.

Don't forget, in recent years in one particular year one kid will probably apply at least half (some might apply all) of the OP school listed above - the number of total applications are super inflated, so as the term super selective.

The true measurement on how selective a school is how far down on the waiting list or last rank position get offer from the school (vs total applicants) based on the selection criteria the school use.

I think it is not in the interest from the schools to publish this number, to publish applicant vs places is better for marketing.

Can't help OP's original question, but it is probably true that these schools are less selective compared to quite a number of London academic selective school in 11+. A lot of schools above have googd sports facility and strong provisions.

Also, it depends on how sporty - as schools love kids that are the top of their games with sports - so that might hold some weight for you if at county level

St James is very sporty and a lot of boys take the train from Richmond.

@PreplexJ you've hit the nail on the head. One of those school have asked children back that weren't even on the waitlist.Another one nearby that isn't mentioned have also invited back those who didn't make the waitlist . Because each child is sitting several tests for several different schools when the offers come in parents accept a school but often switch to their preferred school should they get an offer at a later date.
This year some schools have gone through their waitlist to find out those on the waitlist have taken other offers and one school in particular on this list has telephoned parents whose children didn't get onto the waitlist offering them a place. That being said - these are all fairly selective schools. A bit out of the way but The Hall in Wimbledon is on the way up and I'm hearing positive things.

Sorry - I meant to say St John's in Leatherhead always gets a good review from people I speak to.

Halliford parent here - I am very impressed with the school. My son is middling academic and sporty. Nice school, nice kids, great pastoral and teachers that genuinely care. My son is turning in to a lovely confident young man as a result

thanks a lot for all the feedback, really appreciate it 🙏

I’m a Radnor parent. My DD is absolutely loving it and the standards, pastoral and offsite but nearby sports facilities are excellent. If Radnor was to remain Radnor as it is on current site, then I’d be inclined to look to other options for a sporty boy (st James, etc.) However, Kneller hall will be a massive game changer (no pun intended 😆). Their sport provision will be incredible once established in the next 1-2 years. But appreciate that it’s a bit of a leap of faith for many whilst school isn’t yet built. Good luck making your choice x

Hi, sorry to jump on this thread, but do you know if st James is considered good re academics, I’ve heard the sports facilities are amazing

It's probably too far for you, but Mount House in Enfield is lovely and not selective (the 11+ test is just to gage the child's level, not to select). We're very happy with the school

I thought Epsom college was competitive to get into! Is it not considered so?

Yes Epsom is

Just wondering if in addition to this list anyone had considered the Hall School?