SW London grammar and private year 7 entry 2024.

[Hatty999]

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/secondary/4907226-sw-london-grammar-and-private-year-7-entry-2024

This is the previous link. Hope it works.

@Wondermumof4 Thank you! Overheard 500 being interviewed. I overheard the same for KGS! …

Thank you! DD has two interviews today - just hope she doesn’t say the wrong school name (kind of thing I would do!!)

500 😭

@Summerma not surprising as they were over 1000 applicants, finger crossed🤞🏻

KGS has traditionally interviewed less than that - usually just DC that either get an offer or go on waiting list. The HM has repeatedly been quite open about it.
unless the school has said that they have changed the approach, I would question the 500 number. We do not know anyone with a general interview that got a 'no' (from a sample of almost 20).
Emanuel has traditionally been 'more generous' with the interviews (and openly so, somewhat a remnant of the, quite recent, times when they interviewed all applicants).

@QuiteAJourney A mother asked one of the interviewers (admittedly more likely a member of teaching staff rather than admissions) while I was waiting for DS at KGS, I was right next to them, and she definitely said 500 DC being interviewed. Not saying she was right but that’s the only information I have. Today one of the deputy heads at Emanuel said 500. I suspect admissions would be cagey if asked, so who knows. Also, I’ve heard of subject specific kids getting straight offers at KGS, just to burst that general interview only myth.

Interesting comment from the interviewer about interviewing 500 DC being interviewed, they have expanded on last year. We always found KGS staff very open and I do not see what reason they would have to misrepresent numbers.

Just to clarify, in case you may have mis-read or mis-understood my message - I just referred to the fact that I did not know anyone with a general interview that got a no ("We do not know anyone with a general interview that got a no - from a sample of almost 20"). I made no statement at all on only general interviews getting an offer (to be honest, your reference to it was the first time that I heard that 'myth') - I have no personal experience or knowledge on the matter, I would very much assume that DCs with subject interviews get offers, otherwise the school will not see a point of interviewing them.

Best of luck for you and your DC with the KGS process (and any others for the matter). It is a great school and one that we grew very fond of during last year's process (and probably the one that we/our DD found most difficult to reject).

@QuiteAJourney we have been told about 400 for interview when called before register (talking about KGS)

@QuiteAJourney Thank you, it’s hard to know. Some schools are open re numbers - Hampton for example were very open re number of applicants, number interviewed etc.

I’ve seen the KGS subject specific vs general interview rumour on here a fair bit, particularly on the previous thread. The headteacher at DS school said plenty of subject specific DC from the school got straight offers.

Many thanks for your kind words. It’s a strange old time. Looking forward to moving past it after Feb 9th.

Hope your DC is happy at their school.

That is more similar to the number we heard last year but, as @Summerma mentions, things might have changed.

Its quite scary when you look at those numbers, and think they only offer 100 something places. Arrfffff add more stress, wish its the 8th of February already🥴

I’m with you @Wondermumof4

Yes, DD is very happy with her choice.
Tbh, most kids seem to be quite happy with where they have ended. The process is bonkers but it seems to work in that sense.... I remember people saying that last year and, when in the midst of it, thinking that it was just the usually glib statement... but now, having come on the other side, think that it is quite true.

They offer many more than 100 places. They have some 100 places (probably more as some of the kids that pass the 10+ don't take up the offer as they would have got 11+ offers from other schools - e.g. KCS, St Paul's) but will probably offer 2-3 times that number. And, if I am not mistaken, about half of the years they go into reserve list.

What were the Hampton numbers this year?

@Ilikelists Hampton: 750 sat 11+ exam, 35% called back for interview so 263 (or 262.5 😂) ish. Apparently WL is very limited and most offered take places (I take that with a pinch of salt as I know DC who will take Tiffins, King’s over Hampton, if offered).

Thanks! That sounds like if you get an interview you are very likely to get a place.

What’s a subject interview compared to a general one for Kings?

@Summerma understood people might have different views for KCS vs Hampton or St paul etc but can you share more insights of why DC 'will' take Tiffins over Hampton? By definition those schools are in the different bucket... what are the factors people trying to compare it with?

For those panicking about the numbers remember most of the schools we are discussing here offer 2-3 times the offers to places, and many have WL they go to as well. Up thread someone had asked KGS about this and they’d said something really specific like 2.5 : 1 I think (that’s from memory I haven’t gone back to check). At KGS they said everyone interviewed would get an offer or WL so am surprised if it’s as many 500 through.

@hiitsquare , it's because they are similar schools in a similar area but 1 is free and 1 is £150kish for 5 years. I have a ds at Hampton and a lot of parents who get offers from both take the Tiffin offer but if you get a scholarship take Hampton but even more don't apply to Tiffin and stick with the private sector. It's generally thought to be harder to get into Tiffin than Hampton esp as it's all done on the exam whilst private schools may take sporting excellence into the equation too.

can you share more insights of why DC 'will' take Tiffins over Hampton

Given Tiffin is free and with VAT on fees there are several hundred thousand reasons why you might choose Tiffin over Hamptons if you get the choice!

Oh I didn’t have my glasses on and was confused between KCS and KGS. Good thing it’s my son and not me going through the process.

@tennissquare glad to hear that your ds is in Hampton! Thanks for sharing your thought, scholarship isn't much anyway I would imagine, but would you choose Tiffin over Hampton if you can do it again? (let's just say with no scholarship and both offers on hands). As I would imagine ds 'should' get more supports in Hampton(indies in general) or do you think that potentially worth £150k and still rather go to Tiffin and carry out other activities outside the school? I am just trying to balance my thoughts, many thanks!

@hiitsquare afraid I can’t say why, I’m simply repeating what a few parents have told me… it’s a very personal decision for each family. Many factors will go into any decision, one of which is likely fees (Hampton is slightly more expensive than KCS and obviously Tiffins is free). We didn’t apply to either KCS or Tiffins.