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[11pluscurious]

11pluscurious · Today 19:16

I’m after a bit of context about independent school admissions from the school side?
Does anyone know whether it’s true that independent schools have contextual offers for children from state primary backgrounds? Nothing to do with ability but rather expectations of children in the prep system to have greater familiarity with content. I’ve been told this but not sure whether it’s true? Also does anyone know whether registrations for 11+ are generally down for academic schools in London.

If it’s helpful to understand more about why I’m asking the question, DS is at state primary in north London and sat for 2 state 11+ grammar exams. Anecdotally it’s been particularly competitive this year (maybe independent school parents choosing state because of VAT?) so hard to judge whether he’ll end up with a place.

We have 2 independent school options that we actually prefer as they seem a bit less hot housey than the grammar schools we applied to and slightly better commute, but I don’t want him to do much more preparation if I can help it. He’s a bright child but I’m not a fan of 10 year olds having to be so focused on studies at this age and it feels like it’s been going on forever.

What I’m trying to guard is whether it’s worth trying on the basis he is bright and has already prepped for one type of exam as hopefully his potential will shine through or whether there’s not much point as he needs to prepare in a more targeted way for the schools in question.

I am currently going through the process and at a private primary and many more families than before have sat the grammar but in an unscientific poll not many are walking away from private all together.

Grammars are much more competitive than I would think almost all independents, including the super selective ones and I know kids who have not got into grammar but got offers from top London Indies.

If there is a chance for a good score in the 11+ then I would definitely consider trying for the independents, however lots are closing their registrations in the next month so apply sooner than later. The tests also will be different so some prep will be needed on exam styles and formats but a bright kid who has already prepped for Grammar should be able to pick this up quickly.

Thanks so much for detailed reply. Good luck to you and yours. I can’t wait to be the other side of this whole process.