SW London Grammar and private senior school entry 2025

[Wlondon14]

Hi! I know there are a few threads like this out there, but they seem to focus on grammar schools outside of London. I found this group really helpful a few years ago when my daughter was going through this process.

Where are you applying, how did you find the open days? Are you using Atom learning? What is your prep plan for the next month?

I have a son applying to - St Paul's, Kings, Latymer Upper, Emanuel, Ibstock, Hampton, Harrodian

Could anyone offer a view of WHS vs JAGS? We got offers for both and trying to decide!

@DearDeer123 just to give you some hope, we got an offer of a place last year from Reeds after being on the waitlist and my son is very happy there now. Do give the registrar a call and let her know how keen you are and if you are at a prep where the head might put in word, that could help too. Don't go over board but I think it helps if you can say you will definitely accept if offered.

The registrar was very happy to talk to us and tell us what she could (not a lot) and we received our offer around the beginning of March.

Good luck

@WCSCT Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to my post. I truly appreciate your advice, it means a lot to us!

We're from overseas and visited few schools last year, applying to 3 in total. Reed's is the only one my son really loves. I sent a follow up email with my son mid-year report, expressing his enthusiasm for continuing his education at Reed's. However I haven't pursued it further, as I'm afraid that too many emails might "annoy" them. I planned to follow up on the status again by the last week of Feb.

After reading your comment, I think it might be a good idea to ask his current head teacher to say a few words on his behalf and to assure the registrar that we would accept immediately if offered! (This is how keen we are!)
Do you think it's too late to approach them by the end of Feb?
TIA!!! :)

I hope the rest of the offers fall into place for you all today. Remember you can only go to one school, one good option will be ok. Breathe 🧘‍♀️

Good luck everyone! Hampton scholarships are out. Awaiting for all other schools

Emails out from Hampton, RGS and King’s!

@Seekingstressrelief congratulations! We got a yes from RGS. So happy and big relief!

Congratulations! Love RGS - my eldest is going there in September. Youngest has just received an offer too but prefers Hampton. Will have to discuss tonight as it would be lovely to have them in the same place, but they are their own men!

Has anybody heard from St John's, Leatherhead? They just said "mid February" which I assumed meant today?

We are waiting on St John’s. Their website now says offers will be sent today but I don’t know anyone who has heard yet…

Thank you, well, hopefully it'll be soon! I can't concentrate on work ...!

Last year St John’s was very late, like 6pm! They had sent a letter too but our post was so slow we didn’t get it until the day after.

Ours was 2 years ago but I’ve just looked and we didn’t receive the email until 16:14

I know there are a few threads elsewhere, but did anyone else on here get Tiffin (boys)? After not getting past Hampton first round we were not confident on this one, but I know a few others on here did Tiffin second stage too.

Wow, congratulations to your boy, you can never tell with these things! We also got offered Tiffin.

@Nottoolongtogo - are you taking the place or heading elsewhere?

Congrats @Sunnyside12! We also got Tiffin but going to Hampton

Has there been a continuation of this thread elsewhere?

@Seasaltladyno I don’t think so!

can anyone comment on how this year’s waiting lists moved before and into the summer? Specifically asking about Putney, G&L, FHSS and Ibstock? I’ve heard that there wasn’t much movement from a couple of friends but keen to hear if this is the trend overall and if VAT has had any impact so far. FYI I have a child who will be taking 11+ this coming November, hence the interest - thanks!

I am aware of someone who gave up a Y7 place at G&L a couple of months ago and has been told by the school that they cannot fill the place…

Wow. That is very interesting.

That is interesting! G&L has always been one of the most sought after - you’d imagine there would be a family or two would would possibly consider paying another deposit to get their child a place there if it came available

Why would G&L tell them that? Were they trying to argue for their deposit back? We had a similar thing with another school and they 100% filled the space.

I assume if someone pulled out last minute it’s more difficult to fill the spot with a candidate that meets the academic requirements. Everyone would have already put deposits down for other school and not willing to lose a term of fees. So the school would have to wait for an in year transfer, which they do exams for. They don’t just fill the spot with anyone.