11+ 2025 support thread #2

[AquaPeer]

we are on the home run now! Continue to support, love and share in this thread

link to previous

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/secondary/5200929-11-2025-support-thread?page=40&reply=147336748

continued good luck to all x

Hi @TeamGeriatric - DD sat the Skipton test too, and they are using FCSE for the first time this year. I understand we'll get an email, and they've said it will be by the 21st.

Oh actually I am not sure what Ermysted's use - it occurs to me you may be taking about a DS, not a DD!

Yes, youngest sat for Ermysted's, oldest is already at the girls school. I haven't heard anything about FCSE, but let me reread the parents info as I tend skim read and miss things I should have actually read, for example I didn't realise he didn't need to take his own pencils until day of the test.

@TheLiloAndTheSlowCooker I think Ermysteds does still use GL assessment whereas Skipton Girls has swapped to FSCE. Halifax and Heckmondwike have also swapped to FSCE, so I wonder whether Ermysteds will follow suit next year.

We haven't been fans of FSCE so far. The Halifax results are supposed to be with us by today, but I have this sinking feeling that they're going to be delayed.

Rechecked and says results sent by letter, so I unfortunately am still waiting for that postman, hopefully tomorrow.

The girls school dropped the verbal reasoning element, there was some consultation with parents on it maybe 18 months ago. I believe the thinking was that tutoring has the biggest impact on the results of that section of the test and I assume that was when they moved to FSCE. Ermysted's still doing VR and NVR, whilst I don't love the NVR, when we were practicing even I didn't know the answers to some of the questions, I do think my youngest would probably would score better with VR and NVR than a 20 min piece of creative writing.

I now wonder what time will the Bexley test results come out on Tuesday?! 😅

It'll be a case of constant inbox/page refreshing and/or checking spam folder!!

What has been the justification in moving to FSCE - which to my knowledge is FSCE the new kid on the block or better at selling their exam format to Schools?

To my knowledge, this exam board is owned by Reading Boys School. They try to write exams that can't be tutored for.

It seems slightly absurd that in 2025 they're still relying on something as unreliable as the post to distribute such important information.

Omg, how did i not know about this thread. Currently waiting for a 4pm email to say whether my daughter has got into the only school she wants to go to and trying not to lose my mind. Am thinking positive and trying to manifest a good outcome by buying a bunch of flowers and a congratulations card but they are hidden at my parents until we know.

Have a bunch of shit going on in my life so am extra on edge waiting for this. How's everybody else doing?

I'm trying to move house, OH is trying to move job, and I'm right in the middle of the busiest six weeks of the year with work. And I'm unable to concentrate on anything other than how long it is until 4pm...

I have so much empathy for your anxiety @Backinthedress we're in a very similar position.

Our results are supposed to be with us by today, but I've been hearing rumours that they're going to be delayed. I just want to be put out of my misery one way or the other. Ideally before DD is home from school so I can have had a moment to digest the result myself, prior to having to tell her (I'm expecting the result not to be what DD is hoping for).

The party line seems to be that their tests are less 'tutorable' and therefore provide a more level playing field for children whose parents cannot afford tuition.

I'm skeptical as to whether that is true and feel that they simply did a better job of selling themselves as an exam provider to the schools.

I hear ya. Are you also making frantic contingency plans in your head about what to do if it's a narrow miss?

DD is with her dad today so im going to call him and either ask to be put on speaker phone...or not. Ive been rehearsing it. Gutted I won't be with her either way, but oh well.

The Bucks grammar schools switched to CEM a few years back after being sold a "tutor-proof" test, then discovered that it was even more tutor-reliant than the original so went back to GL.

I honestly don't see how it's possible to create a test in which it is impossible to improve your performance through practice.

After having a child sit the previous tests - English, Maths, VR and NonVR where the previous provider was GL I think.

I find the justification that the new tests are less 'tutorable' is not based in reality. The only test you cannot tutor for is one in a subject you have not covered - sit a test for example in car exhaust systems for pre 1980 Toyota cars (yes I am being facetious) but the point still stands.

Does anyone have any ideas on when the Colyton results will be released? No mention in their letter.

Good luck to those awaiting results this afternoon. Am on tenterhooks for you all.

Ugh. I feel sick. Ive been doing quite well to put off thinking about this until now but now it's really really real and I am anxious.

I'm awaiting Bucks, feel sick. Have the email unread but waiting for her to come back from school!

Me too, but no email yet! <goes to search junk and spam>

Results out. Total disaster.