11+ 2025 support thread #3

[Pipsquiggle]

Starting another thread

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/secondary/5415616-11-2025-support-thread-2

Thanks for this @Pipsquiggle

Thanks for the new thread.

Starting with good news, DD passed for Loreto which is brilliant! Especially after the disappointing consortium result!

Anyone got their results got Redbridge yet?

Good news for WCHS here. Well I hope good news don't really know until March.

Thanks @Pipsquiggle
Continuing to share the 11+ journey.
Good luck to all

Woohoo! A new chat :)

Wow congrats on those getting through and good luck to having to wait til March. I’ve def been able to take stock and breathe since having a backup close to being in the bag.
But we still have 7 more exams to go which just feels relentless. We’re a little unlucky that every single school seems to do their own test.

Interesting that in Bucks the total number of DC taking the test went down slightly vs last year.

9645 DC took the test this year
9700 DC took the test last year

It 'felt' that loads more DC took it this year - just proves that you need to look at the stats

I know with the cost of living, a lot of families can't afford to live in London any more. I wonder if that has something to do with it?

Falling birth rates mean you’d expect 11+ exam numbers to be down. While there’s likely to be an impact from VAT on independent school fees in terms of numbers actually accepting state secondary place, it may not have much of an impact on exam candidates. Indy school candidates have long used grammar 11+ exams as practice and/or a back-up.

@slaybellthat’s great news! Has she got a good chance of getting a place?
It’s a really good school dd1 sailed through loreto and is at uni now she loved it. Dd2 has had shall we say a more bumpy ride 🤣 she’s getting there though and on the whole they’ve supported her well!

Pressed send on DS's selection review last night and the head just confirmed that he's sent all his paperwork in too. We've done everything we can, the school has done everything the school can, and most importantly DS has spent six years doing everything he can, consistently being "above ARE", "at greater depth" and generally working his little arse off. So now we wait (again), this time until 13 February. Which feels a very long way away. Actually felt vaguely sick when I hit submit, it seems like the most important form I've ever filled out, so much riding on it for him and none of it in my control.

@DolphinOnASkateboard I have everything crossed for you

@DolphinOnASkateboard Me too. Really hope it works out for your DS.

Thanks both.

Are there any regions / boroughs that are yet to release their results?
The 31st Oct is getting very close

Good luck! Well done for doing the review... fingers crossed for you guys x

@troppibambini6Yes we are Cat 3. Baptised and in a feeder primary so she’s pretty much guaranteed a place. Phew.

So glad this is all over, two years in a row has been a journey! DS is in Y2 so a few years rest before it starts again!

Oh god, I'd completely forgotten that we still have to do the CAF!

@slaybell that’s great news! It’s such a relief isn’t it?!

We have been 2 years in a row as well. I would not recommend 😆

I’d really appreciate some advice or insight, please. My DC scored 369 for Urmston, but we’re out of catchment (about 8 miles away, or roughly 5 miles in a straight line).
I understand many of us might be in a similar situation this year, but I wanted to ask if anyone has a sense of our chances of securing a place. Based on previous years, Urmston’s cutoff for the top 20 places has been around 370–371 for the past two years, and generally between 360–370 in earlier years.
If the cutoff stays within that range this year, we’re hoping the score might be enough for a top-20 offer, where catchment doesn’t apply. Otherwise, it could be more challenging for us, which would be disappointing since my DC worked really hard and achieved a strong result.
We also don’t yet know how many applicants scored above 370, so any thoughts or insights from others in a similar position would be really appreciated.
Thank you so much in advance!

Hi, any Trafford parents gave any opinions on Loreto vs Urmston? We have got both but unsure which one is better. Our first choice as Sale but we just missed it

I have a DC at Urmston Grammar in year 8. We originally wanted Sale but actually preferred Urmston at the Open Evening and it’s actually worked out really well for us. The quality of the teaching seems good and DC likes all the teachers, has made lots of new friends and is doing really well. It feels like a very kind and supportive school and he’s had no problems with behavioural issues (unlike the nightmare that was his primary school). He actually got in by the local review but has had no problems keeping up and is in the top set for maths. I know nothing about Loreto so can’t compare.

DD1 is at Urmston and really enjoying it so far (Y7 so not been long). She has had quite a shock with the amount of homework though, she is coping but this half term has been welcome.

I also attended Urmston but that was some years ago so probably not useful 😂😂

DD2 will be attending Loreto (Hopefully). The only downside for us is the location as we are in Urmston so it’s quite a long commute but she is happy to do it. Can’t comment as yet though!