11+ 2025 support thread #3

[Pipsquiggle]

Starting another thread

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

They let you know if the review was successful around the end of November/early December if I remember correctly. And then if you're in catchment you can be pretty certain you'll get a place on national allocation day - I don't think anyone in a catchment postcode hasn't got a place before.

That’s good then. Thank you, I appreciate the info.
Did you have a DC doing the 11+ this time? I think I recognise your name from earlier threads.

That’s good then. Thank you, I appreciate the info.
Did you have a DC doing the 11+ this time? I think I recognise your name from earlier threads.

For Stretford we know someone who didn't get in on review last year with an initial score of 329 (in catchment). I think the last couple of years the numbers of children sitting the test for Stretford have really increased and the school have already upped the admission numbers once in the time we have been parents of children in attendance. Not sure if this impacts on how many children get in on appeal. Fingers crossed for March - it's horrible having to wait so long to hear.

Yes I did and it was a no for us unfortunately - not massively unexpected so I think we've managed to move on quickly and easily! Luckily DS has a lot of friends who'll go to the same school as him so he's happy about that.

How did you get on?

That’s good then, glad there is no upset. My DD passed so she’s happy she can go to the school she wanted.

It's 4pm on the last Friday before half term. No sign of Latymer rank 2 results. Anyone else still waiting for any?

@Chorizo12Another parent with a Year 7 child at Urmston. We were choosing between Urmston, Stretford and St Ambrose. I personally found Urmston a bit stuffy at Open Evening, but have been pleasantly surprised at the feel of the school in practice, and teachers/staff have all been approachable and supportive. I have a son with SEN and have been happy with the conversations in that area too.

Ultimately, we chose Urmston so he could walk to school. I think I have uttered a million times since I’m so glad that he can walk to school rather than be on a bus! Homework really ramps up, so I want him to have time to both relax and have time for homework/hobbies, which is so much better being home at 3.30pm instead of 5.00pm. May be less of a concern for your child, but worth thinking about how much chill time they need after school to decompress.

Although St Ambrose isn’t specifically relevant to you, I think both of them are very religious and I would consider that alongside how much you are connected to your faith.

I don’t think you can go too wrong with either, but I’d definitely look at length of day/transport. Bus strikes are ongoing in the area, it’s worth stopping to think how you may cope with 2-3 days of no school bus, if a walk is your alternative.

@DadsbabeI think you’re on the border with both score and distance. You are right 370 was a top 20 score last year, as my son was a couple of marks off that but we are very local.

All you can do is put down your preferences in order and manage expectations. Is Stretford a potential as well?

I agree with you about distance to school - it's why we chose Stretford for all our children. Makes such a difference when they can walk to school - we have been particularly appreciative of it recently with all the strikes!

Thanks for this! Super useful. Especially bus strikes etc Unfortunately we are in Sale so both require some bus travel. Urmston is probably easier for us to get to though and isnt too far away.

Sorry to hear this. It’s hard when the sibling doesn't get into the same school. We have the same here! Like you say Loreto such a great option and glad she knows a few going.

Do all 11 plus exams these days not allow written working out?. I was very surprised to hear that the Redbridge exam didn't provide working out paper and frowned upon writing in the answer booklets.

@Chorizo12Agree Sale to Urmston isn’t far and the bus stop back to Sale is opposite the school.

The school told us they've taken from 65 primary schools this Yr7, 25 children coming on their own. So don’t worry too much if she would be the only one coming from her primary. There are lots of good clubs to help them mix.

Please could anyone recommend tutors for 11+ prep, online classes or in Redbridge?

I think there's a tuition thread in education

Sorry no recommendations, we barely used a tutor and not an 11 plus specialist. I know that some of the tutors who advetise great success rates offload students around Easter if they think they may not pass. We used CGP and atom. Although I liked atom I think it creates unnecessary stress by covering a wider syllabus. Probably works better if you start early, rather than if you start in May!

There is an active redbridge 11 plus Facebook group. You may get a recommendation there (though more likely someone self promoting). Some of the parents there advocate very intense study regimes, so treat with caution if that's not your thing.

The CAF is an experience itself. There was one school that threw a curve ball as the supplementary form had to be given physically by 31st but school is closed for half term from the 27th. Luckily I spotted this, but it's given me anxiety about the whole CAF process, even checking everything 100s of times

We're you waiting for latymer results? Fingers crossed if you are - i heard rank 2 results are out.

Yes she's in, so pleased here. How about you? Good luck everyone waiting.

Oh congrats. There are certain profiles on this thread that are somewhat the OGs so having been on this little journey, I am so happy to hear this news . Do you still have to do the CAF, as you dont have much time.

I've done a version but need to go back and check it's all right. And thank you, you're right, it feels like we have been on a journey together. She wants to put HB first choice and won't know till march whether she's in there but Latymer as a guaranteed fallback is a really nice place to be in. And it was her new year goal. Her scries for Latymer are a bit of a spread - 135, 107, 105 with the VR score doing the legwork.

We weren't waiting - we were knocked out at the first stage for Latymer :) But we got our first choice (St Michael's), so this journey is officially over for us! Well done to your DD though, it's great to have options :) Do you know your order of preference now for the local authority form?

Sorry, I've just you've posted about preferences :) Congrats again!

@Magnificentkitteh well done to your DD! So happy for you! x