Out of catchment area...and Couty!
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Thank you Esmerelda.
I hope the Head hasn't spoken too soon though. It would be nice to think that CHS is closer to capacity because of the improvements he is making to the school, and I am sure that there is an underlying increase in it's popularity.
However, I think the increase in numbers is also attributable to the over-subscription problem in the various other boys' schools in South Bucks. A fair number of people will have been offered CHS instead of DCGS and RGS, and will still be hoping for a place at one of those schools in the second round of allocations on April 9th. I also know of people in that situation who have a private school option lined up as a possible backstop if they don't get a place at either of the boys' grammars.
There is a lot of water still to go under the bridge ...
Sally-Anne
I hope the Head hasn't spoken too soon though. It would be nice to think that CHS is closer to capacity because of the improvements he is making to the school, and I am sure that there is an underlying increase in it's popularity.
However, I think the increase in numbers is also attributable to the over-subscription problem in the various other boys' schools in South Bucks. A fair number of people will have been offered CHS instead of DCGS and RGS, and will still be hoping for a place at one of those schools in the second round of allocations on April 9th. I also know of people in that situation who have a private school option lined up as a possible backstop if they don't get a place at either of the boys' grammars.
There is a lot of water still to go under the bridge ...
Sally-Anne
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- Joined: Sun Apr 05, 2009 8:41 pm
Out of County & Sibling rules
Hi,
I've just started planning/looking at Secondary School options for my two sons. Currently they are in Year 2 and Reception (it's early I know).
We live in Hemel Hempstead (Herts) and are interested in Chesham High by taking the 11+. I understand that in the past places at Chesham high have been allocated to out of county children, with distance not needing to be a determining factor.
If my eldest were to gain a place, what if any priority would my 2nd son get with obtaining a place if he were not to achieve the required marks to gain a place outright ?
I'd appreciate any guidance which you can give.
thanks
I've just started planning/looking at Secondary School options for my two sons. Currently they are in Year 2 and Reception (it's early I know).
We live in Hemel Hempstead (Herts) and are interested in Chesham High by taking the 11+. I understand that in the past places at Chesham high have been allocated to out of county children, with distance not needing to be a determining factor.
If my eldest were to gain a place, what if any priority would my 2nd son get with obtaining a place if he were not to achieve the required marks to gain a place outright ?
I'd appreciate any guidance which you can give.
thanks
You have to qualify to get a GS place - and distance from the school does come into it. CHS has, traditionally, been undersubscribed but you cannot count on that being true in future.
It might be helpful to read to Bucks admissions booklet -
http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/schools/a ... ndary.page?
It might be helpful to read to Bucks admissions booklet -
http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/schools/a ... ndary.page?
Yes, each child has to qualify via 11+ in their own right.
But distance MAY be relevant for those that qualify for oversubscribed schools, in which case distance is very important.
FWiW: we moved out of Hemel to Chesham be sure of getting into grammar. It doesn't take long to get back to see old friends etc, but it meant we worried less before applying and now our children are nearer their new friends than if we'd stayed in Hemel. Nevertheless, I realise that's a big upheaval, not suitable for everyone.
But distance MAY be relevant for those that qualify for oversubscribed schools, in which case distance is very important.
FWiW: we moved out of Hemel to Chesham be sure of getting into grammar. It doesn't take long to get back to see old friends etc, but it meant we worried less before applying and now our children are nearer their new friends than if we'd stayed in Hemel. Nevertheless, I realise that's a big upheaval, not suitable for everyone.
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- Joined: Sun Apr 05, 2009 8:41 pm
Many thanks for your replies and comments..
Zee - I do note your suggestion on moving to Chesham (or nearby). It has the added benefits of the childern having school friends nearby and avoids the long journey to school.
My main concern is if only x1 boy qualified for GS and other did not. I'd not want one son to feel a failure and going to an inferior school etc. The 12+ might give a 2nd attempt.
If both failed to get a pass then at least we've given it our best shot.
With coaching/Tutor hopefully these risks could be minimised. I'll read more on the site to get details.
regards
Frenchmaster
Zee - I do note your suggestion on moving to Chesham (or nearby). It has the added benefits of the childern having school friends nearby and avoids the long journey to school.
My main concern is if only x1 boy qualified for GS and other did not. I'd not want one son to feel a failure and going to an inferior school etc. The 12+ might give a 2nd attempt.
If both failed to get a pass then at least we've given it our best shot.
With coaching/Tutor hopefully these risks could be minimised. I'll read more on the site to get details.
regards
Frenchmaster
Very true. Whatever you do, you need to consider if you have a suitable backup policy if 11+ doesn't work out.Frenchmaster wrote:My main concern is if only x1 boy qualified for GS and other did not. I'd not want one son to feel a failure and going to an inferior school etc. The 12+ might give a 2nd attempt.
Ours were in prep, so could have stayed on for one or two more years while we considered other options. The disadvantage of Chesham is that if children don't qualify via 11+, the town's upper school (Chesham Park) is not necessarily a great alternative, but the chances of getting into an upper in a different town may be small.
NB Passing 12+ doesn't guarantee a grammar place in the way that passing 11+ (more or less) does.
Frenchmaster,
have you considered Parmiters? A number of children from Hemel attend the school. There is a school bus that stops at the Railway Station and at least one other stop (not sure where). At the moment they do accept siblings so only the 'first' child needs to pass the Watford schools test. it also gives places on musical abilty and I think academic ability. I understand that it is a well thought of school.
have you considered Parmiters? A number of children from Hemel attend the school. There is a school bus that stops at the Railway Station and at least one other stop (not sure where). At the moment they do accept siblings so only the 'first' child needs to pass the Watford schools test. it also gives places on musical abilty and I think academic ability. I understand that it is a well thought of school.
Re: Out of County & Sibling rules
Zee is right to recommend the SW Herts consortium schools - I think one of the Parmiter's school buses goes to Hemel. These schools also have sibling policies (although like any other criteria this could change).Frenchmaster wrote:I've just started planning/looking at Secondary School options for my two sons. Currently they are in Year 2 and Reception (it's early I know).
But 4 & 6 years away is such a long time! My gut instinct is to tell you to run, run for the hills! Delete this website from your favourites list for at least 2 or 3 years or you will be a gibbering wreck by the time the 11+ comes round!! Concentrate on other types of enrichment & educational opportunities with your sons - these will help them now & stand them in good stead when the dreaded 11+ comes round!!
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- Joined: Sun Apr 05, 2009 8:41 pm
Hi,
thanks for your advice and kind messages.
We had looked Parmenters, but places are very limited (partly due to the sibling rule !!).
We are in the wrong part of town for best performing schools in Hemel.
Hemel Hempstead school (is only our joint 3rd nearest school) and JFK is Roman Catholic and we are not religious.
We are seriously considering a house move. I agree it helps with children having friends nearby and avoid the logistical problems of getting to school especially for after school clubs etc.
Harpenden has good performing Comprehensives but house prices in the area are very expensive (£200k+ for a similar 4 bed house in Hemel) which makes it unaffordable. Redbourn near Harpenden we looked at, but did not get a good feel about the place.
Current thinking is a move to Bovingdon (Herts) or Chesham, but we need to explore the fall-back options if either or both sons did not pass the 11+.
When would be the right school year to be think about 11+ tutoring ?
thanks for your advice and kind messages.
We had looked Parmenters, but places are very limited (partly due to the sibling rule !!).
We are in the wrong part of town for best performing schools in Hemel.
Hemel Hempstead school (is only our joint 3rd nearest school) and JFK is Roman Catholic and we are not religious.
We are seriously considering a house move. I agree it helps with children having friends nearby and avoid the logistical problems of getting to school especially for after school clubs etc.
Harpenden has good performing Comprehensives but house prices in the area are very expensive (£200k+ for a similar 4 bed house in Hemel) which makes it unaffordable. Redbourn near Harpenden we looked at, but did not get a good feel about the place.
Current thinking is a move to Bovingdon (Herts) or Chesham, but we need to explore the fall-back options if either or both sons did not pass the 11+.
When would be the right school year to be think about 11+ tutoring ?