CRGS Year 9 entry

[scattymum]

Hi, does anyone have any experience of applying for a Year 9 place at CRGS? I know that they take four boys at the start of year 9, but I'd love to have some information from anyone who has tried, succesfully or not, in the past. Is it an easy transition? What are they examined on? Is there an interview too? Any advice gratefully received...

[First-timer]

No experience of the process but I can tell you that the four new boys are all put into the same class. The three classes are mixed up into four new classes at the beginning of year nine so friendships don't become entrenched and the new boys start on a more even footing.

[Minesatea]

Again no direct experience although a friends son sat a couple of years ago. It is a minimum of 4 places - sometimes more if any pupils have left (there was 6 or 7 in my sons year). I am sure it is exam only - state schools are not allowed to select on interview.

Some allowance is made for the boys in year 9 regarding languages as it is understood that not all will have studied Latin, Greek, German and French! I believe some only took 2 rather than 3 in year nine to give them a chance to catch up.
The classes are also completely rearranged in year 10 to fit with option blocks.

[KB]

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Afraid don't have any personal experience but have spoken to parents of boys who joined in year 9 and who seemed to cope fine.
I would be led by the child's feelings at this stage as well. If they are doing very well (and one does need to consider that being at the top of some comprehensive schools doesnt atutomatically mean they will get top grades at GCSE) and are happliy settled then it might not be worth putting them through another test situation (I believe that there is still stiff competition so success is not guaranteed) and uprooting them.
It also might depend a bit on the child's personality - the first few months could be tricky as they settle into new languages and playing lots of rugby! The school is set up to help them but they would need to be Ok with having to 'catch up' in some areas and perhaps needing a bit of extra help.

In a similar vein - does anyone know if there are any tutors in Colchester who specialise in getting boys ready for the entrance test? (probably best to PM if you have specific names, although not necessarily recommendations, just any info.) Many thanks.

[bendyspatula]

Does CCHS have a Year 9 entry process too? If so can anyone point me at details of how/when tests happen etc?

[First-timer]

Does CCHS have a Year 9 entry process too? If so can anyone point me at details of how/when tests happen etc?

Neither CCHS has a Year 9 entry process. The schools keep lists of interested applicants and whenever a space arises they test them. Not sure what form these tests take.