11 Plus Exams Forum

Hi,

I would like to know about any specialist Sports schools in Herts or neighbouring counties please.

(both.. independent or state)

Anyone having DC's going there sharing experience would be really appreciated.

Thank You

Queens in Herts - Specialist Sports and Science College (from WP's sticky at top of this section)

DAO in Herts is not a Specialist Sports College but the standard of sport there is high. If you look on the website you can see a list of the District, County and Regional finals that various year groups have achieved in Hockey, Netball, Football, Rugby, Badmington, Indoor and Outdoor Athletics, Rounders, Cricket, Swimming etc DG. Sports places used to be part of the admissions critieria in the same way as music places still are, but sadly no longer. DG

Yes, Queens' is a specialist sports college. They allocate 5% (13 spaces) of their Yr 7 places based on sports aptitude. This is based on the Eurofit test. They usually have in excess of 300 children applying for these 13 spaces. Queens place a copy of the test criteria on their website in the Autumn term but it is a core strength/flexibility/stamina test rather than a demonstration of aptitude in a specific sport.

My DD is in Year 7 and qualified for a place at Queens' under both the sports and academic criteria. As the rule for sports aptitude is above the academic aptidude she was offered her place under the sports rule. She was invited to participate in a Gifted and Talented course run by Queens'/Herts Sports Partnership whilst still in Yr 6 and she has also been on a G&T course (which covered sport psychology/core fitness/strength) whilst in Year 7. Queens' also have a sports 'Academy', details for which can be found on the Schools website. Depending on level of sports aptitude (County/Regional/National) you are either bronze/silver/gold academy status. This provides you with different levels of support including nutrition and physiotherapy. Students can continue within the Academy if they show continued aptitude at 6th form and co-ordinate their sporting and academic studies.

Academy website is: http://queenssportsacademy.co.uk/index.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. There are also a couple of videos about the sports academy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDqWJrsa ... re=related" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCuS2ToU ... re=related" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The videos can be found on utube. Just type in Queens' Sports Academy and they will come up.

The Harefield Academy is also a sports college and take 10% based on sport aptitude. Their admissions criteria are published on the school website. Not sure what their policy is on out of catchment/county. Their sports aptidude assessment considers the current ability/level of the child in their current chosen sport.

I have no personal experience of this school so can't help with any further info.

Many thanks for the useful info!

Looks like Queens and DAO are two great schools to try for... DC2 coming up for 11+ in 4 years time

I'm sure time will fly