11 Plus Exams Forum

Probably a last desperate bid, but is there anyone out there who is still deciding between an indie bursary and a grammar place? Or even between two indie bursaries
My DD is on waiting lists for bursary at two schools and it is heartbreaking having this tiny nugget of hope. We really want this for DD but need the bursary help to make it happen.
Keep telling ourselves to get on with making the best of the comp option, but just can't find any positives about it whilst the possibility of somewhere else(no matter how small) is there.
I guess I'm asking, when do people finally have to decide by, or is this going to go on until Sept as other posts seem to suggest?

We still haven't decided between indie and grammar - have another week to decide. Hope this makes your nugget gleam a bit brighter

it must be really difficult - long time preparing and waiting for results then short time to decide...

Tranquility I thought you were set on KES - are you having second thoughts?

Yes Herman, we're still undecided, only because I have been slightly freaked out by various relatives suggesting that ds won't fit into KES because we are so, well, poor Ds still prefers KES, so I'm off to visit the Chief Master (sounds so grand) later this week, and allay my worries.

Have just spent last 2 hours on this site looking for KES related items to find others' experiences of KES! Consenus on this site seems to be pretty positive

Oh yes - the *Chief Master* - used to be Canon Lunt .... then Mr Fisher.

I'm sure he will fit in - they obviously really want him, please don't let the comments about money put you off.

I'm sure you wouldn't have worried about him going if you had plenty of money, he is exactly the same child regardless of the amount in the bank account at the mo.

KFC for the difficult decisions you have!

Hi Tranquility,

We had the same fears for our ds, but 'bit the bullet' anyway and went for kes. So glad we did I am sure he would have fitted in well at the gs as well, even though he would have been one of the poorer ones there too - there isn't much difference between the social classes at either type in my experience.

I think ews is right - GS have a fair few kids of parents happily not paying fees so they can afford the extras .. trips etc,

while some indies have plenty of people just about affording the fees and not looking forward to requests for extra money.

Thanks herman and ews. I really appreciate your good advice. After lots of thought, and after seeing the Chief Master,I've encouraged ds to finally chosen what his heart was always set on, in other words, KES I feel very relieved that the decision is finally made, and we can all look forward to September.

So his grammar place goes back into the pot (Camp Hill Boys in Birmingham).

That's good news, tranquility!

I'm sure he will be absolutely fine there , what a relief to have made the decision!

I wonder if they still sing that school song....

Where the iron heart of England throbs beneath its sombre robe,
Stands a school whose sons have made her great and famous round the globe,
These have plucked the bays of battle, those have won the scholar's crown;
Old Edwardians, young Edwardians, forward for the School's renown.

Chorus
Forward where the knocks are hardest, some to failure, some to fame;
Never mind the cheers or hooting, keep your head and play the game.

Here's no place for fop or idler; they who made our city great
Feared no hardship, shirked no labour, smiled at death and conquered fate;
They who gave our School its laurels laid on us a sacred trust;
Forward therefore, live your hardest, die of service, not of rust.

Forward where the scrimmage thickens; never stop to rub your shin;
Cowards count the kicks and ha'pence, only care to save their skin.
Oftentimes defeat is splendid, victory may still be shame;
Luck is good, the prize is pleasant but the glory's in the game.

Good gracious

I never knew!! Have completely missed this!!!

Can't wait to surprise my ds with this as he prides himself on a certain amount of street cred This will dent it severely. . . . . only glad he's made the final decision before this came to light