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Late entry in year 7/8?

Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2012 9:40 am
by PlutoMum
DH and I still can't decide between good local comp (Hitchin Boys) or St Albans (on full fees). The sacrifices would be hard plus we have DS2 (not so academic) to think about in 3 years time.

If we go for the comp we would monitor closely to ensure his needs are being met. We would be able to afford extra activities, trips etc. However if after a year we felt it wasn't working out, what's our chance of being able to transfer at that stage to St Albans do you think? Do they have a wait list and would we go straight to the top as he originally qualified for a place? Do boys ever join during years 7 and 8? (i'm not talking 13+ entry).

Thanks. PlutoMum

Re: Late entry in year 7/8?

Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2012 9:58 am
by Waiting_For_Godot
If you opt for Hitchin Boys, I think you need to go with the attitude that it will work and you will be happy and will work with the school. If you go with the attitude that it's second best then you will always have niggles and be impatient at even the most minor of issues.

What do you think he'll get at Stabs :P that he won't get at Hitchin Boys? Games is only once a week, class sizes are huge. So really it's just selection on academic ability and a slightly posher cohort. I like the school very much but given that you have a good state school I really don't think it's worth it. There may be other boys schools in the area that would be worth moving from Hitchin for but I'm not sure Stabs is one of them.

As for 12+ entry, I don't think you'd go top of the list. You wouldn't be on the list at all and parents who knew that they were on the list and then a boy who turned the place down got an offer would not be pleased. 13+ is really you're next option.

Re: Late entry in year 7/8?

Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2012 10:57 am
by la boume
Why not to give comp a go? It may not be so bad. And then you will see...Better this way the the other, when the financial drain become unbearable. Invest in a good tutor instead, and start preparing for 13plus. But your DS may be so happy at school, that he will not want to move. Also bear in mind that the children's clothes and gadgets will become more expensive, as they are getting older. Suddenly h&m is not good enough!

Re: Late entry in year 7/8?

Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2012 4:47 pm
by Daogroupie
I know people who have rented a flat in Hitchin to get into Hitchin boys, it is a lovely school. Folk round my area would be delighted to get in. I probably would not have started the long haul to DAO had Hitchin girls been an option. You could consider appealing for Richard Hale as you have nothing to lose there and I think it is slightly more academic. When do they stream in Maths and will they be able to offer your ds options for the more able? I would ask for a meeting with the Maths teacher to discuss your ds before you decide. Perhaps take a letter from primary with you or send it ahead. IF WFG does not think STABS is worth it and her ds is going there I really would think twice before shelling out all that money. DG

Re: Late entry in year 7/8?

Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2012 5:32 pm
by Waiting_For_Godot
Hs not going there now, we turned it down.

Re: Late entry in year 7/8?

Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2012 6:01 pm
by Amber
PlutoMum, reading these indie threads as an outsider, it is easy to sense amongst some posters what comes across as almost a fear of sending a child into anything other than a top performing exclusive independent school. I don't live in the south east and this overboiled indie culture isn't prevalent here, but please remember that the curriculum in the very worst school in the country and that of what is regarded as the very best will be the same. That is, the very same. There is not a different, special one for grammars or posh indies or Very Bright Children or those from the right 'set' (still reeling from reading that on another thread :shock: ). Schools differ in culture and ethos, sure, but bright children who are well supported at home tend to do well academically wherever they go. I teach in a school which is definitely not well regarded..., we are in and out of special measures, and even we get our share of A* students. Remember that the sample of us posting on here is a tiny self selecting group...and you are not all that likely to get any very pro-comp people, especially in this section. But go and look at Katel's thread in EE and you may see another side.


From this you can probably tell what, on the basis of what you have said, I think you ought to do...but I will stop short of telling you as it isn't my child! Very best of luck whatever you decide. I am sure your son will do well.

Re: Late entry in year 7/8?

Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2012 6:30 pm
by Waiting_For_Godot
I think everyone has been pro the state schools on this section recently! :?

Re: Late entry in year 7/8?

Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2012 6:33 pm
by Amber
Waiting_For_Godot wrote:I think everyone has been pro the state schools on this section recently! :?
Prepared to dip a toe in the water yet WFG ? :wink:

Re: Late entry in year 7/8?

Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2012 6:47 pm
by Waiting_For_Godot
Amber wrote:
Waiting_For_Godot wrote:I think everyone has been pro the state schools on this section recently! :?
Prepared to dip a toe in the water yet WFG ? :wink:
No, I've had a gut full and opted out altogether! :shock: 8)

Re: Late entry in year 7/8?

Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2012 6:58 pm
by Caroline1852
And don't forget, you'll be awash with dosh :D , so you'll be in a position to call in a 1:1 tutor (or several), should the need arise.

When do you have to give your answer?