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Would you go through it again at 13+?

Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2009 12:31 am
by dearcoty
So. My nice, level-headed, class-average DS didn't make the grade at 11+. He could go to our local OK comp, with several from his class. Or he could go to a local boys prep (he is currently at a state primary) until 13 and do the whole caboodle again - with the school's help finding an appropriate next school (ruling out those that rejected him and won't see him again). In that time he may mature, blossom and many other euphemisms for 'do better at schoolwork/exams' in the small class, supportive environment. Or may not.

Has anyone done this, and if so what was the experience like?

It feels like a big step into the unknown. Thanks. :shock:

Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2009 12:36 am
by T.i.p.s.y
Dearcoty, pm me the prep schools you could send him too or the area and I can advise you of good ones. Plenty of preps take on kids in Year 7 (or even now should you wish) and get kids through CE and other exams without you having to do any work. The school will also be able to advise you of the school that would suit his personality and are very helpful when negotiating bursaries, should it be needed. I assume you want a senior secondary independent school at 13+?

Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2009 12:59 am
by dearcoty
Thanks Tipsy, I have pm'd you.

Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2009 1:09 am
by PapaM
Excellent posting Dearcotty...

Tipsy, may I also PM you?

Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2009 1:18 am
by PapaM
ok - i'm just going to assume you wont mind Tipsy, and have pm'd u... :)

many thanks in advance...

Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2009 5:43 pm
by Loopyloulou
deleted

Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2009 5:53 pm
by T.i.p.s.y
I would definitely recommend moving for the summer term because often the last term of the last year at school is more of a wind down. Many independents have much longer days and it is easier to build up stamina in the summer due to the lighter nights rather than having a long holiday and straight into a new regime. It's generally a lovely term as well (summer concerts, cricket, sports days, parent bbq's) and a nice introduction into a school, especially if DC is apprehensive about starting a new school.

Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2009 5:57 pm
by SSM
[quote="T.i.p.s.y"]I would definitely recommend moving for the summer term because often the last term of the last year at school is more of a wind down. Many independents have much longer days and it is easier to build up stamina in the summer due to the lighter nights rather than having a long holiday and straight into a new regime. It's generally a lovely term as well (summer concerts, cricket, sports days, parent bbq's) and a nice introduction into a school, especially if DC is apprehensive about starting a new school.[/quote]

The other side of the argument though is that the child then misses the last term with his friends.

Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2009 6:05 pm
by hermanmunster
The original question was "could you go through it again at 13+".

... sounds like you had a rather stressful time at 11+ ? Some of this comes from the lack of support / input from state schools at 11 plus time. You will find that the input from preps is much much greater and they will give more advice re suitable schools - and should take the stress off you.
I found that (at 11+) anyway the kids at private schools were quite chilled about the tests and took them more in their stride, hopefully the same thing will happen at 13+.

Good Luck!

Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2009 6:14 pm
by T.i.p.s.y
The other side of the argument though is that the child then misses the last term with his friends.
It would be nice but its not necessarily in the childs best interests. They will be leaving their friends anyway so the sooner they can make new friends and adjust to a new school, which may be more physically and mentally demanding, the better.