thinking about trying for 13+

Eleven Plus (11+) in Buckinghamshire (Bucks)

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sharone
Posts: 113
Joined: Wed Nov 28, 2007 1:39 pm
Location: Bucks

thinking about trying for 13+

Post by sharone »

Hi to everyone,

Although our son decided after not passing the 11+ that he was happy at his Upper School and didn't want to sit the 12+, now at the beginning of year 8 he's expressed a wish to attempt the 13+. I've explained to him that if he follows this route, and even if he passes, he still might not get into Grammar School. It would be very helpful to know how successful others have been in securing places once passing the exam. We're in catchment for John Hampden, and that is our preferred school. RGS is out, obviously, but we need to list our preferred Grammars for the application form. We live in central High Wycombe. Does anyone have any advice on which other schools we should put down, especially in regard to those which might still have places?

He's in the top streams for all his core subjects at his Upper, and has been identified as gifted and talented, and was in the top 2% according to the MIDYIS test he did when entering year 7. Obviously, as last time round wasn't the best experience for him, I'm reassurring him that even if he doesn't pass the 13+, he's still a bright boy, but I think he's come to the conclusion that he wants to be stretched, and thinks this might occur more at Grammar.

Thanks for any advice, and if anyone is thinking about pursuing this as well, it would be helpful to know your thoughts.

Thanks
Sharon
Y
Posts: 463
Joined: Mon Mar 12, 2007 12:49 pm

Post by Y »

Can't offer any advice, but why is RGS out?
sharone
Posts: 113
Joined: Wed Nov 28, 2007 1:39 pm
Location: Bucks

Post by sharone »

Hi

I meant to say it's out in terms of the Bucks late transfer application form (as after the 11+ admission is direct to the school). I've approached RGS, but not sure if there any places are left.

Best wishes
Sharon
Etienne
Posts: 8978
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2005 6:26 pm

Post by Etienne »

Hi, Sharon

I remember your 11+ case.

You've probably seen Sally-Anne's excellent sticky:
In 2009 there were 106 children who took the 13+, of whom 73 qualified. Only 25 of those were allocated a school place.
I don't know what the year 9 numbers will be next September, but if your son qualifies, you could well be in a transfer appeal situation.

If he wants to try, and if you think it's the right thing for him, then I would say 'go ahead' - but you really must manage his expectations and make clear that it's entirely possible there will not be a place available.

You should try for JH if that's your preference and you're in catchment. I suggest you should avoid schools like RGS that are heavily oversubscribed, unlikely to have vacancies, and will put up a very strong case at appeal.

If you're able to be flexible and are prepared to travel, you will increase your chances by putting down a school like CHS which is not so heavily oversubscribed, might possibly have a vacancy, and might not resist quite so strongly at appeal.
Etienne
Sally-Anne
Posts: 9235
Joined: Wed Jan 11, 2006 8:10 pm
Location: Buckinghamshire

Post by Sally-Anne »

Hi SHaron

Welcome back - I am glad to hear that your son is doing well and that he wants to consider the 13+.

Obviously you are right to explain to him that there is high risk of him not getting a place even if he qualifies. Just to give you the context for that, these were the numbers last year:

:: 106 children took the test
:: 73 children qualified
:: 25 were allocated a place.

The boys/mixed schools that had places were:

:: Burnham - 6 places in catchment up to 6.76 miles
:: Chesham - 7 places in catchment up to 5.82 miles
:: Sir Henry Floyd - 6 places in catchment up to 10.963 miles

It looks as though it is JHG or "bust" to me. The slightly better news is that the current Year 8 at JHG was undersubscribed by 26 children in January of this year. 21 places were allocated (to catchment children up to 3.51 miles) following the 12+ this year. That suggests to me that 5 more children had come in to the school via immediate in-year testing, but that the school is not overflowing for your's son's year.

If he isn't allocated a place you might be successful at a Transfer Appeal with the evidence of his ability that you now have.

Worth a shot, I would say.

Best wishes
Sally-Anne
sharone
Posts: 113
Joined: Wed Nov 28, 2007 1:39 pm
Location: Bucks

Post by sharone »

Thanks Etienne for the advice, and glad you remember us...

I know that this is such a long shot. Why oh why didn't he just pass in the first place, I don't know. Which school is CHS? Is there a bus route from High Wycombe? Sadly, I've been looking into the independent option, but don't think our finances could stretch that far.

Thanks again for the advice. I think we'll at least register before the deadline, but accept that this isn't a done deal, even if he passes.

Best wishes
Sharon
Sally-Anne
Posts: 9235
Joined: Wed Jan 11, 2006 8:10 pm
Location: Buckinghamshire

Post by Sally-Anne »

Memo to me: Do not wander off and make coffee mid-post, because Etienne will nip in and post while I'm gone! :lol:
Etienne
Posts: 8978
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2005 6:26 pm

Post by Etienne »

We're both keen to help you, Sharon! (Fortunately for us, when S-A and I post simultaneously, we rarely seem to contradict one another! :lol:).

CHS = Chesham High. I'm afraid I don't know about transport links, but a willingness to consider an awkward journey might elicit some sympathy from an appeal panel.

Another factor to bear in mind is that, if a school has a specialism at which your son excels, it can be a useful argument at appeal. Having said that, I would still urge you to focus on schools that are not heavily oversubscribed.
Etienne
sharone
Posts: 113
Joined: Wed Nov 28, 2007 1:39 pm
Location: Bucks

Post by sharone »

Hi again to both Sally-Anne and Etienne

Sorry, I've only just realised that you both posted at the same time... and both with really good advice. I think we will go for it, and your news (Sally-Anne) about places at John Hampden, is way more encouraging than the 0 places the official transfer procedure booklet states. If I was being cynical I could almost interpret this as actively discouraging parents from following this path.

In any event, I know have to inform his current school that we are applying for late transfer. I know the head teacher quite well, but this is still a little daunting.

Thanks again for your help
Sharon
Etienne
Posts: 8978
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2005 6:26 pm

Post by Etienne »

Hi, Sharon

I don't think you have to inform the head nowadays. Admissions used to write for a report, but the procedure has been simplified and for most applicants a level 5 in English & Maths at KS2 will suffice.
Please supply us with a school copy of your child’s Key Stage 2 SATs results. On receipt of this a decision will be made regarding suitability for testing.
http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/assets/conten ... pt2010.pdf

The closing date for registration is 23rd Oct.
Etienne
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