Hyper selective grammar schools in Kingston-upon-Thames
Hoping to send my children to top grammar schools in Kingston/Sutton areas - and wanted to fact check some things / receive input and advice from those who have first hand experience.
Schools we’re thinking about / hoping for are:
- For our son: Tiffin Boys, Sutton Grammar and Wilson’s School
- For our daughter: Tiffin Girls, Henrietta Barnett and Nonsuch
I’ve known from reputation these schools are very competitive and require the classic 11+ / entrance exams tuition and preparation.
But I hadn’t fully realised that:
a) the chances of getting is about ~5% (~150 spots per year vs ~3,000 applicants - owing to large catchment area). This compares to Kent private schools of ~15-20% (~150 spots per less than 1,000 applicants)
b) most spots go to those in the inner priority proximity of 10km or less.
This is what AI tells me anyway!
Grateful if there are parents out here whose children went through / currently undergoing application for these same schools and can share insight.
- Have you come across the same statistics?
- If currently doing this, what preparations are your children undergoing?
- If succeeded, what do you think were key factors?
- If unsuccessful - same question
- Did you have back up plans?
- What matters more - exam scores or proximity to school?
Please only comment if you have relevant experience for these schools or similar within the country. Not after general high level parenting advice / “don’t pressure your kids” / “grammar schools should be abolished” type comments. I respect your views but after some practical, tangible, first hand opinions here.
Thank you!