As we look into the 11+ process, we wanted to hear from our Year 6 students on how they found it, what advice they might give to someone starting their preparation, and tell our parents just how much we like to prepare our students.
We interviewed Year 6 student Alfie on his experience and insight below!
Overall, how did you find the 11+ prep?
I didn’t find the exam itself too bad, mainly because the school prepared us so well. I was also quite lucky that my exams were spread out, so I had a month of preparation between each school.
What advice would you give someone about starting the 11+ prep?
Don’t overthink and don’t be worried. It’s actually better if you don’t have a favourite school for you to get into, because if you don’t get in, you won’t be as sad. Once you get your results you may even have a nice surprise!
What did you find the most challenging about the 11+ prep?
For me, the interview prep was the hardest part, but the teachers who do the interviews are always so nice, so that helps.
Do you feel that Wandsworth Prep thoroughly prepared you for the 11+?
Definitely, yes – in many ways! They brought in specialists from Bellevue to do the interviews, we had years of preparation time, and my teachers recommended extra resources I could use to develop my learning. Anything I needed help with or access to was there for me to use.
What school are you heading to next? Did you get offers from other schools?
I am going to Whitgift with a Headmasters Scholarship, which is a Sports and Academic Scholarship. I also got into all the schools I applied to; St Johns, Emmanuel, and Kingston Grammar (on a Sports Scholarship).
Do you feel ready for the next school?
Yes, I feel ready. We do specialist sessions with Mrs Bell and Mr Hill, called transitions, which are all about preparing ourselves for Secondary School, what the journey will be like, and what our expectations are.
My brother also goes to Whitgift, who gave me a lot of tips on what it would be like there.
If you would like to hear more about we prepare our students for the 11+ or would like to book a personalised tour with our Head, Laura Nike, please contact us at 0208 870 4133 or email office@wandsworthprep.com
