Bucks &amp; Oxon


<p>As you edge closer to the business end of your child&#8217;s education, senior school destinations will be the hot topic, at home, school and every dinner party and social event. But where do you begin? <a href="https://www.manorprep.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Manor</a> sends its Y6 students to some of the area&#8217;s top schools, including St Helen and St Katharine, Abingdon, Magdalen College School and Wycombe Abbey, so it must be doing something right. Muddy caught up with headmaster Alastair Thomas (below) and Deputy Head Academic and Head of Assessment, Victoria Evans (2nd photo) to get the inside line.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Untitled-design-2024-01-16T094626.272.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-154999" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Untitled-design-2024-01-16T094626.272.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Untitled-design-2024-01-16T094626.272-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Untitled-design-2024-01-16T094626.272-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Untitled-design-2024-01-16T094626.272-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-should-you-launch-into-senior-schools-search-mode-nbsp"><strong>When should you launch into senior schools search mode?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>AT: For us, it’s in the summer term of Y4. We’ll have parents starting to ask questions earlier, but this is when we have our Transition to Senior School presentation evening. It’s a good time to start understanding the process, open days, and what will happen over the next 18 months.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-be-honest-who-guides-the-choice-you-or-the-parents-nbsp"><strong>Be honest, who guides the choice? You or the parents?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>AT: We encourage parents to come and see me – I don’t seek out parents, but in fairness I don’t need to as they are keen for advice. We use a variety of ways to see which school will suit a child, but up until Y4 we won’t really have the full picture and, of course, schools change. To answer that succinctly – we aim to guide but occasionally we have to lead.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-do-you-know-the-best-fit-for-the-child-nbsp"><strong>How do you know the best fit for the child?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>VE: The key thing is that we get to know the children really well during their time in the school; both academically and as individual characters. &nbsp;More formally, we build a portfolio of potential through continuous classroom assessment. Then in the spring term of Y4 and Y5 the children sit CATs (Cognitive Ability Tests). These are one-off assessments – but if they’ve had a bad day, it’s not the be all and end all. We add the results to the information we gather from the class and subject teachers, to create a complete picture for each child. It’s a holistic process.<s> </s>&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Untitled-design-2024-01-16T094527.791.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-155000" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Untitled-design-2024-01-16T094527.791.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Untitled-design-2024-01-16T094527.791-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Untitled-design-2024-01-16T094527.791-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Untitled-design-2024-01-16T094527.791-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-if-they-ve-had-a-bad-day-nbsp"><strong>What happens if they’ve had a bad day?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>AT: It’s easy to get hung up on CAT scores but senior schools’ requirements flex each year. There’s no guarantee of getting into a certain school with a certain score, so we maintain close relationships with our destination schools in order to have a good idea of what they are really looking for. The references I write for each child are designed to give a thorough insight into them as learners &#8211; we want to share the complete picture.&nbsp;</p>



<p>VE: &nbsp;In terms of preparing children for their senior school entrance tests, the groundwork is done in Year 5 and we focus on practice papers and consolidation in earnest starting from the beginning of Year 6. &nbsp;We also offer<s> </s>enrichment and clinics to support children where it’s needed. &nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-tutoring-a-good-idea-nbsp-nbsp"><strong>Is tutoring a good idea?</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>



<p>VE: Only if it supports what the school is doing to help the child &#8211; or perhaps if parents don’t have the time to talk through problems. It is our job as a school to prepare the children and one which we take seriously, so outside help shouldn’t be necessary. What we don’t want to do is create a false impression of the child through intense exam tutoring.&nbsp;</p>



<p>AT: We want to avoid square pegs and round holes. Ultimately, it’s not about where each child goes to school but how they progress once they get there.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-else-matters-when-finding-the-right-fit-nbsp"><strong>What else matters when finding the right fit?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>AT: Focusing on the children’s other interests and extra-curricular activities is something I will do with the parents, but the academic baseline is where it starts. When I meet parents I want to find out what it is they are aiming for – day, boarding, co-ed or single sex. We know what the schools are looking for, so those conversations need to be honest and transparent.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-has-the-process-changed-nbsp"><strong>Has the process changed?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>AT: Schools are often changing their admissions process, particularly with online exams. Some schools are using the online platform, Atom, others stick with written papers. We need to prepare children for a plethora of different exams.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Untitled-design-2024-01-16T094704.362.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-155001" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Untitled-design-2024-01-16T094704.362.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Untitled-design-2024-01-16T094704.362-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Untitled-design-2024-01-16T094704.362-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Untitled-design-2024-01-16T094704.362-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-will-you-step-in-if-a-child-is-unfairly-rejected-nbsp"><strong>Will you step in if a child is unfairly rejected?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>AT: Very occasionally, but the references I write are 100% honest. Schools spend years building relationships and trust. They will always call me if there’s something we need to discuss ahead of offers going out. What I want is no surprises.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-many-schools-should-parents-apply-to-nbsp"><strong>How many schools should parents apply to?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>AT: Visit as many as you want but you’ll get a gut feel for where’s right. When it comes to applying I advise two, maximum three. Choose one that is academically aspirational, one achievable and one back-up. For very able children, you’ll be looking at three academically high-achieving schools and choosing which is right. &nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-advice-when-visiting-a-school-nbsp"><strong>Best advice when visiting a school?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>AT: Private visits can be more helpful than Open Days – if schools can’t get them right, there’s something up. Go first without your children. They can be influenced by things that might never happen in their time there. &nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-are-academic-results-important-nbsp"><strong>Are academic results important?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>AT: Education is so much more than league tables and results, but parents like to see them. My advice? Think about what a school can offer your child. The value added will ensure your child comes out with the best possible grades. Also take into account the opportunities and preparation for life. Just keep an open mind.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Untitled-design-2024-01-16T094600.245.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-155002" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Untitled-design-2024-01-16T094600.245.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Untitled-design-2024-01-16T094600.245-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Untitled-design-2024-01-16T094600.245-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Untitled-design-2024-01-16T094600.245-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-do-previous-leavers-spill-the-beans-to-your-current-students-nbsp"><strong>Do previous leavers spill the beans to your current students?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>AT: We invite former pupils in Y7 to come back from their senior schools and talk about their experiences, including advice and what to expect. It’s so useful for our children.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-are-there-it-schools-nbsp"><strong>Are there ‘It’ schools?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>AT: The numbers change every year but, of a cohort of around 50 children, they head off to 15 to 17 different schools each year. Some may only receive one child and another might have 10, but we want to see that broad range continuing.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-avoid-canvassing-parents-nbsp"><strong>Avoid canvassing parents…</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>VE: We try to encourage parents not to discuss their opinions of schools because what’s right for one family isn’t for another. It’s usually best not to have those conversations at pick-up. We encourage parents to have the conversations out of earshot of children and other families. It’s important each child feels they’ve really achieved and are going to the right school for them.&nbsp;</p>



<p><em><strong>Want to know more? Read <a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/manor-prep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">our review</a> of <a href="https://www.manorprep.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Manor Prep</a> in Abingdon and check out more education features <a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/life/parenting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a></strong>,<strong> including choosing the right early years and prep setting.</strong></em></p>


How to choose the right senior school for your child

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