Calling on the experience and expertise of Stephen Blundell (Deputy Head at Wetherby Prep), Nicola Swales (Deputy Head Academic at NHP) and Nicola Lee (Assistant Head Academic at Pembridge Hall), Oppidan co-founder Walter Kerr maps out the key things to know for those approaching the ISEB 11+ Pre-Test and school interviews.

Key discussion points:

• The difference between 11+ and 13+ and what happens at each stage

• Preparation strategies for the ISEB 11+ Pre-Test and the importance of work/life balance

• The key aspects of the school interview and the rise of the group interview

• Advice for parents on choosing the right school for your child, avoiding social pressure and rankings

• The changing nature of assessment that reflect a child’s natural abilities

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Find a mentor to support with 11+ assessments.

Discover the 11+ Journey

Some key takeaways from Henry’s discussion with Alastair: 

• The best advice on schools comes from those who are in the school experiencing it. 

• The worst advice on schools typically comes from someone who was there in times gone by! 

• How to be open and collaborative in working with a school’s admissions team. 

• Why it’s important to talk to other stakeholders involved in the school’s day-to-day decisions, not just the registrar and the HM. 

• Certainly at Teddies, but most other schools too, children are admitted for who they are; schools want to see the individual. 

• Showcasing an enthusiasm for school life is a key quality for a successful interview. 

• How schools make decisions: the importance of decision by committee. 

• The relative relevance of references from prep and primary schools. 

• The merits of a blind interview process. 

• How we can mentor children successfully, rather than tutor to a test. 

• The art of a skilful interviewer, getting the best from shy children. 

• The future of Teddies: strategic change and important plans for 2024.

Learn more about how we support 11+ students for upcoming school interviews.

Discover the 11+ Journey

Julia is the brains behind the leading 11+ exam for independent schools in the UK and her insight will be invaluable for those whose children are navigating the process. Oppidan Education are leading experts in preparing students for 11+ exams and interviews, with nearly 90% of students getting into their first choice of secondary school. This is a great opportunity to ask Julia or Walter any questions you may have on all things 11+.

They covered the following and much more:

• Key features of the 11+ process

• Advice on the computerised test

• How to prepare for the Pre-Test

• Updates from ISEB for the coming academic year

Find out how we can support your child through the 11+ Pre-Test.

Discover the 11+ Journey

Oppidan Head of Schools, Lotte Harmer, hosted a webinar with Cat Sutherland-Hawes (ex-Director of Admissions, Wycombe Abbey and Latymer Upper School) who gave some insider secrets on supporting your child with navigating the secondary school selection process, from developing key skills such as communication and resilience to the best ways to support them as a parent.

Discuss your child’s school choices with Cat Sutherland-Hawes.

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They covered the following:

• How to make a success of the process

• Online testing

• Targeting the right senior schools

• What to do over the summer break

Learn more about how we support children through the 11+.

Discover the 11+ Journey

Together they cover:

• Why exams provoke stress and anxiety in young people

• Short-term strategies parents can use to help their children

• Longer-term interventions and adjustments parents can make to help their children

• Who parents involve or notify about their child's stress and anxiety

Discover more about our exam support for students.

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Together they cover:

• How the UK system differs from other international models

• How to choose the right school

• Boarding vs day schools

• Admissions tests like the UkiSet

Learn more about how we can support families overseas with admissions to British schools.

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Mollie Charge, Admissions Manager at LIS

Clare Harrison, Head of Upper School at Merchant Taylor’s School

Daniel Keller, CEO at Unifrog

Start your UCAS preparation journey with us.

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