state school v independent school

RadoJo

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

I think that you and your daughter need to get things into perspective and become more knowledgeable. Getting As and Bs isn't the level which will get her a scholarship and the University of Westminster is no great shakes as a university, ranking only 73rd out of 89 for Law!

I got a scholarship to an independent school with As, Bs and (heaven forefend!) a C at GCSE - I think there are a lot of generalisations on this thread which won't necessarily apply to every school and if your daughter wants to try it then go for it! She might get in, she might not, she might get a scholarship, and she might not, but she won't get anything if she doesn't try - as long as she understands the situation and is prepared for every outcome, I can't see the harm in at least trying.

socrates

badgerbread wrote: »

I realise now that it is pretty pointless going for a scholarship/bursary and will be looking into more state run schools but if you understood the school that she has beengoing to you would understand that getting A/B grades is amazing and she is only predicted B grades in 2 subjects. I know she isn't G&T but she tries hard. She has already done work experience in a solicitors loved it and has been promised that when she is doing her degree they will let her do voluntary work in the courts (my sister is a solicitor working there she was also not G&T and not great grades at G.C.S.E's)

I know the area you are talking about very well and I understand why her doing well is a massive achievement.

I am in Redbridge and have two sons in private school in Woodford Green.

So heres my take on things:

She has zero chance of getting into Woodford County High for Girls

As for the other private schools in the area - very limited chances without top top grades or a sport or instrument she excels at or a combination - paying or not paying.

To be honest the 'private school thing' is done from age 7 these days to guarantee a place until they are 18.

However it is the type of determination that your daughter and you have that can mean she will get ahead wherever she ends up.

By all means try to apply for good sixth forms that are within travelling distance of B&D - the really important thing is that she has the drive and ambition

I love it when and underdog comes out on top - good luck !!

silvercar

Quite a few children are moving from the private sector to state 6th forms after GCSEs this summer. The recession has meant that some parents have no choice but to move their children. I would think that it would be easier than normal to secure a private 6th form place in September. Of course GCSE results will be important, but private schools pride themselves on considering each child as an individual and I would be surprised if a bright pupil who interviewed well and came from a low achieving school was not given a fair hearing.

thorsoak

I worked for a large city firm of solicitors which would take on 12 trainee solicitors each year : very few of them would have a law degree - the firm preferred to take on trainees who had good degrees in arts and sciences as they would be spending the next three to four years studying law! Out of the 12 taken on each year, we would expect to see 7 or 8 of them see out their three year traineeship and become assistants - although 95% of the partners (when I left there were 98 partners) had all started as trainees with the firm!

Oldernotwiser

RadoJo wrote: »

I got a scholarship to an independent school with As, Bs and (heaven forefend!) a C at GCSE -

How long ago was that- there's been a great deal of grade inflation in recent years.

socrates

silvercar wrote: »

Quite a few children are moving from the private sector to state 6th forms after GCSEs this summer. The recession has meant that some parents have no choice but to move their children. I would think that it would be easier than normal to secure a private 6th form place in September.

Unfortunately not true in this area - the Asian Community dominate these schools (that is not meant to be racist in any way - its just that they seem to place a very high importance on education - and as they normally have large families any spare places as in all private schools go to siblings first)

As a matter of interest there were exams a few weeks ago for scholarships (full and part) 20 places 742 entrants and in other private schools the numbers are higher with fewer scholarships available.

euronorris

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

How long ago was that- there's been a great deal of grade inflation in recent years.

I think it really depends on the school.

I was also accepted for a scholarship with A, B and C grades. I was aroudn 12/13 at the time, and they also took into account my grades prior to joining the school I was at at the time. I had straight A's in primary, and the first year of secondary, but after this bullying began, school refused to deal with it and so my attendance, and subsequently my grades slipped.

This was about 15 years ago now, but I know the school is still open to such applications as my brother still works there.

But.......I wouldn't recommend the school anymore as a) it's too far away for the OP and b) the new headmistress has caused a lot of issues resulting in many of the best teachers leaving the school.

I think it will depend on the are and the school. If they are used to having a lot of A* grade students, then they will want to keep it that way. But...if they are used to having a more even split, then they may be more open to lower grades. And she's achieving A's and B's in every subject. They aren't exactly low grades.

Anyway, OP, do your research and try. Have a back up plan, so if she's declined, it's not an issue. But, if you don't try, you'll never know.

grastgirl

Unfortunately I think you need to be quick for a lot of independent schools, my old school wants applications in by 22 Feb.

My old school doesn't even offer law at A-level, but has plenty of students heading to do law, so I wouldn't necessarily choose non-traditional subjects.

It offers additional bursaries (based on financial need) to those joining the 6th form, and 50% scholarships for academic and music (15% for sport). They require A* in all A-level subjects and mostly A*s for the rest to be considered.

lostinrates

thorsoak wrote: »

I worked for a large city firm of solicitors which would take on 12 trainee solicitors each year : very few of them would have a law degree - the firm preferred to take on trainees who had good degrees in arts and sciences as they would be spending the next three to four years studying law! Out of the 12 taken on each year, we would expect to see 7 or 8 of them see out their three year traineeship and become assistants - although 95% of the partners (when I left there were 98 partners) had all started as trainees with the firm!

Whereas other firms in the city sometimes prefer law grads.......dh's firm reportedly prefer young law grads with no previous career (City/corporate) ...dh was a mature applicant with an arts degree though. Is it mainly the American firm's that prefer them young and law focused? (but then of course american ''trainees'' have had other higher ed prir to law degrees, haven't they?)

Anyway, if sure he career is right perhaps best to look at what type of area might appeal and plan next steps on the basis on what is preferred generally in that area of law? A careers adviser should be able to help.

badgerbread

frostyspice wrote: »

So did you become a teacher?

I sure did now a primary school teacher.