The grammar school results are out, and queries are coming in thick and fast. So, we thought we would create two posts explaining the options parents now have at their disposal if their children are deemed ‘selective’ or ‘unselective‘.
Making Decisions After Being Deemed ‘Selective’.
First, we would like to congratulate you and your child for making it this far. Grammar school exams are very competitive, and the preparation period can be very intensive.
Getting the results can be an exciting time for one family and a disappointing time for another because only 10% of children will be deemed ‘selective’ and offered a place.
If your child has passed their grammar exams and has been deemed selective, then you must decide which schools you would like your child to attend.
- Have A Big Celebration
It is crucial you and your child take time out to celebrate their achievements. They deserve it, and they should know you are proud of them.
- Attend Open Evenings
If you are undecided or did not visit any school open days, now is the perfect time to visit the school open evening.
Before you choose, you and your child should decide if they will be happy there for the next five to seven years.
- Read Reviews
You should not choose a school simply because it is the closest to you. Check the league tables, read the Ofsted report and look at useful guides like the Good School Guide.
- Talk With Other Parents
It is essential to talk to other parents whose children attend the school, as they will have first-hand experience of what life is like on a daily basis.
- Complete Your CAF Form On Time
You must complete and send the CAF form back to your council by the 31st October 2018.
- Prepare For SATS And Independent School Exams
Preparation for SATS needn’t start immediately. A 4 week or so break is recommended so your child can have a break from exams.
This break should not be forever. After doing so well in the 11 PLUS, they are likely to find Year 6 work easy, so you can slowly prepare them for the SATS exams. An hour a day should suffice.
If you are preparing them for the Independent School exams, more time must be allocated for preparation.
- Do Not Become Complacent
Think bigger than the grammar exams and focus on your child’s future. Often parents completely take their foot off the accelerator after the 11 PLUS exams. While it is good to slow down, you cannot stop. Imagine a car being left to sit for months in a garage? It will eventually probably stop functioning well.
Likewise, these children might suffer ‘brain drains’. Unfortunately, they will be unprepared for the school test that they will have to complete when they start their chosen schools. This test will decide their target grades and often their sets.
If they do worse than expected at the start of their new school year, this can knock their confidence.
Congratulations again for passing the 11 PLUS exams. Celebrate, have fun and take a break. However, don’t forget to visit the schools, complete the forms and continue to steadily prepare your child for continued academic excellence.