Is Grammar School Right for My Child?
Choosing a school for your child is up there as one of the most important ( and stressful) decisions that you can make and this decision can be overwhelming for many if you don’t understand the education system. In this post we are explaining what a grammar school is and why you might be looking at choosing a grammar school place for your child.
As a qualified teacher, I have worked within the local authority for many years, and on a personal level I have had two children go to non-selective schools and my third child has gone into the grammar school system so I can honestly share the pros and cons of both type of school.
All decisions as a parent can lead to sleepless nights, wondering whether you made the right choice, and wondering if grammar school is right for your child is no different but here we will break down the jargon and help you understand the different types of schools.
In the UK we have a range of schools and most children will be in the state system meaning that there are no fees or costs to attend school. However, some children will attend private schools where they pay to go to school. Children typically attend primary school until they are 11 years old which is year six.
Children then transition to secondary school where they will be exposed to a wider curriculum and a bigger school. It is at this stage there is a wider choice of schools including comprehensive schools and grammar schools, but not all areas have a grammar school system.
What is a grammar school?
Historically, at the end of Year 6, pupils in the UK would be split into two categories according to their intelligence and academic success. Passing an 11+ exam would dictate whether the child would head to a secondary modern (or comprehensive) or a grammar school.
The children do an entrance exam – known as the 11 plus or grammar school test.
Grammar schools are somewhat less common these days, so highly competitive, but the expectation remains that the child must perform exceptionally in the 11+ exam as well as be deemed to be a good fit. Grammar schools are state-funded, as are comprehensives. The main difference is that the grammar school can admit a child on academic merit whereas a comprehensive school’s entry criteria tend to relate primarily to where the pupil lives.
In January 2019 around 176,000 pupils (around 5% of state-funded secondary pupils) attended 163 grammar schools in England. This demonstrates that it is a tough selection process and is really only suitable for bright children who take responsibility for their own learning. grammar schools can expect a lot from parents but typically they have the best results from all schools – but that is because they start from a higher point.
The work is the same and the children will sit the same GCSE exams but grammar school students will have worked at a faster pace and gone into greater depth because there is less differentiation in the classroom as all the children are of higher ability rather than the teacher needing to teach to a wider academic range each lesson.
Taking the Grammar Test
These days the onus is on the parents / carers to decide if their child sits the 11 plus. However, do be guided by the child’s teacher who will be able to advise you whether they think your child has what is required for the local grammar school. Remember they are professionals and will know from past experience who is likely to thrive in a grammar school environment,
Typically the parents register their child in the spring of year 5, there are deadline dates that are absolutely set in stone so do set a reminder in your phone to register your child! The test then takes place at the end of September or the start of October.
The 11-plus test will include assessing the child’s ability in both verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. This is why many students are tutored and complete practice papers before the test.
There is a qualifying score for the 11 plus and each child’s paper will be graded and the children will then be ranked. Not all children who pass will be offered a place at the grammar school as there are still capped class sizes to consider so it will be those with the highest-ranked position who are offered a place. Again parents need to read each school’s entrance criteria. Parents then still need to complete the CAF and will then find out on national allocation day where their child has been placed.
What will a grammar school expect from my child?
First, the most important thing a grammar school pupil needs is to demonstrate that they are capable of academic excellence. Of course, performing well in the 11+ examination is a must, but there is much more to it than that. The grammar school will expect to liaise with your child’s primary school to learn more about their performance across the curriculum and other essential information about them.
Pupils who achieve well and have academic ability but do not strive to be and perform better are unlikely to be a good fit. Children who are seen as good candidates for secondary education at a grammar school must have the desire to be the absolute best version of themselves. Additionally, a certain level of self-confidence, not arrogance, is advantageous. Having a positive work ethic, seeing every opportunity as the chance to learn something new and make themselves better rather than a chore, is vital.
A high level of attendance is usually another expectation of grammar schools. Without this, they may deem your child to have a lack of commitment or be unable to keep up with their pace and standards.
Additionally, a good level of independence is imperative for your child to be taken seriously as a candidate for a grammar school education as well as the ability to self-organise. Needing too much support in what can often be deemed as basic or foundational areas will be off-putting. The child will be expected to work independently and at pace. If your child has been heavily supported or tutored to pass the test but lack these characteristics they may struggle. You have to really consider whether your child will be better being one of the best in a comprehensive mixed-ability environment or if can they thrive in selective schooling.
As a teacher, it is my honest opinion that educational achievement is an option for all young people. My eldest went to a comprehensive and left with high grades before heading off to her first-choice university. She excelled in sports and really enjoyed her school days. Yet a grammar school education was not an option for her age 11 because she was a high achiever at that point – yet she still received a good education and it has prepared her well for her future.
What other factors should I consider?
Not all areas have grammar schools, so it is essential to do your research and find out about the options available to you and your child. Gloucestershire, Kent, Birmingham, London all have grammar schools some also have a catchment area so academic performance is not the only consideration.
If their education is of paramount importance and you have no other ties, you may wish to consider making the move to a different location. Of course, securing your child’s place should be the first step. There are also deadline dates where you have to be living within the right location so do make sure that you have looked at the entry requirements for each school that you plan to target.
It can be a good thing to visit schools on their open days when they are in year 5 as this gives you more time to get a feel for schools and consider your options, the best schools are not always grammar schools so be open-minded and look at both comprehensive and new grammar schools. Pastoral care is something to consider when looking at schools as are vocational courses which are less likely to be offered at local grammars.
Grammar school students may also feel that they have high expectations to live up to and this adds another layer of pressure. The children will be regularly monitored and academic achievement is a priority in the schools maybe even at the expense of other activities and skill sets. likewise, the child will need to be an all rounder because both STEM subjects and the arts are equally important. Being a mathematical genius for example doesn’t mean that you are also academically gifted in humanities yet grammar schools require both.
Comprehensive secondary schools tend to be closer to your home and easier for your child to reach either by walking or public transport. Consider whether you will have to ferry your child to and from school on a daily basis and how manageable that would be for your family. If your child has a long commute to school that also has financial implications – we have had to pay almost £1000 per year per child for their bus fare – it’s a huge commitment. The commute will mean a longer school day which is likely to followed up with homework.
Finally, you ought to consider whether a grammar school education is what your child wants. If not, be prepared for a battle that may continue for a while and possible long-lasting resentment at being separated from friends. Good results are one thing but happy children are just (if not ) important!
This post has explained what is a grammar school and we also have plenty of tips on how to pass the 11 plus, again please remember that all children are individuals a grammar school does not guarantee better results.Is Grammar School Right for My Child?
