Private primary or secoundary ?

[AngelaD]

You'll probably all think i'm bonkers but here goes.
I want my child to go to a grammar school, more than anything else for various reasons but mainly because I believe the children are more motivated, the expectations are higher and the results generally better.
I am lucky enough to have an excellent grammar school on my door step and also in the area I would like to live in the long term.
So the million dollar question is .... is it better to spend your money doing everything in your power, private primary school, extra tution etc to help them through the 11+ or is it better to have the money in the bank to pay for private secoundary if the 11+ doesn't work out ?
I have to make a decission by this time next year that will affect the whole family for a long time.

[nothercules]

I would go for the private primary or state primary with tuition on the side.

[notasheep]

Fantastic state primary then private secondary

[LIZS]

Depends on the schools involved and their attitude. Some private prep schools exist in those areas with grammars to cram the kids for their 11+ entry whereas others might disapprove and focus on working towards CE at 13+ or sometimes 11+ for private secondary - the criteria may be different for each system. You may find that the local state primaries are more geared up towards working specifically towards grammar entry for their brighter pupils but you could supplement if needs be. There are no guarantees either way and I do feel that if you pay at primary level you have to be prepared to pay at secondary if necessary.

[GDG]

I'm doing fantastic state primary (v. lucky in this regard, I know) and hoping that boys will pass 11+ and I'll never have to pay for either primary or secondary education.

I've got in my head that private secondary could be an option if one (or two, or three ) of them don't pass 11+ though.

Based on what I know of my own children, what I know I personally can contribute to their education and the state primary that they go to, I'm thinking that it's probably pointless paying for private education at primary level when they stand a good chance of passing the 11+ anyway.

I suppose what I'm saying is, I really don't want to use private education and will only consider it if and when I have to. If my option at the time is a good state one, I'm going to take it (which I have).

[snorkle]

If your child isn't at least above averagely able then they would be miserable in a grammar school and probably no amount of coaching would get them there in any case. These children would probably benefit from private senior education most (as I think behaviour in lower sets at senior level can inhibit learning to a large degree).

If your child is already noticeably very bright then they will probably get into a grammar without needing extra help.

For the average to moderately bright children, maybe private primary school would give an edge. But, quite high risk if the plan fails (especially if the child is aware of the plan).

State education with some extra tuition nearer the time if it looked as though it could have a reasonably good chance of success would be the way I'd go in your shoes I think.

[scienceteacher]

Are you happy with the grammar school? It may not be what it seems, so that is a good thing to establish. Are your values to educate the whole child, or just get the good 11+, GCSEs and A-levels?

If your primary school is a feeder to the grammar school, then they should prepare them for the 11+, and you can supplement with VR/NVR papers that you can get from WHSmith.

My experience of prep school just outside a grammar school zone is that they are willing to prepare the child for grammar school entry. Bottom line is that they do what is right for the individual child and family. Grammar school entry is very similar to the entry requirements for girls' independent schools, so a girls' or mixed prep school will already have the systems in place.

I teach in a grammar school, but am very happy that my own son is at an independent senior school.

You have a choices in education, and having more money means that you have more choices. You have to look at the choices in your own area.

[scienceteacher]

Are you happy with the grammar school? It may not be what it seems, so that is a good thing to establish. Are your values to educate the whole child, or just get the good 11+, GCSEs and A-levels?

If your primary school is a feeder to the grammar school, then they should prepare them for the 11+, and you can supplement with VR/NVR papers that you can get from WHSmith.

My experience of prep school just outside a grammar school zone is that they are willing to prepare the child for grammar school entry. Bottom line is that they do what is right for the individual child and family. Grammar school entry is very similar to the entry requirements for girls' independent schools, so a girls' or mixed prep school will already have the systems in place.

I teach in a grammar school, but am very happy that my own son is at an independent senior school.

You have a choices in education, and having more money means that you have more choices. You have to look at the choices in your own area.