Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Original poster

What do you do if you want an independent school but your dc doesn't pass the entrance exams?

34 replies

NotMostPeople · 28/03/2012 21:51

We live in a grammar school area, my ds might just pass the 11 plus but even if he does I'm not sure a grammar would be the right place for him. Our dd is in a local grammar so I'm aware of how much pressure there is. If we decide the grammar isn't right for DS we'd prefer him to go to an independent school rather than the local high schools. The high school don't have a great reputation although I have to admit I haven't yet been to see them (I will do so).

I've had a look at the admissions criteria for the two local(ish) independent schools and both involve entrance exams including English. DS is terrible at English/literacy but brilliant at maths and science. I don't think he'd ever pass an English exam. So now I'm wondering what on earth I can do other than the high schools. How much emphasis is put on the entrance exams?

OP posts:
happygardening · 29/03/2012 07:36

We used to live in a county with a huge number of grammar schools. The comps rightly or wrongly generally had a poor reputation so many on finding out that their DC hadn't or wouldn't pass the 11+ opted for independent schools. The few " big names" apart the over whelming majority catered for "nice children who couldn't pass the 11+".
Most independent schools require a prospective pupil to sit some kind of entrance exam even if it's only for streaming purposes. You mentioned your DS is dyslexic you really need to speak to the person in charge of learning support they will also be able to advise you as to whether or not your DS will be suitable for the school as some schools won't take children with significant dyslexia etc.

Original poster
NotMostPeople · 29/03/2012 00:03

He is dyslexic and struggles with long written pieces. I have a tutor pencilled in and based on his last couple of VR, NVR and maths tests that they do at school he would just about pass the 11 plus. There is a chance that with the tutoring that he could pass, but I'm just not sure that the super pushy grammar is the right place for him. He stands a better chance of passing the eleven plus then the indi school entrance exams because they have an English exam.

I think eh would benefit from smaller class sizes that the indi's offer.

OP posts:
welovesausagedogs · 28/03/2012 23:39

some are very selective others are more about being nurturing. If he does very well on the other papers e.g. maths, then it won't be so important that he does well on the english one. But if he struggles with english could be worth getting a 11+ tutor, because besides exams, improving his english if that is an are he is weak in would help him for the long term.

seeker · 28/03/2012 23:29

To be honest, if he's not going to pass the 11+ or the entrance exam to the independent, you may have no choice but the high school. Go and visit before you dismiss- a lot of schools are unfairly condemned by gossip. And talk to them. My ds will be going to a school I would much rather he didn't- but I feel much reassured after talking to the heqd and the head of year 7.

spendthrift · 28/03/2012 23:19

Is he dyslexic? Would it be worth checking if you havent?

Tbh, not all independent schools are good at dealing with the slightly unusual pupil. Some are, but they dont have to, unlike the state system.

If he does need extra support, then either you need to find a school that will give it or find a mechanism at home.

Don't forget also that children mature at different ages, and that often boys catch up later. So you might find the high schools were full of late developing high performing boys.

MollieO · 28/03/2012 23:02

I wouldn't automatically assume that failing the 11+ means they'd fail an entrance exam for an academically selective school.

mirry2 · 28/03/2012 21:54

If there is an entrance exam I assume your dc would need to pass it. however some independent school have past exam papers. It would be worth getting hold of some to see what standard they are pitched at and whether your dc would be able to pass.

LadySybilDeChocolate · 28/03/2012 21:54

Have a look around and speak to them. There are a lot of independent secondaries that are not selective, it doesn't mean they are not good schools though.

Hulababy · 28/03/2012 21:53

It depends on the schools tbh. Some are academically selective, others aren't. Mayb visit em and see what by say.