Please or to access all these features

Secondary education

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

Why dont all kids do the 11+ like they apparently did 40/50 years ago?

156 replies

PinkChaires · 16/02/2025 23:40

I am not from the UK and so i had no idea what a grammar school was when it came time for my dds to go to high school. By the time i found out it was two weeks before the test and apparently they had no chance at passing without tutoring ( trafford). Surely this disadvantages some kids? Kids who are smart but just simply do not have the opportunity to sit the test?

OP posts:
PinkChaires · 16/02/2025 23:46

yeesh · 16/02/2025 23:43

Grammar schools were abolished in most of the uk about 40 years ago.

Oh really? I didn't realise

OP posts:
Halfemptyhalfling · 16/02/2025 23:46

In the sixties the grammar system was throughout. However some middle class families had dyslexic children or ones that didn't pass the 11 plus so they go complainef so in the late 70s the government planned to change all schools to comprehensives. However for some reason some grammar schools were allowed to stay. So it depends where you live. Private schools don't have the 11plus but they have a variety of entrance exams

UnimaginableWindBird · 16/02/2025 23:46

It disadvantages a variety of children. I grew up in a grammar school area and sat the 11+ almost 40 years ago and it was massively unfair then, too. My children live in an area with no grammar schools at all, and I much prefer the comprehensive system which is giving my children a better education than I got from my grammar school, with a lot less stress.

PinkChaires · 16/02/2025 23:46

Janedoe82 · 16/02/2025 23:43

Not all children sit it if it is unlikely they will pass. Yes most are heavily tutored so poorer children are disadvantaged.

But could it not be like sats but opt in or out?

OP posts:
yeesh · 16/02/2025 23:43

Grammar schools were abolished in most of the uk about 40 years ago.

Janedoe82 · 16/02/2025 23:43

Not all children sit it if it is unlikely they will pass. Yes most are heavily tutored so poorer children are disadvantaged.