Grammar versus State, what's really different?

I don't think grammars have better facilities than comprehensives. In fact the headteacher at dd's grammar school has said that they are often at the bottom of the pile for extra funding for facilities as they get excellent results anyway with the pretty shabby facilities they have at the moment! As a result they try and get parents to donate money on a regular basis. They also have 3 specialisms so have got more funding that way.

What we have noticed though is the wonderful rapport between teachers and girls. The vast majority of children there are motivated to work and the teachers are very relaxed and informal with them as a result.

As for whether grammar schools are better or not it depends on the child. Different schools suit different children. For our dd a grammar school is certainly better but I didn't want to go there when I was her age and so for me our comprehensive was better.

Agree with MargotFonteyne, the GCSEs are v. much geared towards academic subjects. Our ds has to take 12 GCSEs and only 1 is allowed to be non-academic, ie either drama, dance, tech, art or music.

It is good in lots of ways, and I suspect quite unusual that even the boys are highly competetive in terms of getting the highest marks possible.

As far as choice for GCSE subjects, you will probably have LESS choice at a grammar school in that they will only offer academic subjects, ie no tourism, childcare, media studies etc.

I am fairly sure (ready to be corrected) that my DCs follow the National Curriculum but they tend to work at a faster pace, which is obviously because the children are all of the same ability to a certain degree.

Many, many children are tutored to take the test which is a contentious issue in itself. Beware of over tutoring, rather than familiarising with the test, or she may find the pace too fast once at the GS if she passes. Also be very aware that many GSs are very oversubscribed and even if you have a very bright,'academic' child there is absolutely NO guarantee they will get a place. Our GS only takes the top 120 scorers.

Having said all that, mine love their GS and aare/were very happy there which counts for an awful lot. As far as results go, the school as a whole gets absolutely excellent rresults but some of the children are a lot more self motivated than others (i.e. mine) and it is a bit sink or swim, although they have got a bit better in helping those who are, shall we say, 'lazier' than others.

Can only speak for the gschools in Bucks and say they are very academic. They live and die by their results. If that's what you wwant, then it'll work because they do exactly what they say on the tin.
But am wondering if you've been used to autonomous learning, and a free lifestyle, whether a Gschool might seem very structured and bookish indeed.

DS goes to a State grammar and it performs way better than any of the local comps. The rules are much stricter imo, so for eg if ds has the wrong colour socks for PE, he has 100 lines and a bollocking, whereas at the comp my friend's child doesn't get so much as a raised eyebrow.

I feel that grammar is best for my ds as he's naturally a bit lazy and the school really does force him to achieve his potential. A child who's not used to regimentation, strict rules and discipline might rebel, at least at first.

yes theres Kingston Grammar - but its just the name - its really a private day school...they all must have kept the names for historical reasons...

Doodle, all the Trafford Grammar schools have their own entrance exams now. You're right that previously, Alti boys/girls each had their own exams then Sale, Stretford & Urmston all used the Trafford 11+. But they all have their own now.

We need runnerbean to come back and specify whether she is talking private vs state or state grammar vs state high school and/or selective vs comprehensive. And preferably which area she is is - there are too many variations otherwise!

Oh, now see....I get a bit mixed up BUT it's called Stockport Grammar School and you pay.

My own school, Loreto Convent Grammar School, was a grammar and you/me dad paid BUT there were some free places and bursary/subsidised places.

doodle - but thats not a grammar is it - its a private school...[looks very confused]

Lilo - I went to one of the grammars in Alty. They are all fab imo. Alty/Trafford are slightly different in the way they're set up though, no?

I'm in Stockport now. The two or three local high schools are OK. The local grammar I've got my eye on - Stockport Grammar, is fee paying and is wildly ahead of the state schools (which, as I say, seem OK) on every level. Activities, facilities, sports, class sizes, everything. I'm astounded at the huge difference between this grammar school and the state provision.

grammars mostly better at academic stuff.
comps/high schools mostly better at non-academic & pastoral care.
but it does depend where you are.

I would plump for whatever school could manage the transition from home schooling to school the best as well.

Has your dd has proper tutoring for the 11+?

the grammars here have facilities which are at least as good as those at the local high schools. We don't have comprehensives - it's either grammar or high school, although I am aware of some areas which are largely comprehensive but also have a couple of state grammars. Runnerbean, if you feel you can say which area you live in, it might be better for someone who has experience of the state schools in your area to comment, as there are differences.

agree with lilolil - is your question really grammars v comps? that all depends what your nearest comp is like doesnt it?

Round here they actually have less good facilities and less funding - they dont need lots of lovely facilities like the newer academies because all they do is push them academically through the exams - so if its results you want then they're great but if its extras then you would be better off at a new academy - if you have that choice near you that is...

Grammars are state. What are her options should she fail the 11+?

The grammars where I live ARE state schools, and if your DD is sitting 11+ then sounds like a state school. Some grammars are private. If you clarify what you mean, I can give you my thoughts as DS is at a state grammar