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Do you live in a grammar school area and have an academic child but decide not to enter them into the 11+?

26 replies

TurtleBabies · 14/09/2020 18:32

Just wondered if there was anyone else who did this. I question my decision quite a lot. DD (10) has always been academically bright (e.g., in our fairly small 2-form entry state primary, we've always been told she's "top" academically). However, she responds badly to pressure and suffers with anxiety. She told us categorically and consistently that she didn't want to take an exam, or do any extra work, so we didn't enter her for the 11+. I basically feel that this is right for her, but when so many around us took and talked about the 11+, and extended family seem to disapprove, I wonder whether I let her down.
Academia is far less important to me than her wellbeing, obviously, but... well, can someone tell me I did the right thing please?!
TIA

OP posts:
daisychain1620 · 15/09/2020 11:22

My personal experience of grammar school is not great, I was a bright kid but not one of the top and I found the middling kids were over looked a bit. My hubby hated grammar school too. My boys go to a secondary school and are thriving, they are mostly top of their group, doing well and are happy. I found it interesting that on the open nights when viewing schools the principals speech in grammar schools were all about grades and achievements but the secondary schools focused on how the pupils will be known by their teachers, will have an interest in them and want to get the best from each individual. I believe children get a more rounded education and are able to be free to explore other vocations at a secondary school.

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