Independent schools - total newbie - how do I help my child prepare?

[KasabianKat]

My child would like to try sitting the exams at out local independent school for year 7 entry. I know the school does the GL assessments.

We are a low income family. We can't afford tuition fees so I will need to prepare my child on my own. I am not very optimistic that he'll get in as I will be competing with other tutored kids and the people that go there are quite affluent. However, I don't want to put my child off and have agreed to put him forward for the exams.

My question is where do I start in preparing him. I have looked at cgp books and there's so many books for just one exam eg for English theres a practice book, revision and test book, 10 minute tests book, workbook.

I obviously can't nor would want to buy everything so which ones would be best - should I get a workbook and a practice book or a test book?

Also I have seen there are bond books too - should I be looking at these too?

Thank you.

Have you registered at the school? (Usually necessary, but I don’t know which school you’re thinking of.)

And do they have a well established and generous bursary system that you will be applying for?

It’s always helpful to personally speak to whoever deals with admissions - before you do anything else. Particularly if you’re hoping for a bursary award. They should be willing and able to give you as much guidance as possible on the whole application / entrance exam process. And you’ll be able to gather whether it really is the right place for your child.

(Other people will be able to advise on exam prep - it’s too long ago for me.)

I would definitely speak to the school as they may be able to advise on where you can access past papers or the best books to buy. I have a child going through CE exams, and we bought second hand books off eBay and Amazon for a couple of pound each, so it’s worth having a look. YouTube has loads of information as well!