Generally easy-going DS has set his heart...

[ABrotherWhoLooksLikeHellMugYou]

On a secondary school, having been very shruggy-shouldered about the whole thing until recently. I'm not entirely sure it's 100% right, it's certainly not the one I would have chosen, but I will respect his choice, there's nothing actively wrong with it.

But it's a grammar school. He's had no real tuition, we just threw him at the tests with only a bit of prep hoping for the best but not being too bothered about whether he passed or not. Only now it actually matters, and we find out tomorrow. Am trying not to let him get too caught up in the whole thing, but he keeps talking about it and I am getting increasingly nervous for him.

Good luck to him!

My youngest was the same, no interest at all then suddenly at the last minute wanted to go to a grammar school. Qualified after only doing a couple of practice papers so was happy enough.

All could change tomorrow though - if he wants it due to friends wanting the same and they don't qualify, he might have a sudden change of heart. Still a nail biting time!

Just try and stay calm and open-minded. He will be picking up on your responses and your worry might upset him eg he could think you think he’s not good enough, or resilient enough if he doesn’t get in. It’s actually great he has dreams and hope and ambitions of his own, and it’s also totally natural if some don’t come true. What will be will be etc. You sound like a very loving and caring mum and I wish you both all the luck!

Thanks Lemoncurd. I think friends wanting to go is a big part of it. Oof. I'm so nervous for him. He's a bright boy, but his confidence has wobbled in the past and I don't want this to knock him or make him think less of himself

Hah, yeah, trying to keep it away from him which is why I'm posting on MN - much safer place to express my nerves

2.5 hours until the results start being released. Having trouble concentrating on work. Spent an hour on the phone to my ex (his dad) who has him tonight discussing next steps if he does or if he doesn't and how to shore up his confidence if the latter. Ugh.

Are you in the kind of area where 30% of the kids go to grammar schools, or 2%?

If it was my child I'd be quietly researching options for entry in Y8/9/whatever. Doesn't mean he has to go for them, just so that it doesn't feel so final and disappointing.

I hope he gets in. I know how you feel as dd set her heart on her first choice uni and sounded excited when she talked about it and a bit flat when her backup was mentioned. Luckily she did get the first choice one and just started. I hope your son gets in too.

Ooh fingers crossed OP 🤞

Hope you’ve had some good news.

Thank you all - it's good news! Was busy celebrating and shuffling excited small boy to bed.
Phew. Relief!

Well, that is fabulous!!

Yay, well done!