Dilemma, Can a school be TOO good?

[Schoolzie101]

So my son is almost 6 and in year 1.

Since joining in Reception, he was always a bit behind. We had personal issues going on at home, so could not do as much practice at home as the school wanted us to do.

Now we are in the position we can do alot more practising at home and have been making more effort to do some reading, maths and writing everyday (Or at least 4/5 days a week).

The problem is, after speaking to his teacher today, is that my son is still behind in class. He is not focusing and concentrating and is still needing alot of 1:1 support. The school is a very good school, the results are alot higher than other local schools in the area.

But I suppose really I am thinking, is my son behind BECAUSE it's such a good school? Ie is he being left behind?

Does anyone have experience of this - should he level out in years to come? I am already panicking about SATS in year 2 and what if he fails them ?

Year 2 sats are not about pass or fail. Keep supporting him at home and working with teacher to identify what and how to do so. Unless he has additional needs he will find his level.

Often an academically ahead school gets there by neglecting pastoral care and it’s that care that some children need to be able to have the confident and ability to thrive. It’s why a school’s results or Ofsted isn’t what parents should focus on.

The end of KS1 assessments (Y2 SATs) finished last year. They won't be part of your child's education.

I think it's highly unlikely that they are leaving him behind, particularly if they are saying to you that he requires adult support and some 1:1 time. They wouldn't be saying that if they weren't providing it.

We have schools with great reputations local to me. They get brilliant SATS scores. Also there is a massive tutoring culture - the results aren't necessarily down to the school but due to the additional external tutoring.

Some children will always be more academic than others, but the school should be differentiating classes and supporting with learning.

I think in the early years, you'll find they will neglect the brighter ones to support the ones who are struggling. That was my experience with my 2...they were left reading while the ones who were struggling were given extra support.

Without knowing his needs/issues/background its almost impossible to say really.