To try and fail or not to try at all?

[thebigchance]

Which is better?

Trying to decide on DD options for secondary. Shes not particularly academic and struggles with maths. State options locally aren't great at all. We could potentially move to be closer to a better school but it's very sort after and no guarantee we'd get a house close enough.

Private options locally some are highly selective some are not but all require an entrance exam.

DH thinks try entrance exams and if she fails at least we gave her the chance.
I'm not sure if that just sets her up to not believe in herself should she not get in.

Should add DS is at one of the less selective schools and doing brilliantly.

How good are the less selective ones? Are they even worth going for?

I wouldn't go for the very selective ones if she's not academic. They "real money" pass rate will be higher again than their advertised acceptance point as they'll pick the highest scoring children.

Less selective ones would I think be better than our local state. I've got a friend with two kids there who says so much lesson time is lost managing behaviour.

My main reason is I think DD might really benefit from small class sizes (10-15). She doesn't gave great self confidence and I think this could really help her