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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think that if grammar schools were more available , private schools would almost 'vanish'

664 replies

smokepole · 16/03/2015 14:13

The percentage of pupils educated in private schools is about 7% of the school population, similarly 4% are educated in grammar schools. I am wondering if there was a 'nationally' available network of about 350 grammar schools (including Boarding provision) , what percentage of parents would still use private education.

OP posts:
Original poster
smokepole · 17/03/2015 23:06

Without free tutoring, the only way to partially equalise the advantage that MC pupils have is to allow a slightly lower pass rate for children from poorer families.

OP posts:
portico · 17/03/2015 23:06

Teacherwithtwokids....not all mc class children go to outstanding schools, travel widely or have affluent families.

Hakluyt · 17/03/2015 23:06
TheOriginalSteamingNit · 17/03/2015 23:08

So what makes you middle class? Cash, or cultural capital?

portico · 17/03/2015 23:11

Hakluyt... Try the MontGras Antu Carmenere 1997.....it matures well in the cellar

portico · 17/03/2015 23:12

Define cultural capital... And let's take it from there. I certainly don't have much cash, but cut my coat according to my cloth.

TheOriginalSteamingNit · 17/03/2015 23:13

That's a reasonable weak tactic getting awfully old, there.

TheOriginalSteamingNit · 17/03/2015 23:13

Right, so what makes you middle class?

Original poster
smokepole · 17/03/2015 23:14

Hard to define that ! . I guess it is having the knowledge, or where with all to achieve your families aims and ambitions whether educationally ,career wise or materially. That is the definition of 'culture capital' and it is about much more than just monetary matters.

OP posts:
RandomNPC · 17/03/2015 23:14

Genetically sharp elbows?

Springisontheway · 17/03/2015 23:20

Somebody queried the term, "check your privilege." I associate this with millenials in America debating and discussing race and gender. It's a short hand way of reminding someone that they have advantages that they may not be consciously aware of.

I don't mind the sentiment, but I've heard it enough to find it tiresome now. It's a bit of a short cut rather than addressing the other person's points directly.

portico · 17/03/2015 23:21

I believe in meritocracy. Hard work, merit , friendship and honesty, treating people in a fair and consistent way

RandomNPC · 17/03/2015 23:24

That's strange, because private schools are the very opposite of a meritocracy. It's buying privilege.

portico · 17/03/2015 23:26

Mine go to stare s hool

portico · 17/03/2015 23:27

Sorry. I meant mine go to state school

TheOriginalSteamingNit · 17/03/2015 23:27

But you must that it's not a level playing field, surely?

portico · 17/03/2015 23:32

I agree that it is not a level paying field. It is not fair for poor household dc. However, I hardly hear anyone showing any empathy for the mc child who has lost a place......and just to reiterate I am talking about grammar schools here

TheOriginalSteamingNit · 17/03/2015 23:36

I feel for every child in a grammar area who doesn't get a place!

portico · 17/03/2015 23:51

Theoriginaltheoriginalsteamingnit......who doesn't also?????

AliceMcGee · 18/03/2015 00:49

my children didnt have tutoring to pass the 11+ VR/NVR they got what they bad to do by themselves. they did practise , but a set of practice papers cost a tenner from wh smith

Trickydecision · 18/03/2015 01:46

As plenty of posters bave pointed out, when there were grammar schools everywhere, plenty of private schools existed. In the rural area where I was brought up, we used to call them "Farmers' Duds' Schools" , because a large proportion of the pupils were not bright enough for a grammar school place but their parents did not want them at the same school as their cowman's kids.

GoodbyeToAllOfThat · 18/03/2015 09:08

I don't think I live in a grammar area. But the thought of my kids being assessed for the "academic" vs "non-academic" school at the age of 10 makes me uneasy.

It strikes me as excessively transparent and fixed for such a tender age. I would think it makes far more sense for say, sixth form?

MsShellShocked · 18/03/2015 10:02

Some grammar schools do have a lower pass mark for FSM children.

They still don't seem to attract FSM children, either because they don't even apply, or because they don't get the lower mark.

My DSs school takes children with the 150 highest mark - unless:

  1. Music Admissions
  2. SEN
  3. LAC
  4. Staff Children
  5. FSM

(not in that order) who only need 111 - which is 'about 30% of the population'

Original poster
smokepole · 18/03/2015 10:04

Ms Shell Shocked. Which area is that and what is the 'regular' score required to pass. ?

OP posts:
MsShellShocked · 18/03/2015 10:30

It's in Slough - but I believe it's the same in lots of schools this year. I've read on here of other schools doing the same.

111 is the pass mark in all of Slough. But because this school takes the 150 highest marks you actually need a lot more to get in. This year you needed 124.