To think that you have a better chance of having a successful secondary school experience if you are in top set.
I was catching up with some mums and I asked them how the secondary school experience is going for them so far.
It’s a good school (we didn’t get into our first choice) but they have a huge focus on sports, music and extracurricular aswell as encouraging extra studies.
My DD is in top set, I have found that she has been challenged. She is taking up 2 instruments which she is enjoying. She has joined the drama club and outside of this does gymnastics. She has been chosen to take up Latin and takes up extra duties at the library. She is encouraged by teachers. So are the other 2 friends in top set, their parents are pretty happy with the experience so far. Her form tutor is also very encouraging (e.g. reminding her she can run for things like school council. Said she was bright etc).
However the parents that have their children in the lower sets (mid to low) felt that the school didn’t encourage their children at all. Were not happy with the experience. Didn’t feel that the school were pushing their children. Most of these parents ensured their children were involved in at least 1 extracurricular activity, both at school and outside school.
Personally I went through state school education - was in second set and found the experience OK compared to friends that were in top set.
AIBU for believing that to make the most of a state school or get an education that is close to what people pay for in private school - you have to be in top set classes.