Tutoring for 11+ - was told too late

[thetropicmama7]

We live in an 11+ area with a strong emphasis on children getting in to grammar schools. My DC is just going in to Year 5 and when I enquired with tutors in the area, I was repeatedly told I have left it too late as apparently most children have been having tutoring from Year 3/4. I was initially it going to et a tutor for my son but feel forced to do so as everyone seems to have one and I would feel awful if DC ever thought I disadvantaged him by not getting one when his classmates have them . If you did get a tutor, at what stage did you start your DCs with tutoring specifically for the 11+?

Only had 1 week tutoring in the summer before Y6 - and that was really just to get him away from Minecraft for a week :)

Also did a bit of stuff from WH Smiths. But not a lot.

For Bucks and Slough if you're bright and good at maths you don't need tutoring. They take the top 25% ish. So if he's well inside that he really doesn't need tutoring.

Don't get caught up in the tutoring money making whirlwind if he's bright and you're aiming for Bucks or Slough. It's really not necessary.

Both Bucks and Slough have more grammar places than applicants (who pass). So if he passes he will get a place in a grammar school.

Also don't believe the gossip about how bad the comprehensive is. Most people can't read league tables. You don't care about what % pass GCSEs, you care about what % of low, middle & high attainers pass. And how much progress they make etc.

Many of the comprehensives near grammars are actually excellent schools. Just don't have the same cohort as the grammar.

Of course they're not all good. I would listen to parents of existing pupils. But I wouldn't listen to parents who chose to not send their child there.....

We did past papers ourselves with ds2 & he got in. Same with ds3, who takes the exam next month. I'm not sure he'll pass tbh - although he is more academic than ds2 - just doesn't think the way the 11 plus questions need you to think in maths (aces English, & aces a straight maths test). But I'm not sure the grammar is right for him anyway.

Ds2 did say he was one of only 2 boys in his class not tutored (the other is a genius)

I worked as a tutor and I have had calls from people the night before their exams. Of course it can make a difference. Don't listen to anyone who tells you otherwise.