Can I apply to Grammar after year 7

[AnneLouise80]

Hi, I’m just after a bit of advice from anyone that may know. We recently moved to a new area and despite passing the 11+, my DD really wanted to go the same school as her new friends. Her whole class (it’s a small primary school) will be going to the local comp which is rated outstanding. The comp is a short walk from home whereas the grammar is a 20 min drive and out of county so no school bus. Thought it best to listen to her rather than add yet another transition so we went for the comp as her first choice and she was offered a place so was never offered a place at the grammar. My question is, if we do want to move her to grammar after the first year or later on, will this be possible? I’m concerned about the size of the comp school (it’s huge) and it’s not been ofsted inspected for years so I don’t want to rely too much on the ‘outstanding rating’ it has. I’ve heard positives things about the school in the main but just wanting to know what options we have if it does not work out although I’m praying it does. Thanks in advance

Which county is the grammar in? I know bucks do have a process for 12+ entry, details will be on the bcc website. My DC (both at grammars in bucks) have had children join their classes in year 8, 9 and even year 10 when a space has arisen.

Just curious, as the huge local comp not inspected for years sounds familiar, it's not LWS is it? If so, they had Ofsted 2 weeks before half term so a new report is imminant.

If you are in Kent the answer is yes as long as there is a place available. You may have to put DC on a waiting list. Normally the child is tested by the school before being offered a place, but if there is proof that they have passed the Kent Test, this won't be necessary.

There's quite a bit of movement between grammar and non selective schools as each year there are children who find the pressure of a grammar school education too much and switch to non selective. It's rare for anyone to send a child that has passed the test to a non selective school and those who do can find their child demotivated. It's best to get a grammar place from the start of year 7. It's not too late to contact the school as very often places are not taken up as families move to another area in the meantime.

She can move later if there's space, but depending on when it'll involve an exam and/or interview. I've not heard of 11+ being accepted last year 7, but I don't know that much about other schools.

I'm pretty sure that's the case in bucks. If you get 121 in the 11+, it's only valid for entry to year 7. If you want to move in to year 8 or beyond then you have to sit another test and qualify again.

As others have said, it will depend on your location. My DS goes to a super selective grammar in Essex and it’s very rare for a child to leave. The next entry point after 11+ is usually Sixth Form. There’s a procedure for entry into other years but it’s only relevant if a place comes up and they have to sit another exam so previous 11+ results are discounted.

Thank you all, this is so helpful. It’s good to know there are options although she’ll have to do the test again. The Grammar is in Bucks. @xyzandabc It’s not LWS, we’re in Northamptonshire. Is there a way to find out when another inspection is planned for a school? I know OFSTED isn’t the only thing to rely on but I’m also concerned at how many ‘outstanding’ schools ‘require improvement’ years later. I think another inspection would put my mind at rest either way tbh.

Schools wish there was a way of knowing when the next Ofsted inspection will be! The school only has 24 hours notice so not a chance of anyone else finding out when it might be.

For what it's worth, our local outstanding school that was inspected a few weeks ago had its last inspection in 2011, so 11 years ago. If it last got outstanding, they can leave it a very long time between inspections.

I bet head teachers do wish they could have more notice. So much can change in a year never mind 11 😬
As it’s been a similar time since our last one, maybe there’ll be one soon.
Thanks so much.

You gave up a place at a Bucks grammar (presumably RLS) to go to a comp in Northants? Hmm. I would never have done that. Bucks and Northants are rural in those areas. Everyone travels to school. Plenty more than 20 mins. Whether any school will have a place at a later date is open to question. And there might be a queue wanting a place.