What percentage of children do 11+?

[frost8bite]

DS is asking and I'm struggling to find an answer... anyone know?

Not quite what you were asking but I read this yesterday so thought it might be interesting as a current news item https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/one-in-five-grammar-pupils-not-sitting-11-302416/

In Warwickshire 10% of pupils attend grammar schools. The proportion of children there having FSM is 3.2%, it is 17.4% across remaining state schools.
I've never looked for that statistic before and find it interesting.

Yes the FSM kids don't really get a look in because it's all through paid tutoring (last year Simon Langton's GCSE cohort had 5 FSM boys in the whole year) which is why Oxbridge supposedly choosing grammar schools over private and indies, which generally have more than 5 scholarship and bursary funded places per year, is a bit contentious.

In Gloucestershire, not sure if all but at least some of the Grammar schools reserve up to 30 places ie 20% for pupils who get the bsse pass mark and are in receipt of Pupil Premium. So that is definitely not aimed at the to tutored middle class.

How is it down to wealth? Aylesbury has a grammar school and it’s a dive 😅

Don't be naive.. everyone knows that to get 'the best schools' it's either pay private fees or get into a grammar catchment .. hence the MASSIVE hike in house prices. If your grammar is a 'dive' then it's unusual. !!

In Tunbridge Wells (our catchment) it is wall to wall Porche 4x4s and tutoring from before they can walk !

Nevertheless do you all really believe that kids should be sorted as 'bright' and 'not bright enough' at AGE 11 ??? If you do , then shame on you .

I'm sure every region is different with it's thresholds, but in most areas of the SE Grammar does tend to attract the wealthy middle classes (who often move to the area to avoid paying for private and forcing up house prices in catchment areas) who tutor and continue to do so through school.

How is it down to wealth ?

Could a single mother on benefits afford a private tutor ?

I will tell you a true story.

My eldest daughters best friend was the headmistress of an 'outstanding' primary... she was asked to be a 'super head' of her school and a failing primary.

In that school was a girl from a family of 7. With every deprivation you can conceive. Every sibling had a different dad except 2. No coats in winter.. no breakfast.. but she loved reading. And was really exceptional. My friend nurtured her, engaged with her social worker.. BUT when she reached 9 there was no money for tuition.. and the schools do not provide it.

Still she took the 11+... but not enough. She got 86% and the cut off was 87%..

So my lovely friend who knew this girl had done amazingly, lost her chance to get to grammar to another boy who (to quote) 'was no where near as bright but parents had the money to coach for the exam' ...

How is that right in anyone's world.

I reiterate. We should NOT be financing this travesty until it is based onGENUINE ability on a non monetary playing field.

*Best friends mother

That’s a really positive article for once! Unfortunately, it doesn’t happen in Trafford which is more akin to The Hunger Games