whats the drill for scholarships at Y3?!

[fleetwoodmac]

I saw an advert at my son's (now in Y2) school for scholarships at a local private school, very posh it is too! to start in Y3 by the way.

I have looked at their website - and they say offers are made subject to academic level being at Y3 or above - and interview.

I am vaguely considering the merits of applying. They have great sports facilities, small classes and so on. But whilst my son is very bright, very communicative and engaging - he's pretty average in terms of the 3Rs.

Is it a waste of my time applying therefore? I don't want to do coaching etc, not my style. He might benefit from alot of things at this school - but would it be too pushy academically for him (I struggle as it is with an hour's homework a week!), assuming he even got in.

Any thoughts?

I would start with working how much the scholarship would be worth if finances are an issue. Some scholarships are a reduction of 10% others are upto 100% (although very rare). Some can be topped up with bursaries. So you firstly need to establish if even with a scholarship and bursarial aid (IF it is on offer) could you afford it.

If yes, the next step would be to visit the school. Make a list of questions to ask. Ask how much homweork and what they are looking for or expect from a successful yr 3 scholarship applicant.

Inependent schools are independent. They are all run seperately and different schools offer different things. Its only by visiting and asking questions you can find out what a school is really like!

Good luck btw - whatever you decide.

thanks, slummy mummy.

If a child is bright enough to win a scholarship then they won't feel pressurised in a pushy school. It's only if you're average that you would feel pressured in this environment.

TBH, if you're son is average then there is little point applying as there will be a few exceptionally able children sitting the test. He'll get a place, but unless you are playing down his ability it is unlikely he will get a scholarship.

hmmm... well i bit the bullet and rang the school. i think academic merit is pretty much at the forefront. she said my son would probably have to be at or near the top of the class, and if i wasn't sure, to check with his teacher.

as i said, though i think my son is very bright, active and curious - he is pretty average at english and maths (and i am fine about that), and that is probably what counts. so with some heavy heart i shall probably not go ahead. but perhaps for the best in the end.

How do you know he's average - I haven't a clue where my son is in relation to the rest of the class (maybe I'm on my own with that one?) What harm is there in asking his teacher - you may be plesantly surprised, if not then nothing lost.