Tutoring for 11+ - this Guardian article must surely be exaggerated?

[KittyCorncrake]

here

I've also crossed off a potential school for dd for Y3 as it too demanded that she went in for a 3 hour exam session, which I think is ludicrous for 6 and 7 year olds. She's actually extremely academically able and would be able to take advantage of everything the school had to offer, but I'm not prepared to put her under that amount of pressure in Y2!

would second what was said about pushy koream parents - EVERYTIME ds and i visit the local library, we see the same bunch of korean families huddled together around the books - i honestly think that they spens all day every day there . they certainly treat it as their home not bothering to keep the volume down and spreading out their packed lunches picnic style. if i do not see them one day, i shall know that they have worked through every book in the library and have moved on to a different library. their children are so dependent on being tutored all day, i don't think they could cope if it ever ended.

Andiem - yes, kids at prep are pushed and possibly prepared more than other children, but where we are they have to get a higher score on the 11+ than kids who don't go to private school. They are expected to have an advantage so it is compensated for.

Reading all the mumsnet education threads makes me think that those of us who live in areas without grammar schools are lucky.

It really means that your children can just enjoy school, learn lots but not have the awful threat of the 11+ hanging over their heads the whole time.

I grew up in a comprehensive school area and really feel that our childhood was enjoyable. Went to the local comp. and then on to Cambridge University. I basically got to an 'elite' university without any of the terrible pressures beforehand.

I would advise, move out of a grammar school area and reclaim your children's childhoods!