DS1's parent's evening today...

[CardyMow]

And I was given some levels for his current work. The school has assessed the top set using last year's SATS papers. He just got a level 5c in reading, a secure level 5c in writing, and a level 5b in maths. With these levels, less than a term into Y5, is he likely to PASS the Essex 11+ for CRGS?

The school seem to think so, and are insistant that it will be a 'wasted opportunity' if he doesn't sit the test. I want to know how likely it is that he will be in the top 5% of pupils in Essex (that's the criteria for being offered a place at CRGS) WITHOUT paid for tutoring. I am a Lone parent on benefits, and obviously, I cannot afford £25-£30 an hour for a tutor. I don't want him to feel like he's 'failed' if he doesn't get in...

They ARE offering to use the tutor time the school pays for (1 hr a week) to go through practice papers with him for this year, to get him used to the layout of the papers? And they have said that the HT will take a small group for one afternoon a week to tutor them for the Autumn term of Y6.

BTW this is a state school, and DS1 is on FSM.

Not an expert, but I'd say he has a good chance. People are already advising me to consider grammar school for ds (yr3) as he secured 3bs in yr2 SATS & is on target for level 5s in yr 6.

Incidentally though I've also been told that it is actually illegal for a state school to do 11plus preparation during regular lesson time, (though not after school etc,) so I'm quite surprised at your schools plan.

Tbh though what harm does it do to do the tests; if he passes then great he can go to a grammar school but if he fails, he'll go to the local comp & if he doesn't take them he'll go to the local comp.

Writing is the one that's really hard to get.

A level 5, at this stage in Y5 is really very good, and I'm fairly sure would put you in the top 5%.

I def say go for it. You don't need to pay for a tutor. Can you not just buy some practice papers and go through them with him yourself?