grammar suitability?

[skybluepearl]

We have various secondary schools around us - the good, the bad the ugly! DS is 9 and the thought has just crossed my mind that if we are to even consider our local grammar, then he must start tutoring quite soon. But I don't know if DS is able enough despite being on the top table for most things including English. I really need to chat to his teacher. I also wondered if anyone could tell me how able children need to be to gain a place. I know it must vary from school to school.

google the eleven plus or the 11+
entrance exam

You're right, it does vary from school to school and area to area. Some grammars are superselectives and others take top 15-20 percent. As far as tables go, it all depends on how academic all the other children in the class are iykwim. Looking at the schools near us, in one school 3 or 4 might make it, whereas in another it's not unusual for 14 or 15 to go, it depends on what the original intake cohort was like. Top table in a class where many others are struggling might be quite different to top table where most of the rest of the class are above average NC levels. Probably the person best equiped to advise you is the class teacher, also yr6 parents might have some ideas having just gone through the process. Not sure if knowing NC levels would help, someone else might be able to advise on that one.

Depends where you live. In our area the 11+ is arranged so that around 23% pass, and there are grammar places for all of them. In some places it's 5%. You need to talk to your LEA.

But have a plan B!

Good, bad and ugly is a great description and also sums up the schools near us It's so hard to choose.

I asked ds's teacher whether or not it was worth tutoring for a grammar and got an informative reply, it was brilliant. She said she saw a larger spectrum of children and could see, (much better than I think I could) what would suit him.
Playground conversation is dominated by secondary talk at all ages, which is really helpful too.

If you dare, look at the eleven plus forum, then search for your county or area. They seem friendly and very well informed - scary reading though!

Good luck.