Would I be unreasonable? 11+ related

[Perpelxedandoverwhelmed]

Hello,

My son has just started year 5. He's a 4a for reading, a 4b for writing and a 3a for maths. After some discussion with his teacher (who runs the after-school 11+ club) it was decided that due to DS' math's level, it probably wouldn't be worth entering him for the 11+ as he would have such a great deal of ground to make up. We weren't overly bothered by this judgement as we have two very good local schools near us and a further two (with their own selective tests for entry) just 15 minutes away, besides the fact that DS is reluctant to do the 11+ anyhow.

However, he came out of school on Tuesday with a letter addressed to us, containing an invitation to apply for a place on an 11+ programme run by the local boys' grammar school for children who are considered 'academically more able'. I know that DS has probably received this letter due to his placement on the G&T list (and nothing to do with his teacher) and I know that we agreed that it was probably best not to enter him, but would I be unreasonable to attempt to get a place on this programme? It's mostly fun activities with an introduction to some more formal 11+ preparation. I think that he would enjoy the stimulation and it may change his mind about doing the 11+ or indeed confirm that he really doesn't want to do it.

Part of me thinks that it would be unfair to take a place that could be used by someone seriously countenancing doing the 11+, but another part of me thinks why shouldn't my son get a chance to sample a taste of grammar school life? Just to add, there is no guarantee that he would be offered a place on the programme as they only take 5 per primary school.

What do you think?

Any input gratefully received.

It might be a target to focus on - to inspire him to up his grades.

Hello,
Thanks for everyone's replies. I can understand that the 11+ is a contentious issue, but hope my post hasn't unnecessarily aggravated anyone.

In response to some posters' questions:
My son is on the G &T list for reading, although the term G&T is interchangeable with 'academically more able' at his school. I appreciate he isn't actually gifted. Their criterion for being on this list is a child being a whole level above the national level expected for that age group/year group.

The whole of year 5 did not receive a letter. It was a handful from the two year 5 classes. We're in Essex, not Scotland.

I've decided to return the form, along with his school report, and just see what happens. He's keen to go on the programme and we'll just have to see if this translates to a desire to do the 11+. Should he decide that it is something that he would like to do, then we'll obviously support him wholeheartedly. We have a maths tutor organised for him, starting this week, not for the purpose of the 11+ but just to boost his confidence in maths as this seems to be the main reason for his slower progress in this subject and it's something we've been considering him for a while.

Thanks once again, your replies have been very helpful.