At what age did you think your child might do well in the 11+?

[AmbushedByCake]

If your child sat the 11+ and did well, what age where they when you thought about grammars, and what made you think they could do well? If you did any prep/tutoring, what school year did you start in? Thanks :)

The head of DD’s private nursery commented on how it’s a shame there are no grammars for primary-aged children. DD was 3 at the time.

Later, some of her teachers commented at parents’ evenings that she is grammar material, although it is not pushed in our area or supported at school.

DH and I were not from grammar areas so the whole thing was new to us, and it was difficult to judge how much to do. We didn’t pay for any tutoring, but did workbooks at home in Y5, and a couple of mock tests in the weeks before the 11 plus. DD got high scores in both tests (two different LA areas) so I think we could have done less preparation, but it was very low stress as DD enjoyed the work.

Private or state grammar OP? How old is your dc OP? Do you think your dc is 11+ material? I thought it depends on the area and school as competition varies.

What private grammars? By definition it is selective state education (obviously there are independents that have kept 'grammar' as part of their name).

I assume the op has asked the question as she is trying to get a feel for whether their dc is 11+ material...

Following with interest as I have bright early primary dc in a grammar area.

Dd was above expectations throughout primary, in year 4 the teacher said she was grammar standard. We did past papers and some 10 minute tests to speed her maths up from Easter in year 5 and she passed quite comfortably.

Never thought about it at the time, as they were both in an all-through school, so didn’t need to consider it, but other people told us this when they were both aged two to three (I appreciate it sounds very ridiculous, unbelievable, braggy and very Mumsnet, sorry).

DS never gave any particular signs of intelligence as a baby or young child. He wasn't very quick to learn to read, and has never shown much interest in reading.

I asked his year 5 teacher if she thought he would pass, and she said definitely. We didn't tutor, just worked through the practice papers with him, and he got a very high score.

DD started school reading, writing a little and able to do all the maths on reception curriculum. So I always knew she was bright.
But I think it was year 2, or maybe year 1 where the teacher told me about bonds 11+ materials at a parents evening. Something along the lines of official school stance is no prep and ti ban mention of it, but she has potential.
She did, she's doing very well and in top sets and most of her friends went to independent school...!

Year 4 - after a discussion with her teachers.

Private school or state grammar. As in private, or state grammar. No need to be pedantic. It makes a big difference, as it's generally easier to do gain entry to selective private school than grammar schools.

We're just in catchment for a state grammar in Essex. Couldn't even dream of affording private fees!

Each of my kids attended a primary school where 95% of kids do the 11+ and approx 85% get a top grammar school. Never gave it much thought as just expected they’d do it and hopeful they’d pass - We’re in NI and I did it myself many many years ago. Point being if the kids are taught the stuff the vast majority of them can get there.