Slough Parents: Which Primary Schools Really Prep for Grammar

[CuriousFox1]

Hi everyone,
I’m looking for advice on primary schools in Slough that set children up well for later grammar school entry, like Burnham Grammar. My daughter enjoys learning and thrives in a stimulating environment.
I’d especially love to hear from parents whose children actually got into a grammar, or whose friends’ or relatives’ children did, so the information is verified to some degree. What route did they take, and which schools would you recommend? If Burnham isn’t the best option, I’d appreciate alternative suggestions too.

Are there any schools you would recommend avoiding, and if so, what issues did you notice or hear about? Honest experiences and advice are really appreciated!

Thanks so much for your help, and have a great day!

It's not about the school it's about the tuition start early with a reputable tutor company.

@Poonu So the primary doesn't prepare them well at all? Which "reputable companies" would you suggest, if you are aware of any local ones? Thanks 😊

It’s not about the tuition it’s about the family encouragement and attitudes to education.

That's important but its mainly the tuition. The subjects that they are examined on are not taught until after the exam in Year 6.
You will have to research locally and see what is a good fit for your child. Some are more intense than others there are budget considerations etc

Burnham Grammar isn’t in Slough - it’s Bucks. Slough grammars are Langley / Upton Court / Herschel / St Bernard’s
I’d choose Burnham - yes it is less academically but looks at the child as a whole
No primary will prepare for 11+

Primaries aren't allowed to prepare children for the 11 plus.
Part of Burnham Grammar's catchment covers Slough which is weird as it's in Bucks (just).

Slough primaries IME ignore the 11+. Tutoring talk started from year 3 in DD’s old school.

Just to clarify, among parents! Not school

Primary schools don’t prep children for the 11+, the prep children for SAT’s. Different skills with different timescales. Primary schools may not have covered all of the content included in the 11+ seeing as it’s taken early in the school year. You need to tutor, but it’s doable yourself if you’re capable and your child is motivated.

Just to add: DD's primary was in Cippenham, the grammar of choice for the area is Burnham as it’s walking distance. Both primaries in the area were good when we lived there.

BGS is one of the most over subscribed schools in the South East, something like 5th. I imagine you’d need to be in or very close to catchment to stand a chance of getting in. Tutoring is essential, primaries don’t prep for 11+. BGS is an excellent school, not the best performing grammar academically, their kids are well looked after and cared for, very little bullying and non of the toxicity associated with local girl’s grammar.

Which ones are better academically? We are a half - Catholic family, so.id imagine a faith grammar is on the list for us. We are in a catchment of Burnham Grammar, luckily. But the question still.stands : some primaries are stronger then others academically - so less tutoring would be needed. For instance , Lent Rise primary has something around 46% of grammar school acceptance - but my question is also : are there any other schools that are both strong academically and have good support and nurturing environment for kids. And maybe some of them really stand out? Thanks

How is it possible , that kids get tested on something they haven't learned as a part of the curriculum?

We are the lucky "just" part if it's catchment. (...does a little mental dance ).

How much in advance would.you say I need to start tutoring/find a tutor? And how does one find a good tutor? Everyone seems to keep these contacts a state secret.

When the time comes be sure to read the admissions policy as the school currently admits a number of children in receipt of free school meals and looked after children with a slightly lower qualifying mark and of course children with an EHCP are admitted separately.

It's not a secret we don't know your child. Some children academic other children bless them you do the research to find a tutor because you know your child best.
And 100% no primaries in Slough teach the 11 plus, either you teach your child or tutor does.

Send them to AE tuition in slough. I went there as a kid and they have an incredibly high pass rate. How do I know? Because I also worked there.

I went to burnham grammar school tho and found it very miserable and full of bullying and wannabe posh staff (incl the headmaster who is totally insufferable and a complete narcissist)

I would recommend sending them to other grammar schools

The whole test is basically a really long IQ test and most state primary schools don’t prep the kids for that. Btw I think St Bernard’s is a catholic grammar (some friends went there back when I was at BGS and they all seem to have done well). They said it was strict but maybe that’s good