11+ Advice Needed – Daughter Going into Year 2 – Caterham/Dunottar/Reigate Grammar/Wallington/Woldingham

[meganalicia]

Hi all,

I’m new to the 11+ world and would really appreciate some advice and insights!

My daughter is currently in Year 1 and will be going into Year 2 this September. I want to make sure she’s as well-prepared as possible for secondary school entry – my goal is for her to sit the 11+ exams, ideally aiming for an academic scholarship if possible.

We’re based in Caterham and I’m currently considering the following schools:

• Caterham School
• Dunottar School
• Reigate Grammar School
• Wallington High School for Girls (grammar)
• Woldingham School

At the moment, Caterham and Dunottar are my top two choices, but I’d love to hear from anyone with first-hand experience of these schools – whether that’s academic support, pastoral care, extracurriculars, scholarships/bursaries, or just general school life.

Also, I’d really appreciate:

• Tips on what kind of preparation to focus on at this early stage (Year 2 into Year 3)
• Recommendations for local tutors in or near Caterham who are experienced with 11+ prep
• Info on whether any of these schools offer good bursary or scholarship support for low-income families
• Any insight into how competitive the entrance process is for any of the schools listed
• Any resources or websites that helped you as a parent navigating this process

I’m trying to be proactive without overwhelming her, so I’d love advice from anyone who’s been through this already.

Thanks so much in advance!

I’m in Bucks, so not local to you admittedly but…… do nothing in particular now. Just read with her, support her to learn, talk to her using a wide vocab, take her to museums. Don’t burn yourself (or her) out. If you must, start tutoring in Y4. Mine didn’t start till Y5 (which is standard for our area) and passed with flying colours.

Please don’t start tutoring a child in Y2 - you will literally either break them or suck the joy out of learning for them.

Agree that Y5 is the best time to start, Y4 if you absolutely must. Schools can spot an over tutored child a mile off, particularly with regards to academic scholarships.

Just follow your child’s lead in what interests THEM and then deepen their understanding by reading, doing and experiencing. You’ll be teaching them academic interest outside the classroom. For example, fire engines - look for all the different types, how do they get water, causes of fires, how to put them out etc. There’s so much learning right under your nose that doesn’t involve tutors.

The only thing I would encourage is reading. It doesn’t matter what, but broadly and what interests them.

Please please don’t start this young. You will suck the enjoyment of learning out of her before it’s really begun!
I would hope any reputable tutor would say the same. Year 5 is the normal timescale.

read as much as possible with her, and learn about the world you see when you are out and about. Make it fascinating and fun so she will want to discover more. It’s ok for her to play with her toys and watch tv too!

Dunottar is the least academic of those but year 2 is too early to determine that. Wokdingham is the most expensive option and least likely to give significant bursary help. Where is she currently attending? If in a prep you can leave any decision about tutoring for a couple of years.

And bear in mind that Trinity will be fully coed by the time your dd is year 7, a relatively straightforward commute from Caterham.

Hey! You can try Quest for Exams as it has information on schools, bundles that you can buy and attempt online, and help sheets on difficult topics that most students struggle with. It’s an online website that has helped me with 11+ prep as a parent. Like this you can keep a slow study pace and not overwork thee child. Hope this helps!

Lingfield College is also an increasingly popular option from Caterham.

Getting an academic scholarship at Dunnottar, Lingfield or one of the all girls schools Woldingham or Croydon High will be easier than the nore traditional highly selective schools like Caterham, Reigate Grammar or getting into Wallington Girls. Y2 is very young to say if that is realistic though.

And yes Trinity might also be a shout if she does turn out to be academic and happy to work hard.