Have your children got into Grammar school without tutoring?

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Hi
Live in Dorset and would like son to go to Poole Grammar, but wider question is, as above, has anyone had a child get into Grammar without paying for a private tutor?

Thanks Talkin - I am not sure if we are referring to the same research as Grammars weren't positioned so positively in the IoE report (hands up not looked in-depth). Grammars not positioned negatively either - just that prior attainment of child was more of a predicator of GCSE grade rather than the school. Apart from case of low income pupils where prior attainment is also high (PP taken as a proxy) - but these kids are only 2.6% of cohort.

Anyway - I know this thread is probably digressing - ultimately every parent makes the call for their child. There are regional differences and London doesn't speak for all.

Hope everyone makes their right secondary choices with the right blend of head and heart.

My DS got into Grammar without tutoring, he did work his way though a practise test book over a few weeks before the test. He is naturally very bright but not a studious child. I am a single parent on a low income.

Grammar has been great for him, he is getting work at the right level in maths (top few of top set), and help with spelling (average, but low for his school). I don't think he would get the same at the local comprehensive.

That's awesome lceweasel - it made my morning for you to share that. I hope he continues to go from strength to strength and achieve everything he wants in life.

My DD has FSM and has got a place at a grammar school without us paying for tutoring. We worked with her at home on and off through year 5, and she sat a couple of familiarisation tests before the actual 11+ exam so that she knew what to expect.

Of the 90 in her year group at state primary school, 15 have got places in our local super-selective grammar schools for September.