DS 'underachieving' at school year 7

[camel2]

Hi there, new to this! I've today received a letter from my sons school telling me that he 'fits into the criteria' for extra tuition in English on a one to one basis, which will be provided by the school...
Whilst Im suitably impressed that this facility is available, Im a little concerned that it means my son is massively falling behind in a core subject. He always had glowing reports from primary school, and it's come as a bit of a shock really. I can tell hes a bit disappointed in himself, but at the same time, doesnt seem that bothered.... Or is that just the general attitude of a 12 year old boy?
Has anyone else had a similar experience? Should i be very concerned?, any advise would be helpful. thanks.

Just be grateful it's being addressed. My DS is getting so much one to one extra help for maths because he's very dim at it. They don't have to be brilliant at everything but certain standards do have to be met in English and maths ... just take it and do all you can to help him get back on track.

Find out what the criteria is. It could be that he has not made the expected level of progress from his KS2 results.

Great that the school are on the ball and have caught it early.

I spent ages trying to get DD'1's school to recognise her English wasn;t improving as it should be (KS2 Lvl5, end of KS3 Lvl 5a) .Finally, at the start of this yr (10) the head of English agreed and arranged some one to one sessions. She just got an A for her Eng Lang. CA file.

Thanks guys for the reassurance, I am pleased he's getting the extra help he needs right now, and maybe I needed a
little reminder that it's not about my pride,it's about him!..

I think the 'not that bothered' attitude is normal for a 12 year old boy. I have a terminally droopy 13 year old. I see these years as an exercise in damage limitation and just hope that enthusiasm will appear magically from somewhere.

I agree with others. Firstly be pleased they seem really on the ball, and that they are offering support. However, I would be contacting whoever sent teh letter and ask what the criteria is, and express your surprise, and ask if you can have a chat with the English teacher (or HoYear - tis different in differnt schools) about the concerns as this is the first time you've had concerns expressed by a school. Also find out if they perceive him to be sturggling in other subjects or if it is specific to English.