son wants to sit 11+

[daisydoodoo]

My yr 5 son has started getting letters home about the entrance exams for the 11+. He is a bright boy, but in all reality probably not of grammar school standard, my dilemma lies in that we had decided not to put him forward for the tests and to apply to the two good local schools in September, when he is yr 6.

The first letter about an information evening came home last week, we (myself and xh) did not attend as this wasn't in the plan. However ds2 seems determined he wants to sit it. Shall we let him? Would he perhaps be resentful if we decided not to let him, that in future years he might think what if?

I did find some examples of the 11+ online last night, he got 80% on verbal reasoning, 80% on non verbal reasoning, 90% on english and 85% on maths, this was without any revision and on the spur of the moment.

I guess my reluctance comes from his teacher telling us not to bother, as in her words hes bright and very clever but far too lazy in his work and seriously under acheiveing! and yes we have had a conversation with her about encouraging him to try harder in class and to get him enthusiastic regarding school work. We do encourage him at home and he is a prolific reader and always seeking information at home.

What would you do?

To be sure tiggy. It does help if you get the pass/fail before submitting the list. My DD had been rather lukewarm about the GS when she did the 11+ - she'd been a bit OD'd on open days - but once she'd got that 'first on reserve' we went back in school time and she was wowed and was absolutely set on going there. She has a long journey, its single sex, they expect high standards - ultimately it was her choice and so her attitute was hugely positive. We were fretting about the bus - she said it wouldn't be a problem and therefore it isn't (actually it's her social club!). I rather think the OPs DS may be somewhat similar - if its his choice and he wins the place it could make a huge difference to his attitude.

If it's his choice & he gets in, you never know he may stop being lazy - he will have other bright sparks to compete against after all. If he doesn't get in then it will show him the value of hard work anyway I suppose!!

How competitive is it to get into the grammars where you live? Is it a grammar-school LA? Or could he go to a good comp with children of all abilities?

If he is getting those scores without any "training" and he really wants to, then I think you should go for it. It sounds like school is not enthusing/stretching him, and an academic-focused school might be just his thing.

When you say, he definitely wants to sit it, does he see it as a means to an end or just an end in itself. Would the grammar school definitely be his first choice of school and the one he would be most suited to. It might be a good idea to take a look at the potential schools to help you decide. The one thing about taking, rather than not taking, the test is that it will keep more options open.