Schools that require the 11+ exam for entry

[GreatGooglyMoogly]

Could someone please explain the application process for these schools? Is the exam sat and graded before the time for applying for normal state secondary schools so that you know whether your child has got in or not? If they do get in do you then not need to do the online application where you put your 3 choices, etc? TIA.

Depends where you live. The LEAs website for the area concerned is your best first port of call.

You know whether they have passed the exam or not, but not whether they actually have a place. More children pass than are offered places.

But at least you don't waste choices on a school they stand NO chance of getting because they haven't even passed.

You need to find out what the competition and timescale is in your own area.

Not everywhere. Check your LEA.

Yes, sorry!

Although I thought form this year that had to be standard procedure? And all the 11+ exams are happening earlier as a result?

But you really must check your LEA.

Hi OP,

it is a ridiculous system for all concerned but the schedule is (in our area):

11+ exam - 4th and 10th Oct
Deadline for applications for secondary school - 31st October
Results day (finding out if passed or failed test) - 30 November
Find out which school you have been allocated - 1st March

So for us, DS takes the test tomorrow and next Wednesday. I have already filled in the form with his 2 grammar preferences top and our comprehensive third (you can fill in up to 6 places but I know he'll get into that school, he is in a feeder primary and we also live in the catchment).

If he passes we will hopefully get our first choice of grammar but if he doesn't pass then we will be automatically allocated the comprehensive.

Would be soooo much easier if we had the results before we applied!

The new rules will probably result in even more people putting in for the test because it takes away the risk of using up a choice on a no-hoper.
But I agree that it makes more sense for the test results to be known in advance.

If they do get in do you then not need to do the online application where you put your 3 choices, etc?

You always have to do the online bit - that's the official application!
Besides which, I would fill in choices 2 & 3 too because you should always cover yourself with a what-if / Plan B.

You don't get in except by applying for the place on the online application - and probably doing the supplementary application to the school, too.

Look at the Admissions section on website of the school/s you are considereing, it should all be laid out.

Also look in your local LEAs admissions information.

They do the exam.
Hopefully before the application deadline you get told pass or fail.
You complete the online application, putting the grammar first if it was 'pass', and if the grammar is actually, your first choice.
You put your other choices down in order of the preference - including at least one school you have a very good chance of getting
You wait and bite your nails until Offer Day
You will be offered the school which was highest on your preference list that was able to give you a place based on admission criteria.

Okay, thanks; I'm new to all this as you can tell!

So, do they take one set of universal 11+ tests and then you can apply to more than one Grammar school if you want to? Will the different schools have different pass marks?

Also, are there fees/ high costs at Grammar schools?

Again depends where you live . Some schools in Kent for example have their own timetable for registration and set tests rather than using the local general 11+ papers. There are no fees charged for state grammars but some private schools also have grammar in the name and these do.