secondary school

[22Mya]

I am starting to seriously think about secondary schools for DS currently in Yr 4. We would like him to tke the grammar school exams. We live in Heywood so not local to any state grammar schools. Cannot decide whether to move house to Trafford/Sale /Altrincham with the hope of getting into a local grammar. DS quite bright so am hopeful.
Also considering independent Oldham Hulme Grammar as we would ideally prefer co-ed. Can probably afford private for one DS but will struggle when the second one joins 2 years after.
Any information about Oldham Hulme Grammar and how it compares to the other grammar schools, is it worth the fees? ( or other local options would be welcome)

You might want to repost with your area in the title , otherwise you just get everyone who doesn't know anything about your area opening then closing the post, but it might be ignored by someone who does have som local knowledge.

Try doing the same post on the elevenplusforum. Personally changing school and home is a big ask for a young child and if they don't get in an even bigger pressure. We sat the 11+ as it happens to be our geographically closest school and we are settled in our area. It worked out for our DD but I know many others who tried and didn't make it and are bitter as a result. Others who tried and technically failed however they found the experience still helpful in identifying areas to work on.

If you have boys, it is hard. The catchment for say Altrincham Grammar is quite small and the pass mark is difficult, even for bright boys. You need an even higher score to get an "out of catchment" place (which is based on rank order). Sale Grammar (co-ed) is also difficult to get into out of catchment. Having said that, the options if he doesn't pass are very good in Trafford too.

All I would say is that if you are considering it, I would try to do it as quickly as possible, certainly so your DS would be settled by the start of Year 5 (most children who take the exams have a tutor in Year 5) and also there are lots of people considering exactly the same thing as you are because the secondary options in Trafford are so good - demand for school places in Year 5 and 6 is therefore high.