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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Original poster

11 plus support thread

208 replies

user153876909 · 21/08/2021 21:19

Hi folks,

My DS is sitting the 11 plus for some of the superselective grammar schools in London next month. We did a mock test today and got the results back, which have put me in a bit of a panic mode. I thought we were almost there with the prep but it seems we still have quite some work to do.

Anyone else have DC taking the 11+ next month and what last minute prep are you doing?

OP posts:
WithCatLikeTread · 26/09/2021 20:47

Yes essex, Southend specifically.

Other mum found out, don’t know how?

“WHSB - 18th October
Whsg - tbc
SHSG - 18/19 October
SHSB - 20 October.

Info will be sent out with results to those who pass.”

ElvenDreamer · 26/09/2021 21:14

Ah ok, I'm looking at CCHS and CCHSG and definitely hadn't seen anything!

Original poster
user153876909 · 27/09/2021 18:17

Is anyone here going for the Tiffin boys exam? We're out of catchment and apparently the chances are close to zero if you're not in catchment. Wondering whether to go for the test if only for practise, as we plan to apply to private schools as well.

OP posts:
Original poster
user153876909 · 27/09/2021 18:17

Only given 2 tests so far, so it hasn't been too taxing for DS.

OP posts:
BumbledBee · 27/09/2021 20:10

@user153876909

Is anyone here going for the Tiffin boys exam? We're out of catchment and apparently the chances are close to zero if you're not in catchment. Wondering whether to go for the test if only for practise, as we plan to apply to private schools as well.
The catchment is quite big (10km from memory?) so I wouldn't imagine there are places left over for out of catchment - we were in catchment for DS but still didn't do it because the journey would have been 50 minutes and we have all three Sutton Grammars closer. I would say it depends how he feels about it. Isn't it this Thursday/Friday? Is he sitting stage 2 this Saturday for the Sutton grammars?
Original poster
user153876909 · 28/09/2021 08:44

Yes, tiffin on Thursday and then Sutton on Saturday. He has half day at school on Thursday anyway so wouldn't be missing much. I think there's no chance of getting Tiffin if out of catchment so we could see how we feel on the day. DS has quite enjoyed traipsing across London for exams and we wouldn't have to get up ridiculously early for it either.

We're trying to cram creative writing for Sutton though, we didn't do much of this at all during our 11+ prep. Right now he's writing 2-3 short paragraphs when it's supposed to be more like 2-3 pages I think... Confused

OP posts:
WithCatLikeTread · 05/10/2021 21:39

How is everyone? How have latest exams gone?

Less than 2 weeks til results day for us.

Lockdowndramaqueen · 05/10/2021 21:52

It’s a waiting game now. Trying to keep busy.

ElvenDreamer · 05/10/2021 21:58

Hi @WithCatLikeTread we've been sitting some aptitude tests in last couple of weeks, 2 down, 1 to fo this weekend, DD seems happy and has been enjoying herself! Not long now until 11+ results though (and aptitude for that matter). Yes I echo that @Lockdowndramaqueen, trying to keep busy! Should be end of next week for Essex results. On good days I envisage wonderful high results that mean I can relax completely, on bad days ones that are dire and mean it's all over. I suspect reality will be somewhere in between - pretty good scores that aren't therefore obvious resulting in more tense waiting until March 😭

WithCatLikeTread · 05/10/2021 22:04

As were in catchment, if she passes, it’s pretty much guaranteed she’ll get in.

Part of me is hoping she doesn’t pass so there’s no thinking, just apply for the local non-grammar.
Last year there were about 5x the number of applicants for places for it, so it’s a good school despite the grammar situation.

If she passes we have to decide what’s actually best for her, still unsure.
A high pass would help. Don’t think that will happen though!

Original poster
user153876909 · 08/10/2021 10:55

Our DS didn't make the cut for QE .Now waiting for the Sutton results. Have also started prep for the private schools we intend to apply to. Given the QE results, we now know where DS stands compared to the cohort of kids applying to the top schools this year and well let's just say, we have quite a bit of work to do.....

@ElvenDreamer - can I ask what the aptitude tests are for?

OP posts:
ElvenDreamer · 08/10/2021 11:06

Hi @user153876909 , we did aptitude tests for 2 schools in Hertfordshire. They are both outstanding and massively oversubscribed state schools, basically almost a grammar school/private school education in a state school setting. Both schools reserve a few places (and it is only about 10!) for children showing a particular aptitude in certain subjects. For Herts and Essex they offered tests in music and sport, we took music, and for Hockerill the tests were music and languages and DD tried both. No prep required, its tested in such a way that is accessible to anyone as they are looking for aptitude rather than knowledge so we figured it was worth a go just to see if we can have a really good plan B if the grammars don't work out. A few other schools do similar things too I know.

Original poster
user153876909 · 08/10/2021 11:08

@ElvenDreamer - ah ok, thanks for the info! Yes, definitely worth a try.

OP posts:
ElvenDreamer · 08/10/2021 11:16

@user153876909 no problem. Hope you get the results you want from Sutton 🙂 all this waiting is so stressful!

changingstages · 10/10/2021 17:50

Those in Essex - does anyone know how it works with checking the results online? I believe the traffic light results indicator thing is usually sent out with the postal results but can you also view it online so you can interpret if there's any chance of them getting in?

I am so confused.

changingstages · 10/10/2021 18:02

Oh I have just found the answer: a guidance sheet containing historical data will be published on the website on 15th october and will also be enclosed with the results letter.

ElvenDreamer · 10/10/2021 18:58

@changingstages I hadn't seen that so thanks for the info! The 11+ forum has got some good historical data too, particularly when schools have a catchment, showing the lowest out of catchment marks that have got in etc over last few years.

lawofdistraction · 11/10/2021 10:41

Starting to feel very nervous now waiting for DD's results on Friday! Technically I think we would be classed as a super selective area (no catchment and places go to the top ranked pupils, no pass mark) but there's not a silly amount of kids taking it, usually only about twice as many as there are places, so we stand a decent chance.
Our back up plan is the local underperforming comprehensive, so feel there is so much riding on this!

Lockdowndramaqueen · 11/10/2021 13:45

Me too, although we are in a crazily oversubscribed area. Two results out this week hopefully so we should have a sense of where we are in terms of applications etc. 🤞🤞🤞Good luck everyone.

lawofdistraction · 11/10/2021 13:51

I keep checking my emails although they're not due until Friday, as I've heard of results being released early some years in places. I don't know how I'm going to calmly open the email once it arrives!

EyeBallisticSquid · 13/10/2021 08:48

Gloucestershire-based. Results due tomorrow, some time after midday. Feel sick. Local comp is way below average in terms of progress, and results. This is not fun! But I'm super proud of all the brave kids who had the balls to sit the test.

Lockdowndramaqueen · 13/10/2021 17:26

Both sets of resists delayed till next week here because of delays in marking from late sittings. Have done well up until now but now I just want to know. Think my dc does too. Agree re them being brave though and so young.

Lockdowndramaqueen · 13/10/2021 18:02

Results not resits

BumbledBee · 13/10/2021 18:30

I am still holding a small bit of hope that they'll manage it on Friday @Lockdowndramaqueen 🤞

Lockdowndramaqueen · 13/10/2021 19:50

Oooh that would be good but it seems very likely it’s next week now. It’s our first choice school too so it would be lovely to know before the weekend🤞🤞🤞