Moving for grammar

[Turner8Hooch]

We are living in east London with no grammar schools near us and the secondaries are poor. I am considering moving to Chelmsford so my children can sit the 11+.

I love where we live but we can’t afford private (have 3 DC). I guess my biggest concern is what if we move and they don’t get in, I don’t want to regret leaving somewhere I love.

what would you do in my shoes? Have others considered this or done the same?

English as a second language is common in all London schools and many of these schools get extremely good results.

@standoctor I have a DC’s at one of the most selective state schools in the country. Top ten results wise. Many of the children speak English as a second language. The worst performing children in U.K. schools are white British boys from working class families.

Hi Turner8Hooch!

I know it's hard but you know you either stay where you love or you get a shot at Grammar Schools. Sadly, you cannot have both. So be clear about your decision. And if you are going to move, do it soon to give each child a bit longer at their primary school.

You cannot guarantee anything for your children. So just make the best decision you can now. East London to Chelmsford seems geographically sensible.

Good luck!

Test post

I would never send my kids to a state school in London where English is a second language for most kids Errr don't kid yourself that that isn't the case at some of the most sought after grammar schools too.

One of the very sought after Essex boys' grammar schools got an 'inadequate' Ofsted recently because of some major safeguarding issue.