2023 Eleven Plus support thread

[elevenduck]

I thought it might be useful for parents of 2023 children taking the 11+ test next school year to have a space to talk everything 11+ - tips on managing stress, approaches to the different papers, ways of relaxing etc.

Let's try and keep it positive and supportive!

My DS has decided he doesn't want to go to grammar now and wants to go to school with his friends. Have said we will talk about it when we know if he has a place. The school his friends is going to isn't great. I'm sure a lot of them have a wobble about going to a different school.

We have a close friend whose DD had a choice between a more "science orientated" and a more sport focused. She was really good at maths and enjoyed it. So both DH and I thought it was a shame when they chose the sport focused one in the end because, well, she wanted to go where her best friend went.

It didn't work out well in her case. Without being pushed to pursue what she's good at, years later, she lose all her edge on science subjects, did poorly at A level and missed the uni offer that she wanted. And I'm not sure if that friend still remained relevant at all after 6 years.

I know it's not simply because she went to where she went and there were a lot more factors came into play. But the question is do you know what is best for your DC and should you let a 10/11 years old decide for their future? I thought it might be tricky for the first question, but not the second one...

I tend to agree with return I have girl twins and we’ve chosen different schools that we thought best suits them as individuals. One loves music and the other textiles so we picked grammars that shine in those areas. I feel really exited for them to start their own journeys in secondary school.

I know grammar is best for my DS so will do everything I can to make him comfortable with the decision if he gets a confirmed place. It's so hard when they get pressure from friends. Thank you.