Homework at highly academic schools

52 replies

1sttodie · 31/01/2023 21:34

If you have a child at a highly-selective grammar or indie, please could you share how much homework they are expected to complete per day, in Year 7 and subsequent years? Obviously, some children will work faster than others but it'd be useful to have an idea. I'm also curious whether your child is able to have extra-curricular activities throughout the week?

My post is prompted by a thread I've just come across about pressure/homework at QE school (North London). It talks about intense homework, with mention of 2 to 3 hours a day in Year 7. Does this reflect expectations for most pupils at high-performing schools? I'm thinking that surely not, as this wouldn't leave significant time for sports, etc - and would cause undue stress? And doing homework while exhausted can't be productive.

My son (Year 6) has not applied for QE but for other highly selective schools in South London. However academically driven and capable he is, I am now wondering if I should be concerned about the weight of homework.

Thank you!

OP posts:

Fifthtimelucky · 03/02/2023 10:36

Mine had a maximum of 1 hour a day in years 7 and 8, and I think year 9 too.

There were given in 2 of 3 subjects every day (usually 3) and they were specifically told not to spend more than 20 minutes on each subject.

Replyingnow · 03/02/2023 12:12

Aleaiactaest · 03/02/2023 08:23

@Replyingnow - some kids love and really thrive in highly selective grammars. My eldest DD was certainly like this. September born girl, always streets ahead of the others in primary, self taught, reading lots, self taught all her timetables in Reception. She wanted to be amongst other hard working driven kids who grasp concepts quickly. She thrived there. Second DS same story - naturally really bright and always finished work so early at primary, sat around waiting for everyone else to finish or in reading corner for years. Loved grammar and loves competition. Thrives on keeping up with others who are better.
People just need to be honest with themselves as to what will actually suit their DC’s natural ability PLUS their temperament. If you don’t get in easily then don’t send them. Or if they are really clever but anxious and perfectionists too, then perhaps not send them either. However, there certainly are kids who love this kind of environment.

Exactly this. Child first decision making.

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