11+ 2024 support thread for those about to move in to year 5. Too soon?

[SynchOrSwim]

I grew up in a comprehensive county but am now living in a fully selective county so it all feels a bit unknown and divisive.

I signed DD up for a group 11+ club starting in September as I thought that would be enough as she's always been in the top set/table/group/whatever. Of course I've now found out that some of her friends who are also in the top set have been tutored since Easter or Christmas, it really is an arms race isn't it!

Just wondered if there's anyone else already feeling mildly panicked about it!

In primary school section you will find recent threads on tutoring from year 1 or year 3, not all for 11+ though but seems like the game is on 😂

Good news is that birth rate have a sharp decline since 2013/14...

Whilst it is extremely hard not to worry, I would say that in fully selective counties, bright children who are prepared for the exam do tend to pass. When I say prepared I mean familiarity with the types of questions, exam techniques and timing. This is exactly what you have given your daughter.

The levels of tutoring are ridiculous and it’s very brave to not do the same.

We didn’t formally tutor my DD because I didn’t want to create a false environment where she passed the exam by the skin of her teeth and then struggled whilst actually at the school. She passed with flying colours. Some of her friends who had been tutored for years didn’t.

I think people just get fixated on grammars as opposed to working out if they are the right school for their child.

In a fully selective county like Buckinghamshire or Kent they only need to be in the to 25-30% of those taking the exam. Tutoring for year 6 should be more than enough.

We're doing a years prep from September, again in a fully grammar borough. I personally think if he needs prepping more than this he shouldn't be going.

I know some people who are doing two years, one child who has been having extra daily school since year 3. It's ridiculous and you have to remember they are just kids who need a childhood.

Tutoring for year 6? They do the test pretty much the first week of year 6 so that would be a bit late!

I couldny imagine paying for tutoring for that long, one expensive year is more than enough!!

Sorry, typo! Year 5, obviously.

I'm probably going to do a bit in Year 5 but just some past papers etc

We are just embarking with DS2 this September who will be going into Y5. DS1 starts in Y7 at grammar school at the same time after Y5 tutoring (one of the hardcore approach providers).

For DS2 we have chosen a more relaxed tutor as we felt as though we filled most of the gaps last time round especially during the summer holidays and are prepared and planning to do this again. Most providers do not actually tutor for the six week holiday prior to the transfer test. I am comfortable with our decision.

Most of 11+ programs at tutoring centres start in September for year 5. It is the right moment to join. Not too late, not too early. I would not leave it till later. You want a steady speed without pressing the child too much.

The 11+ is not the same beast around the country.

My advice is to make it clear which county you’re in and only converse with parents with experience of the same test.

We’re Bucks, for example. The test here is very different to the entry exams for selective London schools. My brother’s son had to sit an exam per school. Our children’s tutoring requirements and tests were very different.

The entry point for the north London selective schools my nephew took in the same year as my son took the Bucks 11+ was high. He also had to sit a test per school where as my son took just the one - two papers.

Bucks was a ride in the park compared.

Can I join please. Our DS did the Trafford consortium exam yesterday. Will be doing the catholic one in a few weeks. We have a DD who is 13 months younger so she is starting tutoring next week for the 11+. I feel I could do with some moral support as that's two years on the trot of 11+! At least we have a year off after that before we start with our youngest one

@Gobbolinothewitchscat 👋 this is me. We're doing Trafford and St A this time next year!

Wishing your son well in a couple of weeks.

We're in this boat too – DD is taking the 11+ next year. Something we've found really helpful is atom learning – DD has been using it for a few months to get to grips with some of the topics she's been finding hard at school, but we've recently upgraded to get practice tests too. I've actually been amazed at how comprehensive and useful it is and DD absolutely loves using it! She's done one test so far and got a standardised score of 102, so I think with some more practice over the next year she should be in with a chance!

Joining only recently decided to give grammar a go (in London though). Starting a course in September, it's all a bit daunting to me!

When do we register them for the tests?

And do people start looking at schools now?

as in open days?