@Namenic
Don’t think it’s v constructive to have an attitude that wants a guaranteed pass. Not fair on child, tutor or parent. Child may feel ill on the day or maybe the competition this year is stronger than normal.
Life is unpredictable. 11+ is not the end of the world, nor are gcses, a levels or uni. Step back and take a wider perspective.
Having been through this process, I can give you my personal take.
Eldest was academically very very bright - read books at a young age, never needed to read spellings more than once to remember them, she ate homework and loved learning. For preparation for the 11 plus we got 3 of the 11+ bonds papers on verbal and non verbal reasoning papers to have a go at. The first trial one she got all the questions correct but only answered about 65% of the questions. So I emphasised time and speed. Second paper 85% and three paper higher still up to 95%. She sat the exam for the grammar and passed with flying colours - the highest mark in the year group - full marks followed on the Year 6 SATs. She did some GCSEs early in year 9 gaining level 9 and now doing a level with Head of Maths 1-2-1. To her credit she seems happy and well adjusted - my worry was always the expectations of the school as level 9 for everything means she can only fail or reach her expectations. So my role is making her see she is a massive success no matter what she does.
My nephew went to an outstanding school. In year 4 His mum started thinking about the 11 plus and consulted a tutor. He was meeting ‘expectations’ at school but to her horror this was well below what he needed for grammar. She then embarked on a ridiculous programme of tutoring. Tutor x3 a week. 3 hours every night with her. Tutoring every day in the summer holiday and Easter etc he passed the 11 plus. She then was irate with a fury that he didn’t get into grammar as the intake was such that nephew was too far out of catchment. Then he had the sit the exam for private grammar and that’s where he goes. She hams up his achievements and pays for a tutor x2 week to continue to support him. He’s enjoying school but he will forever be a ‘failure’ in his mother’s eyes despite what she crows about his achievements - he seems frightened of his own shadow. His tutor helps with homework and watches the grades and assessments and tutor targets it - he can not fail. Can you imagine the mental health pressure?
Best friends daughter same age as mine. Again excessive tutoring and mum even held her back a year to ensure entry and see goes to the school you mentioned. She is struggling and has gone off the rails big time - drinking, smoking and suicidal and she can’t cope academically or socially.
My son was seriously behind ‘not meeting expectations’ in reception and year 1. He has an EHCP. He has special needs and his weakness is English. During lockdown we did intensive English daily which we have carried on I was working from home and able to do it with him. So we did 4 hours a day 7 days a week. Following a return to school - - -at home We do 4 pages in CGP books most days rotating around spelling, punctuation and comprehension etc it is a huge almighty struggle. It is exceptionally draining but a 2 year gap has become 4 month gap - because where as he made progress , other regressed. If I can help to support him reach expected level in year 6 - I feel that will give him the best possible start at secondary. He is ahead in maths but English. But often I worry that I’m doing the ‘wrong’ thing as we don’t spent time on the subjects he is ahead on and enjoys but relentless English etc I’m trying really hard to find a balance but I’m trying my best to find a way to support him little and often without overwhelming him. It’s just bloody hard. We have an outstanding state school local and he will get in because of his EHCP - grammar school would not be the right place for him. I went to the grammar school and it’s a hot house.
My point is 4 different kids - 4 different ways. The outcome is dependent on you as a parent, them and their raw ability, the extra effort they put in, illness, teachers in school, tutors etc
I do believe that in private schools in year 5 they tutor to the exam.
Please don’t tutor to pass an exam. Tutor to work on weaknesses and to improve confidence in that area.
What does your child’s class teacher think - where are your child’s specific weaknesses eg punctuation - concentrate on that and to love learning. With mine I told her she was sitting the exam and it didn’t matter on the result as she didn’t need to pass it. My sister went all out - anything less than a pass was unacceptable. That only leads to stress and disappointment.
There will be plenty on here that disagree with the structure I put in place for me son and say an 1 hour a day (usually 30 mins) on top of school work is too pressured. Equally there are some that do more or would do more. I have to try and find my own level that meets our needs.