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Original poster

Son now decided he wants to try the entrance test for a selective school

28 replies

RudsyFarmer · 04/05/2023 09:01

Argh. We have no time. The test is in October but I will cost nothing to take it so I’m loathe to say no.

The school is The Kings Cathedral School in Peterborough. He could do the sample test online but not in the time allowed and not easily. If we could find a tutor that would be available across the summer as well I think he could stand a chance.

Any recommendations gratefully received.

OP posts:
Jellycats4life · 04/05/2023 09:09

We only decided last Easter to have our DD have a bash at the 11+ in our area. We knew she was smart and capable, but very avoidant when it comes to studying at home, so we’d basically written it off - until bad feedback about our local comp made us rethink.

She did weekly tutor sessions because she responded so much better to studying with an adult that wasn’t a parent. We met a year 4 child who’d already been studying for the 11+ for six months and had over a year to go until their exam (that was worrying, I really thought we’d left it too late). Also did a few mocks to familiarise with exam conditions, speed etc.

Long story short, she got a place at our nearest grammar. I really wanted to get her in on merit and not intensively tutor, so I’m glad we only did 5-6 months of prep in the end.

Go for it. It’s not too late.

LotsOfBalloons · 04/05/2023 09:11

We did it for a grammar using the cgp 11+ books and it went well. We got into a rhythm of a couple of pages a day.

twistyizzy · 04/05/2023 09:12

We got a tutor in September for January entrance exam (private not grammar) on weekly face to face basis which we built up to twice a week the month before the exam. It worked extremely well and DD responded much better to a tutor than she ever would to us as parents trying to get her to do the work.

TheBrokenCracker · 04/05/2023 09:14

What year group would he be joining?

Hadalifeonce · 04/05/2023 09:16

We couldn't pay for a tutor, so used booklets and online training, just because of the nature of the questions, not because of any doubt about their ability. Once they got used to the set up, they were fine and both passed.

Noicant · 04/05/2023 09:20

Honestly I know people who were tutored for years and didn’t pass selection exams and I know people with a few weeks who did. Get him a tutor, if he is quite bright anyway with some exam practice and getting familiar with format he should be ok.

SoupDragon · 04/05/2023 09:21

If he can do the online test but struggles with the time, it's probably down to practice and technique I think. If you can find similar questions online/in book form then working through these regularly will help.

tutors are going to be location specific. My DCs had a maths/VR tutor for 1 hour a week in the lead up to their entrance exams.

Original poster
RudsyFarmer · 04/05/2023 09:34

It will be a year 7 entry. They only take 13 children on academic grounds so I know it’s INCREDIBLY unlikely. He just wants to give it a bash and I want to try and help.

OP posts:
Original poster
RudsyFarmer · 04/05/2023 09:35

Jellycats4life · 04/05/2023 09:09

We only decided last Easter to have our DD have a bash at the 11+ in our area. We knew she was smart and capable, but very avoidant when it comes to studying at home, so we’d basically written it off - until bad feedback about our local comp made us rethink.

She did weekly tutor sessions because she responded so much better to studying with an adult that wasn’t a parent. We met a year 4 child who’d already been studying for the 11+ for six months and had over a year to go until their exam (that was worrying, I really thought we’d left it too late). Also did a few mocks to familiarise with exam conditions, speed etc.

Long story short, she got a place at our nearest grammar. I really wanted to get her in on merit and not intensively tutor, so I’m glad we only did 5-6 months of prep in the end.

Go for it. It’s not too late.

Bless you. What a lovely post. I’m so pleased she got in 😍

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Somanycats · 04/05/2023 09:40

DS did this and didn't pass, but neither did half the kids who had been tutored for years. He felt it put him in the group who were prepared to give it a go and even failing it set him up well. He went to the non selective school did fantastically academically (tho was an arse from beginning to end) and joined the selective in 6th form on merit. Why not just go for it,, nothing to lose.

Original poster
RudsyFarmer · 04/05/2023 09:52

LotsOfBalloons · 04/05/2023 09:11

We did it for a grammar using the cgp 11+ books and it went well. We got into a rhythm of a couple of pages a day.

It’s not an 11+ but that’s not to say that wouldn’t work well.

It’s 30 mins for verbal reasoning which is puzzles/codes/word questions. 15 mins maths. 15 mins English. He had no problem with the English as he’s already Greater Depth in that subject. The maths and verbal reasoning wasn’t as solid so I know he’ll need to do work. It’s just finding someone.

I did reach out to a recommendation but they are swamped and only term time.

OP posts:
Original poster
RudsyFarmer · 04/05/2023 09:52

Hadalifeonce · 04/05/2023 09:16

We couldn't pay for a tutor, so used booklets and online training, just because of the nature of the questions, not because of any doubt about their ability. Once they got used to the set up, they were fine and both passed.

Can I ask what online training you used?

OP posts:
Original poster
RudsyFarmer · 04/05/2023 09:54

twistyizzy · 04/05/2023 09:12

We got a tutor in September for January entrance exam (private not grammar) on weekly face to face basis which we built up to twice a week the month before the exam. It worked extremely well and DD responded much better to a tutor than she ever would to us as parents trying to get her to do the work.

Was this someone you sourced online or did you have a recommendation? I honestly haven’t a clue who to ask. Everyone I know is just sending their children to the local comp on non selective private schools.

OP posts:
SoupDragon · 04/05/2023 09:59

You might find a student who wants to earn money over the summer who could do it. DS1 did some maths tutoring for a while.

Jellycats4life · 04/05/2023 11:18

Do you have a Kip McGrath franchise in your area? I preferred that to finding an independent tutor and having them come to our house.

Oopswediditagain2023 · 04/05/2023 11:50

After a few hit and miss sessions last year with various tutors (both the 'big name' ones - awful! And also some local former/current teachers - also dreadful!) we hit gold and found someone online who works with both my son and my daughter. They work through the holidays too which is a huge bonus as it gives them both something to do for an hour and I get that time to myself for a cup of tea😂I can pass on her number if you'd like X

LotsOfBalloons · 04/05/2023 12:35

11+ just refers to the year of entrance. So entry for Yr 7 will be 11+, entry for a Yr 9 would be 13+.

It's important first to find out the type of exams (which you have ) and use the books appropriate. So for example there are verbal reasoning cgp books and non verbal reasoning books. These can help greatly with the skills for word puzzles as well as abstract puzzles.

The website "elevenplusforum" is divided into areas and covers private and state. So if you have a look you will find questions relating to your school as well as lots of threads about the different types of questions.

Atom learning is online learning that is geared more to the private sector, and you can "Train" in the areas you are most likely to be tested on.

A good tutor who knows the particular school and their requirements is invaluable but late in the game for that and you can do it at home . What's important is you target the type of exams and the type of work that will come up for your particular school as they all vary!

twistyizzy · 04/05/2023 13:02

RudsyFarmer · 04/05/2023 09:54

Was this someone you sourced online or did you have a recommendation? I honestly haven’t a clue who to ask. Everyone I know is just sending their children to the local comp on non selective private schools.

Show quote history

It was through a friend, her husband is a primary school teacher (Head of Maths) and was looking to earn some extra money. Sorry, I know that doesn't help. Prior to getting him though I put a request on my local Facebook page and got a lot of responses however most of them had very little tutoring experience or were older, retired teachers who weren't familiar with the way maths was being taught.
For entrance exams I would prefer someone who had a track record of getting pupils to pass that specific exam (even though that's not what we did lol).

Jellycats4life · 04/05/2023 13:13

The eleven plus forum is a good tip, but beware, there are some intimidating characters there (a mix of super pushy parents and other parents who are way past the point of 11+ for their own kids but don’t want to leave that world behind)! So if you ask a question and get a snooty reply, don’t worry about it 😅

Link: https://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/forum/11plus/

11 Plus Exams Forum - Index page

https://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/forum/11plus/

LotsOfBalloons · 04/05/2023 13:20

Ah yes very good point! There are some very determined people on there.

Child 1 we got through with cgp and a home study as they were very motivated and did do some every day which got their speed up.

Child 2 As child 1 was already there we did go down the tutoring route alongside some home study and started a lot earlier. Partly due to the eleven plus forum keenies!!!

Hadalifeonce · 04/05/2023 13:46

@RudsyFarmer
It was a while ago now, I think I just googled entrance exams, got examples of past papers.

VikingLady · 04/05/2023 13:56

I took the entrance exam for a super selective secondary school with no prep at all - my parents didn't want me to get in, they hoped by failing I'd stop talking about it!

I got in.

It's worth trying as long as he understands he's not got the same advantages as others, so he's cushioned emotionally if he doesn't get in.

roses2 · 04/05/2023 14:17

I am surprised only one person has mentioned Atom - Sign up to Atom Learning. If you can't get a tutor it's a good alternative with unlimited tests, shows your rank and where you need more practise. If you search on mumsnet there are a few referral codes for £10 off your first month.

https://atomlearning.com/

Smart Online Learning & Exam Preparation

Your child’s complete toolkit for success in grammar school 11+, independent school entry exams, and Years 3-6. Unlimited practice papers & revision questions.

https://atomlearning.com

Original poster
RudsyFarmer · 04/05/2023 17:59

Oopswediditagain2023 · 04/05/2023 11:50

After a few hit and miss sessions last year with various tutors (both the 'big name' ones - awful! And also some local former/current teachers - also dreadful!) we hit gold and found someone online who works with both my son and my daughter. They work through the holidays too which is a huge bonus as it gives them both something to do for an hour and I get that time to myself for a cup of tea😂I can pass on her number if you'd like X

Yes!!!!! I’d love that.

OP posts:
Original poster
RudsyFarmer · 04/05/2023 17:59

roses2 · 04/05/2023 14:17

I am surprised only one person has mentioned Atom - Sign up to Atom Learning. If you can't get a tutor it's a good alternative with unlimited tests, shows your rank and where you need more practise. If you search on mumsnet there are a few referral codes for £10 off your first month.

https://atomlearning.com/

I did find a recommendation in another thread. Definitely doing this too. Thank you 💐

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