Stress of secondary school choices

ibizafan_2

Back in 1989, we made the decision to move into the neighbouring county which still has the 11+, and consequently both sons went to the local boys' grammar school. I have never regretted this for one minute. While I agree that some children will do well whichever school they go to, mine only ever did the minimum of work (to my exasperation!) so I wanted a more academic school with like minded children. This was a gamble, of course, because they might have failed the 11 plus, but they didn't, and both have done really well. One thing I was NOT prepared to do, was to not give them that chance and just hope for the best at the nearest comprehensive. The only shame is that grammar schools now are full of middle class children whereas when I went to one back in 1964, there was far more diversity of background.

Person_one

ibizafan wrote: »

The only shame is that grammar schools now are full of middle class children whereas when I went to one back in 1964, there was far more diversity of background.

Well, that's because there aren't grammar schools in every town anymore (thankfully), so people like you who move to the catchment area to have a chance at them start pushing the house prices up.

Strapped

ibizafan wrote: »

Back in 1989, we made the decision to move into the neighbouring county which still has the 11+, and consequently both sons went to the local boys' grammar school. I have never regretted this for one minute. While I agree that some children will do well whichever school they go to, mine only ever did the minimum of work (to my exasperation!) so I wanted a more academic school with like minded children. This was a gamble, of course, because they might have failed the 11 plus, but they didn't, and both have done really well. One thing I was NOT prepared to do, was to not give them that chance and just hope for the best at the nearest comprehensive. The only shame is that grammar schools now are full of middle class children whereas when I went to one back in 1964, there was far more diversity of background.

And what happens to the kids who "fail" at 11+? Are they condemned to a sub-standard education?

Person_one

Strapped wrote: »

And what happens to the kids who "fail" at 11+? Are they condemned to a sub-standard education?

Well, they don't matter, obviously. Why even mention them. :cool:

ibizafan_2

That might be the case where you live, but where I live, the catchment area is now large, and ironically, includes part of the county we moved from, so no house price inflation. You obviously think that education has improved since grammar schools were for the most part dispensed with, so why do so many people want their children to go to one?

maman

I'm assuming by 'impossible to get into' then you mean as your child is in the 'middle of the class' he wouldn't pass the entrance exam?

Personally I don't believe in private schools as a matter of principle. To me, it's no wonder that standards fall in neighbourhood comprehensives. The brightest pupils and those with the most supportive parents are going to private schools, buy homes in the catchment of upmarket state schools or have the means to bus/drive them there. That pushes down the overall potential in 'bog-standard' comprehensives.

BUT, while that's my political view. I wouldn't play politics with my child's education and would defend anyone's right to spend their own money however they choose. And at the same time, I campaign whenever I can for a fairer state system. EVERY child deserves a good school, with small classes, good facilities etc. etc.

So, advice to OP: the system isn't going to change overnight and you need to decide now. Put your child first and ignore the playground gossip.

ibizafan_2

I totally agree with Maman. If only all schools were as good as each other, we wouldn't be having this discussion. Like most parents who value education, I did the best I could to give them the best chances available. If this offends some peoples' sense of "fairness" then so be it. In our area, plenty of children do not take the 11 plus, so everyone has a choice.

Tenyearstogo

Where would your child like to go?

aliasojo

EmmaBridgewater wrote: »

What is good gcses anyway? You only need eng and maths

Isn't that a little short sighted?

What if you are interested in a career in medicine? Surely the sciences would play a part for interest in Uni courses?

What if you were interested in a career in medicine in France? You'd be more attractive if you had the sciences AND French.

Joking aside, I can't agree that English and Maths is all you need worry about.

FBaby

Have you actually visited the comprehensive or have you just based your judgement on the OFSTED report. Personally, if a mum couldn't be bothered to visit a school and then said that her child should get the best education and therefore will go to the private school, I would see this as a snobish attitude and would probably not think that much of them.

When we moved to our current location, my DS was allocated a place in a school on remedial measures. He previously had attended a school rated excellent by OFSTED so understandably, I was quite horrified. However, we decided to at least visit the school and we were all amazed at how good it appeared. They had just got a new Headmaster and she gave us a lot of reassurance. In the meantime, the school got a report of 2, and then last year a 3. My own rating of the school would be excellent all around, I am much happier with it than I was with the other school. Since this experience, I personally give no attention to OFSTED reports at all.