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We're in Barnet and it feels like every other child in DS's class is being tutored for grammar school tests. Some started in Year 3. He's bright, likes maths, but we hadn't really planned on the grammar route.
Now I'm panicking that we're letting him down by not doing it. Is it too late? Is it even worth it?
My honest experience: we tutored our daughter for 18 months, she passed, got a place, and is happy. But it was a lot - weekends, mock tests, real stress for her at 10. Would I do it again? Probably, but I'd start later and do less.
Ask yourself what the local non-selective options are like. If they're good, the 11+ is a bonus, not a necessity. A lot of the panic is just contagious.
We didn't tutor, he sat the test anyway out of curiosity, didn't pass, went to the local comp and is thriving. He's now in Year 10 doing very well. It's not the only road.
That's reassuring, Jonny. The contagious panic thing is so real at the school gate.
some kids really suit selective schools and some don't. a bright kid who likes maths might be just as happy being top of the class somewhere else. depends on the kid
If you do decide to try, there are practice books and you can do it at home for a few months without paying a tutor £60 an hour. That's what we did. We kept it light, 20 minutes a few times a week.
We've decided to do some light practice at home and let him sit it if he wants. No tutor. If he doesn't get in, our local secondary is genuinely decent. Feeling much calmer about it.
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