11 Plus Essex - Grammar Schools

Frequently asked questions and essential information for parents by Jo Marchant, founder of Lessons in the Post

Essex can boast some of the best Grammar Schools in the country and competition for places is very high. Selection is by the 11 plus exam, held every year at the end of November. A place at these schools virtually guarantees academic success and in due course a place at a good university, and the array of career options that that opens up.

This article is for parents who, over the next few years, will be considering Grammar school for their child. It aims to give you some basic facts and some impartial advice.

Here are her answers to some of the more frequently asked questions:

How good are Essex Grammar Schools?

There are 8 single sex Grammar schools in Essex and they are all excellent. The Chelmsford and Colchester schools are among the best state schools in the country and Westcliff and Southend are not far behind them in the league tables. The most recent exam results tables put all 4 of the Chelmsford and Colchester schools in the top 20 state schools in the UK.

Do you have to live in the catchment area to gain a place?

Not necessarily. I know of several children in the Chelmsford area who travel to Southend and Westcliff every day. Full information about the Grammar schools in Essex and the 11 plus can be found by contacting the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex.

How strong is the competition for places?

Between half and two thirds of the Essex children who elect to take the 11 plus exam do not gain a Grammar school place. According to the Sunday Times there are 6 applicants for every place at the four schools in Chelmsford and Colchester. The others are only marginally easier to get into.

How can I tell if my child is suitable for Grammar School?

Essentially these are academic schools, suitable for academic children. If your child has an enthusiasm for learning and reading, and is currently doing well (not necessarily brilliantly) at school, you should seriously consider it.

How can I tell if my child is able enough?

Consult your child's form teacher, but beware that some have negative opinions of the Grammar school ethos. A good private tutor will be able assess your child's potential for the 11 plus and advise you. Don't leave this too late.

What can I do to increase my child's chances

You can make a big difference, and the sooner you start the better. Very few children gain a place at an Essex grammar School without special help, and there are a range of tutorial services available. Active support and encouragement from parents is essential - don't just hand your child over to a tutor and hope for the best. You must get involved, and will need to work with your child, and there are tutors who will guide you in this.

What about private junior schools?

This is certainly an option but these schools are expensive and a successful result is not guaranteed. Most able children will do equally well by staying in the state sector and using a good private tutor. Parents can save a lot of money doing this.

When should I start 11 plus preparation?

The earlier the better. Two years before the 11 plus exam is ideal, and even earlier for less naturally able children. Bright children can possibly succeed with a year's preparation. We have some children starting with Lessons in the Post aged 7.

What if my child does not get a grammar school place?

Firstly, don't worry. Grammar school is not right for everyone, and the competition gets tougher every year. If you have worked with your child to prepare them for the 11 plus, keep going through to the following May when the SATS exams take place. A good result in SATS will ensure your child starts in the top sets at Comprehensive school, and the top comprehensive children are as capable of getting to a top university as Grammar school children.

About the author

Jo Marchant has taught junior school children in Essex for 25 years. For the past 12 years she has been a full time private tutor. Seven years ago she started Lessons in the Post, a home tutoring service for parents who want to help their children reach their full potential. Her husband Simon, who helps her run the business, was a parent governor at King Edward VI Grammar School Chelmsford, and both their sons attended the school.