11 Plus Exams Forum

So today we saw both Solihull and chb.
My dh's preference and mine is Solihull, but ds has said chb.
We think he will try to hide in a class of 31 boys so may not be pushed as much at chb.....as he won't be rushing to volunteer.
We think all the extra curricular are better at Solihull and we can walk there. He says he doesn't mind taking the bus and preferred chb.

Do we let him make the final choice?

What were your opinions about KECHB if I may ask? Then some forum members can help answer some of those either way.

I do think a positive attitude is half the battle. So if your child wants to be there, it counts for a lot. Therefore I guess it depends how strongly anti Solihull he is or whether he is reasonably ok with it, in which case, you could argue you know best.

Chb
Bigger classes - easier to hide
Very academic...headmaster mentioned old boys who are now professors
Art not taken as seriously as other subjects - ds loves art
Bit messy As a school...but it is state funded...
Kids didn't look like they had strict uniform rules - I know it doesn't affect their work!!!
55% ethnic minority....not sure if that is normal for a Brum school

I sound like the type of person chb wouldn't want as a parent!!!! After reading this again ;/)

What is exactly wrong with 55% ethnic minority? I think it's pretty obvious why you prefer Solihull..

Reeyah
I was asked my opinion and I put what I noticed
I didn't say there was anything wrong with 55% ethnic minority ds
My friends in London and Manchester are sending their ds to high achieving boys schools where there is a huge mix of children....I was wondering is 55% normal for Brum schools, but do you know what who cares?

Anyway back to the point...would you let your ds choose?

What are his reasons for preferring CHB? Have you actually asked him?

HappyRobot wrote:My friends in London and Manchester are sending their ds to high achieving boys schools where there is a huge mix of children....I was wondering is 55% normal for Brum schools?

Nah, probably 90% either way

But back to the original question...yes, if they are used to decision making. Otherwise, no. You know your ds.
Tbh, if he really wants it, can handle the journey etc- then it's not really a bad decision is it?

We did ask.
He thinks he can do less sport there, although he liked the fact they have a pool.
He liked the fact that there are lots of children in the class. I think he thinks in smaller classes you have to do more.

He does have one friend going there but we absolutely told him not to take that into consideration, and I think he is sensible enough re that.

Anyway will chat to him again tomorrow.

If you can afford it, send him to Solihull and free up a place for someone who can't.

Mike