Moving from Scotland to Bucks

[fast trak]

This is a fantastic forum. learning new things each day. Which schools r rated good in Bucks? and does it mean she gets a place if she scores anywhere 121 or more.

Its for my DD who im DIY'ing......since this easter break for this yrs entrance.

I know Im late in starting but thanks to this wonderful site ive managed to introduce her to the 21 types which fortunately shes coping fine so far. ive got her started on IPS books and also got the SD, GL and MW books. Shes attempted few online tests as well. Hope Im going the right path.

I also read somewhere that there r 35 types in VR. So confused as to what and how many types are used for Bucks.

Think Ive asked too many silly qstns..but thanks in advance for all the helpful advice.

[Sally-Anne]

This is a fantastic forum. learning new things each day.

Good - we are still fit for purpose then!

Which schools r rated good in Bucks?

All of the grammars. The two Challoners Schools usually get the highest results, but all the rest get good results too. It is horses for courses, it depends on where you live and personal preference.

and does it mean she gets a place if she scores anywhere 121 or more.

Yes, 121 or more on one of the two papers.

ive got her started on IPS books and also got the SD, GL and MW books. Shes attempted few online tests as well. Hope Im going the right path.

You are, provided you have not bought the SD Books 1 - 4, just the 50 minute practice papers.

I also read somewhere that there r 35 types in VR. So confused as to what and how many types are used for Bucks.

These are the SD books 1 - 4 and they are not comparable with the Bucks 11+, which uses only 21 types. Examples of those are shown here: http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/advice ... t-a-glance" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Think Ive asked too many silly qstns..but thanks in advance for all the helpful advice.

No problem!

[fast trak]

Thanks Sally-Anne. That was super quick reply and confirms my belief that this indeed is a fantastic forum esp for worried mums like me who are starting so late.
We r in scotland atm but intending to move shortly due to DH's job move. things were too hard to digest initially as there r no grammar schools here but now we r trying to make sense of things slowly. would prefer to buy a place closer to wherever DD would go. Hence these qstns.
Yeah thanks to the wonderful advices on the forum Ive got the SD practice papers and not her book series.

[Guest55]

All the Bucks GS are good - the differences in GCSE and A level results tend to reflect the intake (and different entry requirements for the Sixth form) rather than the school.

If you are house hunting please bear in mind the proposed HS2 route ...

[Sally-Anne]

esp for worried mums like me who are starting so late.

You aren't late at all - faitaccompli will define "late" for you!

Many tutors don't start working with the children until January of Y5, so you have plenty of time.

We r in scotland atm but intending to move shortly due to DH's job move. things were too hard to digest initially as there r no grammar schools here but now we r trying to make sense of things slowly. would prefer to buy a place closer to wherever DD would go. Hence these qstns.

I sympathise - it is very difficult to get a grip on the English system if you are in Scotland, and vice versa.

Do you know where DH will be working, because we can advise you further if so, and G55 is very wise indeed to warn you about the proposed route for the HS2.

[fast trak]

esp for worried mums like me who are starting so late.

You aren't late at all - faitaccompli will define "late" for you!

Many tutors don't start working with the children until January of Y5, so you have plenty of time.

We r in scotland atm but intending to move shortly due to DH's job move. things were too hard to digest initially as there r no grammar schools here but now we r trying to make sense of things slowly. would prefer to buy a place closer to wherever DD would go. Hence these qstns.

I sympathise - it is very difficult to get a grip on the English system if you are in Scotland, and vice versa.

Do you know where DH will be working, because we can advise you further if so, and G55 is very wise indeed to warn you about the proposed route for the HS2.

Thanks a lot G55 and Sally-Anne for the replies.

Dont have a clue abt what HS2 means? can u pls explain. Thnks for assuring me and sympathising with me(I need all that atm)......coz Ive heard ppl tutoring their kids privately for 1-2 yrs before the exams.

If I may share my experience...I called one such tutorial class for help(quite a renowned one!) and advise and when I mentioned to her that Im aware that Im a bit late...she immediately said 'bit late'? u r too late. that itself put me off. and u can imagine my state after that. when i asked her what all material i could use for teaching she suggested any online ones including the one on her site(obviously). So I asked her was that all they use for teaching and she said no theres a lot more than that but the sources of those were highly confidential . Finally I came across this site which has helped me tons.

DH will be posted central london but he could travel an hour by train.....like many other londoners.

[Guest55]

Sorry HS2 - is the proposed High Speed train - the route goes right through the Chilterns ...

Many people on here have not used a professional tutor, you have plenty of time to prepare.

[faitaccompli]

We have redefined the meaning of the word "late" ... started in December for early Jan test for Slough (missed by one mark) and early Feb for Bucks (qualified - phew!) DS had never seen VR or NVR before this time and it was approx 5 weeks start to finish for the Slough test and 9 weeks for the Bucks test (with Christmas in the middle of all that!) Mind you, he did work VERY hard over those weeks. Best of luck and ignore the tutor who told you it was too late - just sounds like they can't be bothered!

[Sally-Anne]

DH will be posted central london but he could travel an hour by train.....like many other londoners.

Probably Wycombe or South Bucks then? Avoid the very southern extremities of the county, especially Gerrards Cross, Denham, etc. Your GS choices from there are very limited.

The other thing to consider is what the alternative schools are if she doesn't qualify for grammar. Some are very good, some less so, and others are not that great.

[Guest55]

Isn't it too late to move into 'catchment' for the Challoners or is that only DCGS?