The Blue Coat School 11+ results lowest ever

[ForwardThinker4]

2017 - 49 Grammar School places
2018 - 52 Grammar School places
2019 - 34 Grammar School places (Out of 77 pupils)

I'm wondering the reason for the drop in grammar school places. I know they have a new headmaster, but could it somehow be related to the introduction of catchments and that more parents are opting for the independents? Or was it just a bad year for them?

[hermanmunster]

34/77 is pretty good - looks like the school is non selective before year 3

[ForwardThinker4]

I disagree when they have averaged at nearly 50 places out of 77 pupils the two years prior.

[hermanmunster]

It can happen if you have a non selective intake and there are only 3 years of data here (unless you have some more) .

[SVK]

Reason for the drop is because of the record number of candidates taking the exam last year. More candidates from outside of Birmingham, so cut off score went up and more local children missed out. Not just indie prep school, lots of outstanding state school sent less children to grammar this year. I don't think Blue Coat standard has dropped because it has a new headmaster. If the introduction of catchment works, which I think it will, more Birmingham children will get into grammar next year.

[ForwardThinker4]

SVK that’s interesting to know. Any idea on the number of candidates taking the exam last year in comparison to previous years?

[smarties3]

SVK that’s interesting to know. Any idea on the number of candidates taking the exam last year in comparison to previous years?

I am fairly confident that fewer BCS children sat the 11+ in 2018 as their parents’ preference was indie secondary. Not sure why that has changed but I don’t think it is directly related to the new head. I’m not sure that many who did sit, did not ‘make the grade’ as such and plenty who did achieve CH or FW scores elected to go to KES/KEHS ... the school had a record number of scholarships to both these, and other, schools this year. Not sure if this is the information you are after? The school does cover some 11+ work but the majority of pupils will also have extra coaching from y3/4 if they are aiming for a grammar place.