New content for 2013 11+ test

[Sally-Anne]

Admissions' frustration at being inundated with calls is understandable, given that they will now be working for a fixed fee of some sort, paid to them by the GSs for administering the test, but rather than moaning about the volume of calls to parents, it would be more constructive if they directed parents to the GSs.

Mind you, parents would get very little more joy there, partly because the only information being given out is that published on the school websites, and partly because some schools are finding it difficult to cope with the volume of enquiries for both the 11+ and the Late Transfer process.

[Lillie]

This does all seem rather chaotic at the moment and that may be why people are becoming frustrated.

The grammar schools seem to be cutting it extremely fine to say the least.

Contrast this with the link which Sally-Anne gave to the London Borough of Bexley who are also introducing similar changes this year but seem to have a co-ordinated process between the LA and the grammar schools. Although, of course, there are a lot fewer grammar schools in that area.

Perhaps Bucks CC are just unhappy that the control for the whole process is being taken out of their hands? The council should still be briefed better than this and not to know that the information went on the grammar schools' websites nearly 2 weeks ago makes it seem that the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing.

[tiffinboys]

Perhaps as it is not their responsibility any more, LA doesn't need to bother as well. Certainly, won't be accused of interfering in Admission Authorities role.

[Guest55]

The websites were updated on the last day of term and I believe (from a friend) that Primary schools haven't been briefed yet.

[Garnett]

Guest 55 - I read on the forum just before Christmas that the primary school heads were advised on the last day of term.

[Sally-Anne]

Advised, not briefed - two different things. They were told on the last day of term that there would be a new test. There is a briefing being held next week.

[patricia]

Bucks County Council sent an email to all heads on 21 December, describing the test and the wording to be used on school websites as from that day.

Patricia

[anotherdad]

Schools are being criticised for leaving things to the last minute and the situation being chaotic. The first cohort of children to sit any new style of testing will not do so until September. A full nine months before that, grammar schools have given some information about the proposed changes, providing over two months consultation time before the decision is finalised. I believe that one of the reasons for the change (beyond cost) is that the current method of testing does not accurately determine every child’s suitability for an upper or grammar school education, partly because of the effect of coaching. Why would schools rush to get the decision finalised and full information released? To provide those with the means to tutor their child more time to do so?

If the proposed arrangements are finalised, it will be interesting to see how the September 2014 intake are suited to their various schools. It will be the first and possibly, only year of the new arrangement where the scope for tutoring is heavily reduced.

[Garnett]

Also smaller year for 2014 intake, due to lower birthrate in 2002/2003.

[Mostlymum]

And they'll have ironed out any problems with the new Selection Review process by then or should that be ??

I can't help feeling that despite the current turmoil this can't be anything other than a positive change - well apart from getting shot of selection altogether...