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A little early but could really use some school advice...

Posted: Sat Feb 27, 2010 9:28 pm
by sun695shine
My DD is in the Kindergarten of a good prep school and she has a place in the main school. However we don't have pots of money and our family think we should move her to a local primary. She's quite bright and obviously I want to give her the best opportunity I can.

I have had a look at the local schools and we have a good chance that she may get into an 'Outstanding' Ofsted school. So now I'm really torn because the key stage 2 results are better in the Primary but the Prep school the vast majority of their pupils go on to Grammer schools and they start '11+ club' in year 3.

In all your experiences of the 11+ do you think I should keep her in the prep school or get her tutoring in the late stages of a good primary?

I am really getting stressed over this and it seems mad considering my daughter can't even read yet!

Thanks in advance!

Posted: Sat Feb 27, 2010 9:41 pm
by hermanmunster
From experience (not in Essex though) - the prep schools were more concerned about entrance exams than SATS - whereas the state primary seem to be the other way round. (one kid never did SATs at KS1 or KS2)

The KS2 results you see are the percentage getting three 4s whereas most going to grammar school will have 2 if not 3 fives.

Prep school preparation for 11 plus is useful as the kids just then see it as part of normal school as opposed to having to go to a tutor after school - would never have managed to get mine there to do that.

However ultimately it depends on the prep and the local primary - which you really like best, and are you comfortable paying for the prep?

Posted: Sat Feb 27, 2010 9:42 pm
by kayW
Talk to the head, you may be pleasantly surprised. Try for 50% fees.
At least that gives you some breathing space, it might be enough!

Posted: Sat Feb 27, 2010 9:51 pm
by moved
If possible talk to parents at the top end of the school. Some children in prep go to grammar school as the result of tutors and parents rather than the school. Some prep schools are excellent at 11+ preparation, so this is a difficult question to answer.

pm me with the name of school and if I know any more I will let you know.

A good state school will hopefully differentiate between the pupils and your daughter should then receive a good education. you will then have the fees to spend on private tuition or you could teach yourself from this site and be an expert by the time she takes her exam!

Posted: Sat Feb 27, 2010 10:16 pm
by sun695shine
Thank you for your replies.

Asking for a fee reduction, is that common? It would be fantastic. I will definitely do that if I decide we can't afford it.

Learning from the site myself is an excellent idea, I think I'll do that anyway whatever route we go.

Moved is kindly finding out some info on the prep school so I hope to make more of an informed decision re. results.

What a mine field this is, I am sure a lot of you were in a similar situation 7 years ago.

Re: A little early but could really use some school advice..

Posted: Sat Feb 27, 2010 10:20 pm
by Chelmsford mum
[quote="sun695shine"]
I have had a look at the local schools and we have a good chance that she may get into an 'Outstanding' Ofsted school. So now I'm really torn because the key stage 2 results are better in the Primary but the Prep school the vast majority of their pupils go on to Grammer schools and they start '11+ club' in year 3.
[quote]



Hi there,

I think if you have the chance of an outstanding primary school, then you should at least apply and then when you know the outcome, consider your options.
I would wager that the amount of grammar school entrance successes is largely due to the indep parents having the money/motivation for private tutoring too.I have many friends with children in private preps who also pay for 11+ tuition (even though the school does it too)
My two went through state primaries and still gained places at the Chelmsford super selective.It can be done.
Your daughter is young yet.If she turns out to look like a possible grammar entrant, if you are not paying school fees, you will have every opportunity to help her through tuition if needed.You will have money to spare too for music, dancing, art and whatever may develop her long term.If your local primary is outstanding then she will develop to the best of her ability and you will have the finances to fill in any gaps.