I just wanted to say that if there are any of you still hanging around here from around 2005, my DC ended up at St. Martins, nice glossy brochure and first rate reputation! Not her/our choice, ie joining both siblings at one of the Southend grammars but a great option, we thought. DC had got over the "pass" mark so there was me wishing I lived in the Southend area catchment, but such is life.
Encouraged said DC to make the very most of the time at the new school, both socially and academically.
The result of the non-allocation to grammar at 11 was pretty grim academically speaking. Remember the National Institute for Educational Research, in one of their old papers, suggested that children who are "Gifted" (as opposed to very bright!) do better in comprehensives, fractionlly, but those who are of average to just above average ability do better in grammar schools.
Sorry if I have their quote wrong but, I will testify to its accuracy!!!
