11 Plus Exams Forum

Just seen on a different thread here that the DfE have today issued a pretty clear recommendation that 11 plus tests be delayed until late October or November, which would mean results are known after the application form needs to be in. Doc link here : https://assets.publishing.service.gov.u ... FINAL1.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I can certainly see the argument. The Gloucestershire heads have not shown signs of deferring yet, but this guidance may change things. What could cause problems is the variation of application preferences for other admissions authorities. Swindon borough only allow 3 preferences, same as South Gloucestershire - compared to 6 in Gloucestershire. So unless those authorities increase the number of preferences (which is suggested in the guidance), then it could be really difficult for those applicants to make choices without knowing the results. Will need to wait and see!

hopefully they will increase the numbers of slots on the form, that will make it easier for people not knowing the results, they can put down the GS they want and then some non-selective as they would have done if they had already had the results and selective wasn't going to be an option.

Whilst I too understand it’s special circumstances this year, I cant see how an extra month or two will make a difference to disadvantaged children. Either way they would have lost months of schooling compared to others.
On a selfish note, I feel gutted as I thought the test was only a few weeks ago and I think we both just want it done now!
It’s going to make the choices a tough choice on what to put down.

My DC has been out of school since March and school have been not great...however I'm not sure if I want a delay or not. I can't see the different 1 week to 3 weeks will make if the child has been out so long.

Before the Glos Heads said they were compensating by putting out extra material (well it's the previous years familiarization material!)

They will also need to run the paper for those who are sick/quarantined 14 days after won't they?

hermanmunster wrote:hopefully they will increase the numbers of slots on the form, that will make it easier for people not knowing the results, they can put down the GS they want and then some non-selective as they would have done if they had already had the results and selective wasn't going to be an option.

This is what they have done in Kent

I'm also not sure if this is good or bad. On the one hand, more time to prepare seems good, but on the other we're looking forward to the end of the preparation. We're currently planning on starting up again in about mid August (all need a nice long break from everything!) But if we know it's going to be delayed then we'll take the whole summer holidays (we've not been doing all that much anyway, just a few 10 minute tests to get her used to the style/speed.) I'd assumed that we wouldn't be hearing anything from the grammars now until September, but I'd really like to hear the plans for this. I think changing the date would be quite stressful for everyone if we're only going to get a couple of weeks notice.
NB, I thought it was 5 options on the CAF... it would be great if this were to go up, but it's probably software dependent, so I don't think we can bank on it. I'm slightly concerned though, because I really don't know which non-selective is a "safe bet". We're really close to DRHS, so Barnwood, Chosen Hill and Churchdown are probably the closest, but from watching previous yr 6 I wouldn't say that any are safe bets for us; kids living close by have been turned down by each of them (4 kids all getting second choices, but all different 1st and 2nd choices, so none seem to be guaranteed for us!) I'd really rather not have to use 3 of 5 when we don't know what the GS situation is! Ah well, such is life!

2Socks wrote: NB, I thought it was 5 options on the CAF... it would be great if this were to go up, but it's probably software dependent, so I don't think we can bank on it.

Just double checked, yes it is 5 for Gloucestershire sorry - 6 was stuck in my head for some reason, wishful thinking maybe! Still a lot better than 3.

Overall, I’d be happier to just get on with the test I think. We’ve positioned the whole thing with DS as about seeing if you can have more schools to choose from, as a means of downplaying the significance, which relies on knowing the results before applying!

Sorry, on my phone and struggling to insert a quote, but yes, we're also going with the increasing options line as well. We're not doing much NVR for that very reason... the maths and English will both support education whatever happens and wherever she goes.
That said, she really wants DRHS, and she understands the test is a gateway to that option so she's got an incentive.

It’s delayed

https://www.cryptschool.org/userfiles/c ... 0Test_.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks for posting. The letter doesn’t sound like they’re expecting Glos council to give more than the 5 options.

I’ve just emailed the SW regional school commissioner asking her to push for other local neighbouring authorities to increase beyond the 3 they currently have, as suggested in the DfE guidance. Don’t know if she’s the right person but I daresay her team will forward on as appropriate. I think she’s the person who had to authorise the date change at least. Doubt it will make a difference but I wanted to try.