11 Plus Exams Forum

Hi.
I'm in a real predicament. DS has not passed any of his 11+ and am worried about the coming Indies too. He wasn't too far off for Wilson boys, he scored 95 and needed 108. Not sure what route to take. I'm thinking about Wallington grammar 13+. Does anyone out there have any experience about that?

I know few boys from previous years who didnot pass the 11+ but did pass indies, so do try the indies...competetion for grammar schools are tougher than indies since they are free and more candidates sit the tests. Most important thing is not to pressurise him too much, but motivate him and build his confidence level with positive words. I wouldnot discuss the 11+ results with him, rather just tell him he did quite well.

Congratulations to all parents who have good news.

To others, nothing to dispair or be hopeless. One of my nephew didnot pass any 11+ tests few years ago and went to a his very bad performing local school, this year he passed his GCSEs with 12 A* and 2 A (14 total). Another boy who didnot pass his 11+ and went to a local school but now doing a PhD at Cambridge Uni and always get bombarded with numerous job offers from the City banks. In contrast, I have seen a few selective school boys getting just average results- some even dropping studies after 16 or 18. Sometimes failure at an earlier age can make you more determined and put you in fighting mood for future success, whereas being in too-good surrounding can make you lazy and complacant. So stick with your kids, my exp tells me its the parents continuous support and motivation that matters more than just being in a good school.

Cheer up and best luck!

Thank you so much GuidingStar for your words of wisdom. We have decided to go ahead with a couple of local Indies in January and see what happens from there. I am so grateful for everyone's words of support.

Your ds narrowly missed the GS test and this may have been due to nerves on the day . Try not to be too hard on him , it must be an awful time for kids and very upsetting too. Work to increase his confidence and reassure him that with your support , he will get into a good school. Try to get some past papers for the indies you wish to apply for and use the revision books such as CGP to assist with maths and English preparation and verbal reasoning. Also practice past previous SATS maths and English KS2 papers which you can download free online . Most of the test will be around November or January and probably best to start the revision now and also get him to read books he can talk about if invited to interview.

Thank you Lefol, all your advice is greatly appreciated. Fingers and toes crossed!