HALIFAX GRAMMAR SCHOOLS- PREPARATION ADVICE NEEDED.

[YORKSHIREPERSON]

Hi!

My son recently took a pre-entry test for Crossley Heath Grammar and North Halifax Grammar. We live in a nearby town and I found out, about a month ago, that we can actually apply for a place at these schools. I will be getting the results of the pre-entry test this week and don't know what to expect. Even if he doesn't pass the pretest, I'm seriously considering putting him in for the REAL entry test in December as we have a problem here. We are in the catchment area of an undersubscribed school which has a terrible reputation and equally terrible results. The ofsted report would make any decent person burst into tears.

The tests for the Grammar schools are nfer verbal reasoning, maths and a test in continuous writing. My son really wants a place at one of these Grammar schools. We went to the open evenings and were really impressed.

Our third choice will be Dixons Academy which is also a fantastic school, but chances of getting him in there are about 1 in 7 to 1 in 10, as it is so over subscribed. Selection is based mainly on random choice by computer, so it's very much a lottery!

My son is one of the more capable of Year 6 students and in the top 10% in Year 6. He does, however, have a September birthday so would be marked down for that.

If we do not get any of our choices, then I'm afraid we will have to move right out of the area. He has been a high achiever so far and works hard at school. As a caring parent, I want to give my son he opportunities that he deserves. We have two months to prepare for the test. Can anyone out there help with any information or advice. I would be really grateful.