Bexley Grammar School

Eleven Plus (11+) in Bexley and Bromley

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hermanmunster
Posts: 12815
Joined: Fri Sep 15, 2006 9:51 am
Location: The Seaside

Re: Bexley Grammar School

Post by hermanmunster »

Chismummy wrote:
Jenbob wrote:Hi!

My DS currently attends BGS. When we looked around the schools a few years back, we also felt a bit “meh” about it, especially compared to Chis and Sid which definitely, we felt, did the better sell. So, why did we go with BGS when a) we actually live closer to Chis and Sid and b) Chis and Sid felt the “better sell”? Because BGS felt the “better fit” for our son and his interests, not Chis and Sid, and knowing the school from previous parents had the gut instinct this was the right choice for him. And in all truth, this, has proved to be the case. Now in KS4, and very happy there. Essentially, one size does not fit all and all the grammars have their own “thing” as it were. It’s what feels right for your child.
On reflection, I almost felt that the school doesn’t put in as much effort with Open Mornings/Evenings perhaps as it just knows its reputation precedes it in terms of academic success and pastoral care and it knows it will fill its places year on year. Every year, it has the closest catchment of the selective schools (last year 2.5 miles, Chis and Sid 4.4 miles) and looking at last year’s preference choices in the Secondary Admissions it had over 3000 (3154) applicants, more than the other selective schools (Chis and Sid 2567, BETHS 1515, Townley 1819.)
Wow! How come so many applicants when only 2000 pass??
Looking at the secondary admissions information for this year there were indeed 3154 preferences for Bexley Grammar School for 2021 admission - you don't actually have to pass to put it on the CAF :shock:
Jenbob
Posts: 14
Joined: Wed May 30, 2018 10:27 am

Re: Bexley Grammar School

Post by Jenbob »

Hi.

This was last year’s applications ie. current year 7s. Parents had to fill in the CAF form last year before the actual exam results were published as that year group sat later due to the Covid situation so a few of those placing grammars as a preference would not have actually been deemed selective.
hermanmunster
Posts: 12815
Joined: Fri Sep 15, 2006 9:51 am
Location: The Seaside

Re: Bexley Grammar School

Post by hermanmunster »

Jenbob wrote:Hi.

This was last year’s applications ie. current year 7s. Parents had to fill in the CAF form last year before the actual exam results were published as that year group sat later due to the Covid situation so a few of those placing grammars as a preference would not have actually been deemed selective.
Ah yes, that explains it - it was odd wasn't it - no-one knew the results so much likely to be higher. In a normal year people who are appealing will put a school on the CAF without having reached the required score but not usually that many
PettswoodFiona
Posts: 2134
Joined: Mon Mar 03, 2014 11:24 pm
Location: Petts Wood, Bromley, Kent

Re: Bexley Grammar School

Post by PettswoodFiona »

As well as the explanation about last year do bear in mind that most LAs you have six preferences on the CAF so not all will be first choice. Also when oversubscription criteria is distance some put it on the CAF who don’t have much chance but just in case it does go out further, have a bulge year etc they put down. Some will go the private route.
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