Why do the 11+?

Grammar schools are more academically focused and your child will be surrounded by other children who have worked hard and studied extra to pass the test. Grammar schools tend to produce higher grades at GCSE and A-Level and tend to have more students ending up at Oxbridge (Oxford & Cambridge University).

These schools can also have better facilities and offer further opportunities in drama, music, sports, compared to some 'normal' schools. I'm being a bit vague because there are some absolutely brilliant regular state schools, though on average I have seen grammar schools push a bit further in what they can offer to students.

Basically, if your child is able to pass the 11+ they are likely to do very well academically at a grammar school and further on from there.

Let's not beat around the bush: there are some social problems with grammar schools. Usually wealthy people who can afford to have their children tutored for years in advance of the test will secure grammar school places and continue the privilege.

Children in Year 5 can also talk a lot about the 11+ at school, comparing results, gossiping about who is trying for a grammar school, etc.

The 11+ is a competitive exam and the reality is it is marked by comparing your child against others. Children who I have tutored have often said to me they feel stupid because they aren't able to pass the test, even when they are doing extra studying above and beyond their classmates. Children can also feel pressure to pass it and due to the amount of extra study can also feel like it takes over their life, especially close to the test date when daily study is a reality for most families.

All of these negatives will need to be balanced by your family against the potential upsides of having a grammar school education. Many successful lawyers, accountants, and professional people I have met have attended grammar school.

Another reason you might consider grammar school is because of the VAT on private school fees. If private school is now unaffordable to you, but you'd still like your child to go to an above average school, grammar school could be a good choice.

4 of the Gloucestershire 7 (G7) grammar schools are in Gloucester. 2 are in Stroud, and 1 is in Cheltenham. Most of my customers are Cheltenham based, where many families simply live outside the catchment zone for great schools like Balcarras and HSL. The 11+ is often the only realistic choice for a great school.

5 of the G7 schools are single-sex. 3 are girls' schools, 2 are boys'. This typically leads to higher academic achievement (less distraction!) but there is less interaction between the sexes at school. Usually girls can learn about boys and vice versa from contact outside of school, but this is one thing to consider.