Last week several newspapers reported that almost half of the children who took and passed the 11 plus (grammar school selection exam) were rejected because there simply weren’t enough places for them. Just under 30,000 children took the 11 plus and about 14,000 passed but many did not receive a place because they maybe lived further away than another child who also passed the exam. That meant that around 6000 students who passed the 11+ didn’t get a place. There are 164 grammar schools across the UK and competition for entry is fierce. For example, Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, Altrincham in Cheshire receives four applications for each place it has. 121 Home Tutors work with students who want to prepare for the 11 plus exam for schools in and around Manchester and Cheshire including some of the most competitive grammar schools in the country such as Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, Loreto Grammar School, Sale Grammar School, St. Ambrose College, Hale Barns, Stretford Grammar School and Urmston Grammar School. Some parents compare getting a place at grammar school with winning the lottery!
So what are 121 Home Tutor’s top three tips for improving your chances of getting a place at grammar school?
– First read our blogs on preparing for the 11 plu
– Your next best step is to speak to the grammar school (or schools) in question and check their criteria for entry – which students take priority? Is it those with a sibling at the school? Those who live geographically closest? Obviously there are some of these issues that you can’t easily overcome but if you know the criteria and how many children are applying for places you can take a realistic look at whether your child is likely to get a place.
– Get a tutor. The 11 plus is not your average exam – it tests skills that aren’t taught in school and the best way to get a good score is to work with an experienced tutor who knows each aspect of the 11 + and can help your child build up their confidence and enter the exam with the necessary skills.
If you need help with tuition for grammar school entrance tests and 11+ then contact us at 121 Home Tutors. We help children across Manchester and Cheshire including Altrincham, Chorlton, Hale, Gatley, Didsbury, Sale, Stretford, Trafford areas, Wilmslow and Withington pass the entrance test to get into Altrincham Girls Grammar and Altrincham Boys
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