Some advice you may find useful:

1.    Choose a small notebook dedicated to all things school related.

Þ    Think about your child. What are they good at and what are they interested in? What sort of environment would they thrive in?

Þ    Think about your family dynamic. How far would you be willing to travel for school? What home-school balance sits well with you?

2.    Google grammar schools in your area. Google all schools in your area!

3.    Speak to others about their school choices, keeping in mind that your child is unique. This is not a ‘one size fits all’ process.

4.    Visit school websites to get an initial feel for the school. Makes notes on:

Þ    the ethos

Þ    principles

Þ    specialisms (Science/sport, for example)

Þ    clubs/extracurricular opportunities

Þ    school timings

Þ    school transportation

Þ    cultural diversity

6.    Make a note of the Admissions criteria.

Þ    You’ll find that you may rule out some schools that you were initially keen on. Keep an open mind, as the school may have an awful website but an excellent provision.

7.    Read the OFSTED report. What are the areas the school needs to improve in? Are they deal breakers for you?

8.    Review academic league tables 

9.    Consider exploring grammar school boroughs, where a single exam can grant access to a cluster of schools. Each borough provides valuable details about this streamlined process, simplifying your school selection journey.

10. Decide how you’ll prepare your children for the entrance exam. Will you:

Þ    purchase books

Þ    book a Tutor

Þ    teach them yourself?

9.    Save key dates to your diary:

Þ    11Plus exam application deadline

Þ    Mock exam dates

Þ    The actual test days

Þ    School open days

10. Join a community of parents who you can glean support from.

11. Start fostering a growth mindset among your children. This is important. More on this another time.

12. Involve your children in the research, encouraging their critical thoughts on the various schools.

Þ    Keep in mind that when evaluating school options, it's crucial to focus on GCSE results, as these lay the foundation for your child's academic journey. As they progress into the 6th form, you may can reassess to change schools based on A-level results.

Zara Muirhead, MA

https://www.love-literacy.com

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