Plymouth Grammar Schools
Admissions to secondary schools are decided by the Local Authority on March 1st in Year 6. Full information about selection criteria can be found on the Local Authority Website. (Information correct on 12 Oct. 2011)
Should I employ a tutor?
Pupils will be unfamiliar with the Verbal Reasoning test and will need to work at Level 6 of the National Curriculum in maths. If your child is very able, you may not need to employ the services of a personal tutor. However, your child should be acquainted with the format of the 11+ examination and may respond better to a more formal learning situation.
When should tuition start?
I usually start tuition any time from the Summer Term of Year 4 until March of Year 6.
What is the format of the 11+
Typically the 11+ examination for Plymouth Grammar Schools takes the form of a multiple-choice test in verbal reasoning (VR) and maths. Additionally there is an English paper, which may consist of a composition and comprehension question on a reading passage. Accuracy of spelling, paragraphing, punctuation and structure are very important. The English paper is taken into consideration if a pupil is borderline. Parents should check whether a pass on the English paper is a condition of entry in any particular year.
The tests are usually sat on two consecutive weekends in January of the year of entry.
Is my child ready for the 11+
If your child has conspicuous difficulties with written expression, this can be taken as an indication that s/he is not suited to Grammar School education. Signs to look for are slow, unimaginative, untidy writing with spelling mistakes and poor punctuation. Another indication would be that your child does not know all of his/her times tables by December of Year 5 or doesn’t know the sequence of months of the year and basic facts like the number of days in each month.
The Mock Examination
You should contact the Grammar School of your choice in April/May of Year 5, expressing an interest in your child entering the school in the September of the following year. The school secretary should give you all the information you need and give you details of opportunities to visit the Grammar School of your choice with your child before the end of the Summer Term.
Initially your child can take a “mock” examination in September of Year 6. This costs in the region of £30, and the results will be posted to you shortly after the mock exam has been taken. This puts you in a good position regarding whether to continue looking for a Grammar School place for your child or opting for a suitable local school as your first choice.
Text Books:
Parents/students can place orders for materials directly through me at a discounted rate. For the 11+ examination the following are essential purchases:
11+ Practice Papers,Multiple-Choice Verbal Reasoning Pack. These can also be obtained at discount prices on line from The Book Depository and Amazon.
Bond Fourth Papers in Verbal Reasoning 10-11 Years
Bond Fourth Papers in Maths 10-11 Years
11+ Practice Papers,Multiple-Choice Mathematic Pack
A fuller list of publications can be seen here: 11+ Materials
Useful Contacts:
If you have questions about the LA’s admissions policy, you can contact the School Admissions Department by telephoning Plymouth City Council on 01752 668000
It's great that Graham has considered an alternative to entrance to grammar schools. Some children simply may not be ready for the 11+. Doing better in their SATS may be a better option.
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