How do grammar schools select their pupils?
Pupils in Grammar schools are selected based on their ability in subjects such as English and Maths among others. This test has come to be know as the 11-plus, which is typically undertaken by students at the beginning of year 6 for entry into year 7 next year in grammar school.
Every school has its own test paper and not all schools test the same subjects. Some schools do not have numerical reasoning or maths test. Tests are typically based on subjects such as :
- English ( which typically includes comprehension, punctuation and grammar)
- Numerical reasoning (maths)
- Verbal reasoning
- Non-verbal reasoning
- Creative writing
Many parents argue that these tests cannot be taken unless a child has gone through a separate out of school training process. This is because the level of questions in the test features types of questions not usually adopted in regular state primaries. The schools point is that the tests do not require any special training and it is designed to sort out pupils who are able enough to learn in a grammar school environment with peers of a similar standard.