by What do you do if your child is academically gifted and you feel they aren’t getting the best education? It would help if you took such a child to a selective school. The government sets these schools to bring together students of the same academic ability. The students are taught using specialized material and curriculum for excellence. You can apply for any selective school regardless of your location since they are unionized. But how much do you know about such schools? This article explains some facts that will help you understand selective schools more.
Funding
A selective learning institution like a grammar school receives funding from the government. This makes the schools accessible as long as your child qualifies for a place. Children from a poor background who are good academically also stand a chance to learn in these institutions. In doing so, such selective schools give students the same opportunity despite different socioeconomic backgrounds. However, note that selective schools are a form of high-cost private one that admits according to academic merit in some countries.
Age of admission
The age of entering selective schools is eight to 11. The selection committee will need your explanation if your child is outside this age range. The committee will seek further information to consider the application in some instances. The committee may reject the application if the reason for admission isn’t sufficient. However, the committee can interview your child if younger but unique in one way or another.
Gender
Most selective schools are single-sex, which follows the tradition of the pioneer public schools. However, some of these schools accept members of the opposite sex in sixth and seventh forms in modern times. This arrangement prepares the students for college life and after. The students interacting also teach them non-verbal reasoning as per the goals of such schools.
Chances of admission
Admission to these selective schools is highly competitive, and qualifying doesn’t assure placement. If you met the required standards, it would be best to apply through your local authority. However, you can only apply to three schools. Some of the qualifications include citizenship or permanent residency with proof of it. The selection committee may also consider cultural background, medical condition, or disability for admission to these competitive schools.
Skills tested for admission
Your child will be tested on English, Mathematics, nonverbal reasoning, and verbal reasoning to get to a selective learning institution like grammar school. The test is known as 11+ and secondary transfer test in some countries. This test aims at minimizing coaching to establish if the student qualifies for a place in these selective schools. It would help to note that the pass mark for this test varies, and some areas accept a pass mark of 30% and above, while others admit a paltry 3%.
Selective schools are best suited for students with high academic abilities. The conducive environment of such schools and specialized tutors ensure that the students excel in their education. It would be best to apply if your child meets the schools’ threshold. Use the facts you have read here to help as you apply from a more informed point.
