The postcode lottery of the 11+

The 11+ exam has become a hot topic in Kent, with parents spending thousands of pounds on tutors and even going to the extent of moving houses to be closer to grammar schools. This trend has been labelled as the “postcode lottery” of the 11+, where a student’s chances of getting into a grammar school depend on their postcode and the resources available to their parents. But what exactly is the 11+ exam and why are parents going to such lengths for it?

The 11+ exam, also known as the secondary transfer test, is a selective entrance exam for students in their final year of primary school. It is used to determine which students will be offered a place at a grammar school, which is a state-funded school that offers a more academic curriculum and has a reputation for academic excellence. These schools are highly sought after by parents as they believe it will give their child the best chance for a successful future.

With increasing competition for places at grammar schools, parents in Kent are feeling the pressure to ensure their child’s success. This has led to a growing trend of hiring tutors to prepare their child for the 11+ exam. These tutors can cost anywhere from £20 to £80 per hour, and some parents are even shelling out thousands of pounds for intensive courses. The demand for these tutors has also led to a shortage, making it difficult for parents to secure one for their child.

In addition to hiring tutors, some parents are taking the drastic step of moving houses to be within the catchment area of a particular grammar school. This is because most grammar schools give priority to students who live within a certain distance from the school. This has led to a fierce competition for houses in these areas, driving up the property prices and making it difficult for families with limited resources to afford them.

But why are parents going to such lengths for the 11+ exam? One reason could be the belief that attending a grammar school will give their child a better education and increase their chances of getting into a top university. The prestige associated with these schools also plays a role, as parents want their child to be part of an elite group of students. Furthermore, for some parents, the 11+ exam has become a status symbol, a way to show their child’s academic abilities and their own success as a parent.

However, this obsession with the 11+ exam has raised concerns about the impact it has on children’s mental health. The pressure to perform well and the intense competition can be overwhelming for young students, leading to anxiety and stress. It also creates a divide between those who can afford tutors and those who cannot, further perpetuating the “postcode lottery” of the 11+.

In response to these concerns, some grammar schools have started to change their admission criteria to make it more inclusive. This includes considering factors such as a child’s background and their school’s performance, rather than just their performance in the 11+ exam. This has been welcomed by many as a step towards a fairer system.

In conclusion, the 11+ exam has become a highly competitive and controversial process in Kent. While it is understandable that parents want the best for their child, the pressure and obsession surrounding it have led to an unfair advantage for some and added stress for children. It is important for parents to remember that there are other paths to success and that the 11+ exam should not be the sole determinant of a child’s future. As a society, we should strive for a fairer and more inclusive education system, where every child has equal opportunities to succeed.