Square pegs and square holes

A lot is made of the pressures of the grammar school system and, in particular, its selection process by way of the various iterations of the 11 plus. In a perfect world those pupils with the academic acumen and aptitude would be assessed within whichever primary school they attend and duly filtered into the grammar stream.

In the absence of such perfection stands the 11 plus. Pitched as an assessment that cannot be tutored, the evidence rebuts this. The benefits of extra tuition are tried and tested. As with all things, the more children work and practice their work, the more they will progress. Tuition gives them the best chance possible in ensuring that they are ready to give the best account possible on the day of the test.

All grammar schools provide a demanding academic environment. They are not meant for all children, just as academic success does not guarantee a lifetime of professional success, Therefore tutoring will not transform a child whose learning style is not conducive to the grammar school environment. It will not ‘square a round peg’! What it will do is optimise and leave everyone filled with confidence that only comes from their best preparation.