After months of preparation for entrance exams, it is time to start filling in application forms to register your child for the tests. Make sure you do this in plenty of time as once the deadline has passed, no late registrations will be accepted.
This blog will take you through the 11 Plus registration process and provide information on how to apply to grammar schools.
It is the responsibility of the parents to submit applications for their children.
It is very important to register your child to sit the 11+ entrance exams in a timely manner! Failure to do so will mean your child can not sit the test. Most education authorities are very strict about their deadlines and late registrations will not be accepted.
This article will take you through the 11+ registration process and provide information on how to apply to grammar schools.
1. Register for the 11+ entrance exam
The grammar schools in Birmingham belong to a consortium and you will only have to make one application to be considered for all of these schools. Applications can only be made online. For advice on applying for the 11+ entrance exam, you can always ask your Local Education Authority.
The deadline for registration varies between each consortium, depending on where you live. Registration for the Birmingham consortium of grammar schools normally opens in May and closes in June. Registration periods are usually open for around two months from the start date with deadlines ranging from June to September. If you are applying for a grammar school in a different consortium, for example the Walsall consortium, then you need to register separately for these grammar schools. Make sure you receive a confirmation email acknowledgement after submitting your registration to confirm it has been successful. Following registration, you will be sent a further email, normally at the start of September, advising you of the venue of the test.
Failure to register by the deadline specified by your local authority will result in your child not being able to sit the exam. Don’t forget, it is always possible to contact the school directly about the registration process to answer any questions you may have.
2. Reasonable Adjustments Deadline
This is the deadline for requesting reasonable adjustments are made to the entrance test to allow your child to access the paper, if for example they have a disability. Requests for adjustments must be submitted by a deadline along with all relevant evidence. This deadline is normally two or three weeks earlier than the main registration deadline so make sure you act in plenty of time. Contact the Admissions office to request the relevant form.
3. Plan which schools you would like your child to attend together
It is always best to act with plenty of time when deciding which school you want your child to attend. When considering potential schools, try to involve your child in the process as much as possible. This will help them to understand what they are working towards and encourage them in their 11 plus preparation. Try to talk positively about each potential school including state, grammar and independent schools as you never know which school they will ultimately end up joining.
4. Be aware of different catchment areas
Some grammar schools have catchment areas, so it is worth checking on the school’s individual website whether this is applicable to the grammar school you are applying for. The King Edward IV Grammar Schools criteria includes priority catchment areas for each of their six selective schools. It is always worth checking which catchment you are in if you intend on applying to one of these schools. However, even if you are out of their catchment area, it is still worth applying. Spaces are first allocated to those within catchment, who achieved the qualifying score, but the remaining spaces will then be offered to applicants outside of catchment with the highest scores.
5. Attending open days
A school open day plays an important part when choosing your child’s school. You will tour the school, hear the headteacher speak and meet pupils and teachers. Open days are a great way to find out more about the potential schools you are considering for your child. It is also a great chance for your child to feel impressed by what they see and allow them to better understand the goal which they are working towards. Details of open days can be found on the school’s individual website.