Grammar Schools: Do the grades matter more than the personality?

Grammar schools have been around for a long time and have always been the middle ground between comprehensive (Academy) schools and private schools. You have always had to pass a test to join these schools this test is commonly known as the 11+. This test normally involves a lot of revision and time which makes you think are they worth this extra effort?

The test itself is made up of two papers, verbal and non-verbal, the test is a one of a kind with many unique questions hidden inside it. To learn how to solve these questions you normally need the help of a tutor or a guidebook which costs money. The test is designed to see which pupils learn or process faster than others. Those that do pass will be given the chance to go to a grammar school.

The only noticeable difference between a grammar school and a comprehensive school is you are only taught a certain topic once before you are expected to remember most of it. Whereas at a comprehensive school you may be taught topics more than once. Overall, you normally move through subjects quicker at a grammar school than at a comprehensive school.

There are many Pros and Cons to going to a grammar school one being there are only 163 in England so even if you are capable of passing the 11+ you won’t be able to because there isn’t a school close to you, unless you are willing to travel and pay for boarding if that school offers it. A pro for going to grammar school is many parents will send their children to a grammar school if they don’t have the money to pay for a private school this meaning, they will have a similar education. Although grammar schools are not as likely to admit high numbers of SEND pupils, unlike non-selective schools. Unlike non-selective schools who have the specialization to support SEND pupils.

Jamie Holland, Deputy Headteacher at Carre’s Grammar School said, “As a former student of Carre’s, this is a really interesting article to read. The grammar school – comprehensive debate has a long history and there are pros and cons to both models. In Sleaford we are incredibly fortunate that there are three excellent schools, two of which are grammar schools, the other a comprehensive. What’s best for one student is not necessarily the best for another, so the challenge is to choose the school that best matches the strengths and needs of the student”.

It is more difficult to find a well-known pupil of a comprehensive school because of how inclusive they are and how they allow anyone to join the school no matter how capable they are. Whereas grammar schools select those who have past the 11+ and have the most potential. For instance, Sir David Attenborough attended a grammar school in Leicester known as Wyggeston grammar school. He attended an interview for the BBC talking about his earlier life in school, “My school instilled a sense of public duty, and I remember volunteering to talk to lads from very poor homes about fossils, because I was interested in them. One boy was bleeding after a playground accident but sat there stoically, listening to me talk about brachiopods”.

Despite all this the main question you should be asking yourself when picking between these schools is does it suit me?

By Austin

Carre’s Grammar School Newsroom

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13 thoughts on “Grammar Schools: Do the grades matter more than the personality?”

Really interesting article, I agree the school choice should be about the person and what is right for them rather than grades and exams.

Well written and researched piece of writing!
And a very interesting article and good to be discussing and debating the pros and cons. It’s provoked some thoughts from me! I definitely agree that the choice must be right for the individual child. I would challenge the thought that the 11+ does always identify those with the most potential though, as I think it’s difficult for many children to demonstrate their potential at such a young age. I hope that all schools instil a sense of public duty.

Interesting article Austin, it is commendable that grammar schools give students who are quick to learn the opportunity to progress swiftly, however schools are as much about developing students personalities as they are their academic ability. It would be interesting to see which schools consider this aspect of a child’s education.
Good article well done

Excellent article with lots of good questions! Especially like that you spoke to the deputy head as a former pupil. if you are interested in science journalism I’d give you a job at the RSC!