11+ BRIEFING FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS 2019-20

BWS Registration Process Registration to sit the 11+ is via the BWS online registration form (also available in hard copy) and has to be returned to BWS by: Thursday 11th July 2019 at 5.00 pm BWS 11+ test takes place on: Saturday 14th September 2019

Preparation - BWS 11+ papers are based on KS2 En and Ma and using the skills creatively Papers are written by CEM (University of Durham) CEM Paper 1 – 50 minutes CEM Paper 2 – 50 minutes Both papers cover verbal, numerical and non-verbal ability. These tests can only be taken once.  There are no practice papers for sale in respect of the CEM tests.  A familiarisation booklet of questions will be available on our website.  They will be tests for which no additional preparation is necessary.

11+ Test for BWS The familiarisation booklet covers: Appearance of the actual test Some of the symbols and phrases used Inform parents of the invigilation procedure Indicate the range of disciplines tested Highlight the range of answer formats used Examples of the range of skills needed Indicative only – does not guarantee they will be found in the final test Supplementary test for candidates who are unable to attend will be on Friday 20th September 2019  

11+ Test for BWS (cont’d) There will be other schools that will be using the same tests as BWS.  If your son takes our test after 14th September and is found to have taken the same test, then we will use the raw scores from the first test he took, even if it was at another school. It is not unusual for nerves leading up to the tests. Being sensible in the lead up e.g. excessive activities etc that could affect a pupil’s performance should be considered by all parties. In the event of an appeal a pupil’s attendance record may be requested Parents who consider an adverse performance must write to BWS giving information prior to an appeal  

SWGS Registration process Parents to submit online Test Registration Form to SWGS by Monday 2nd September 2019 via www.swgs.wilts.sch.uk (paper copy also available). As part of the registration process, parents will have the option to sign up their daughters for a practice Verbal Reasoning Test on Saturday 21stSeptember 2019. This will act as a familiarisation session since girls will be seated in the exact room and seat as for the main 11+ day a week later. The practice test will NOT be marked and there is no entry charge. 11+ test takes place on Saturday 28th September 2019

11+ Test for SWGS GL Assessment Maths 50 minutes GL Assessment English 45 minutes GL Assessment Verbal Reasoning 50 minutes The 11+ test is on Saturday 28th September 2019 Supplementary test for candidates who are unable to attend will be on Friday 4th October 2019 SWGS makes no recommendation to parents as to whether they should or should not have their children coached but familiarisation with the style and content of the papers is helpful but not essential!

Special Access Arrangements Deadline is: Friday 5th July for BWS Wednesday 3rd July 2019 for SWGS If aware of applicants, please encourage parents to apply in good time. Previously accommodated: BWS 15 applicants – 1 extra time SWGS 13 applicants – 3 extra time, 1 given rest breaks, 2 given a reader in English, 1 allowed a prompter, 2 paper modifications, 1 trampoline! For EAL candidates, if understanding of English is a problem, please put them in touch with EMAS (Ethnic Minority Achievement Service) Primary schools have been incredibly supportive of this part of the process. SEN conference comment ‘

Dates of Open Afternoons for both schools: Tuesday 25th June 2019 2.00 pm - 3.30 pm No parking near sites Pick up from main gate opposite the shop at 1.30 pm Sign out children

Registration packs (SWGS) Prospectuses and Registration packs available from mid-June 2019 from grammar schools. Invitation cards will be delivered to designated area schools from early June inviting parents of Y5 pupils to access digital brochures. Those that have registered their daughter to take the test will receive details of arrangements approximately ten days before the eleven plus

Registration Packs (BWS) EITHER In June, a single sheet of information about the admissions process for BWS will be distributed out to Schools for forwarding onto parents of boys in Y5 OR An email will be sent to Primary Schools for forwarding onto parents of boys in Year 5

BWS Summary Timetable Open Afternoon Tuesday 25th June 2019 Special Access Application Friday 5th July 2019 Registration (online and paper) Thursday 11th July 2019 11+ test Saturday 14th September 2019 Supplementary 11+ test Friday 20th September 2019 Results posted out 2 weeks before 31st October

SWGS Summary Timetable Open Afternoon Tuesday 25th June 2019 Special Access application Wednesday 3rd July 2019 Registration (online/paper) Monday 2nd September 2019 Practice VR test Saturday 21st September 2019 Actual 11+ test Saturday 28th September 2019 Supplementary 11+ test Friday 4th October 2019 Results posted out Friday 11th October 2019

Both schools - 11+ Results The raw scores will be age standardised All candidates whose combined score reaches the standardised pass mark will be regarded as having passed the entrance test Following a decision by the School’s Adjudicator, BWS and SWGS will NOT be notifying Primary Headteachers of the 11+ results of their pupils. Parents will be notified of their child’s results in letters to be posted out approximately two weeks before 31st October 2018 NB. At this stage, this will NOT be an offer of a place!

Application for a Place (both schools) After parents receive the 11+ results, those wishing to apply for a place at the grammar schools, must apply to their LA Meeting the required standard for the grammar schools does not guarantee a place! LA allocates places using an equal preference system Offers posted on Monday 2nd March 2020

Application for a place (continued) Parents whose child does not meet the required standard and who are dissatisfied with the outcome of the selection process, will still need to apply for a place at the grammar school through the LA Secondary Application Form in order to be entitled to lodge an appeal. Details on how to appeal will be sent to parents on Monday 2nd March 2020 Deadline for accepting the place is Wednesday 18th March 2020

Appeals All 11+ appeal hearings will be in May 2020 Independent panel Clerk to the Appeals Panel different for each school Presenters from within each of the schools

Numbers in September 2017 SWGS BWS Year 7 160 Year 8 150 128 Year 9 12 on waiting list 5 on waiting list Year 8 150 0 on waiting list 128 1 on waiting list Year 9 148 129 14 on waiting list Year 10 134 127 Year 11 121 126