EdifyPod Learning

Parent's Evening 2025

Meeting Purpose

Provide parents with key information and guidance on the UK secondary school selection and admissions process, particularly for grammar schools.

Key Takeaways

Start exam preparation early (ideally by Year 4) to maximize chances of success
Visit target schools in person to assess fit; book daytime visits when possible
Identify and address knowledge gaps; focus on accuracy before speed
New progress tracking system being implemented to monitor student performance
Additional support (1-on-1 sessions, revision courses) available as needed

UK Secondary School Landscape

Comprehensive schools: No entrance exam, state-funded
Grammar schools: Selective, state-funded
Super-selective grammars: Extremely competitive (e.g. QE Boys, St. Olave's)
Independent schools: Fee-paying, often have own entrance exams

Exam Preparation Timeline

Year 4: Focus on learning concepts and improving accuracy
Year 5: Move to advanced concepts, start timed practice
Summer before Year 6: Intensive revision course (3 weeks - Mon to Fri)
- Information out in April
September-October Year 6: Most entrance exams take place

School Selection Guidance

No single "best" school - depends on child's needs, family priorities
Visit schools in person, ideally during the day
Talk to teachers and current students for insights
Consider factors like commute, facilities, exam results, teaching style

Exam Formats

GL Assessment: Common format, ~45-60 min per subject
CEM/ISEB: Used by some independents
School-specific papers: e.g. St. Olave's, Henrietta Barnett have unique formats
Some schools have multiple rounds of assessment like Sutton Schools, HBS, St. Olaves
Most Independent schools have at least 2 round of written exams along with Interview, Critical Thinking activities, debates, Group activities, etc.

Supporting Your Child

Encourage reading widely to build vocabulary and comprehension
Practice creative writing regularly, focusing on plot development
Master math fundamentals before moving to advanced topics
Identify and address knowledge gaps in all subjects
Keep children motivated but not overly anxious

Grammar School Finder

Link

New Progress Tracking System

Monthly progress tracker being implemented for all students
Parents to input practice test scores and details
Will generate charts to visualize progress in each subject area
Helps identify areas needing additional focus

EdifyPod Progress Tracker - DOWNLOAD HERE

How to resolve security error in the file - link

Note: Download the file to your laptop and open in excel (not in google sheets), remove all the data from the sheet and add your child's Assessment-2 results

Next Steps

Check admission policies and timelines for target schools
- Some admission forms are already out (e.g Bluecote, QE, etc.)
Book school visits, prioritising daytime slots where possible
Review recommended reading lists on EdifyPod Blog website
Begin using new progress tracking system when distributed
Contact EdifyPod team for any support if needed in specific areas

Video Recording

Testimonial

What They Say

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.

Consectetuer nisi si magnis erat ligula vulputate sit sapien duis integer. Cubilia class blandit dapibus phasellus eu dui fermentum amet. Dis dapibus porttitor ullamcorper turpis pharetra vestibulum auctor iaculis neque efficitur.

Jane Doe

Consectetuer nisi si magnis erat ligula vulputate sit sapien duis integer. Cubilia class blandit dapibus phasellus eu dui fermentum amet. Dis dapibus porttitor ullamcorper turpis pharetra vestibulum auctor iaculis neque efficitur.

Jane Doe

Consectetuer nisi si magnis erat ligula vulputate sit sapien duis integer. Cubilia class blandit dapibus phasellus eu dui fermentum amet. Dis dapibus porttitor ullamcorper turpis pharetra vestibulum auctor iaculis neque efficitur.