Why do top schools group children from the same school together in their Assessments?

Not all schools, but some will.

Some schools will place children into groups using different criteria. Most children will be grouped according to their age (month of birth). This doesn’t mean that they will be assessed any differently from each other.

I’ve heard hundreds of stories about issues relating to children being grouped together with peers that they already know.

Parents often ask me this question?

Why do schools group children from the same school together in their Assessments?

I just think we could be asking different questions?

Ultimately, I will never be able to answer this for you. No body will - apart from the school itself. They will never answer this question for you!

Why these top schools do certain things that they do is something that we will never know.

However, if we do know that children will be grouped (or could be grouped) with children from their current nursery or pre-school setting, the best thing you can do is to prepare your child for this happening.

Being aware and switched on that one of their friends could potentially be at their Assessment will help your child to know how they are expected to behave around these friends that they already know.

Be aware that I’m talking about any age group here. I’ve heard that this has happened at the 4+, 7+ and 11+ Assessments.

Don’t let this one thing sabotage your child’s chances for success in their Assessments.

Before your child goes in this is what I would personally say to them (any age but obviously adapt for your child so they understand)

You will be going to your Assessment and there might be a child or children that you will know. I would like you to keep very calm. Of course, say hi to your friends but then focus on what we are are at the school to do. You might feel more relaxed knowing that your friend/s are there with you but please do not mess around with them (whatever that might mean for your child). Take some time to give some examples.

Talk to your child about this a few times before they go into their Assessments so that they will remember.