The independent sector and Common Entrance

In the state sector, English schools must follow the National Curriculum, adapted as necessary. However, independent schools are free to do as they choose and most do. Some loosely follow the National Curriculum, even taking SATs but with no obligation to report results; most keep mum. Many schools assess or even examine youngsters on entry, but do little else until common entrance (CE) at either 11+ or 13+. CE tests youngsters in the core subjects with a range of other subjects, including Latin and Greek, on offer. Papers are offered at different levels to suit the ability of the child. These are marked and graded by a child’s proposed senior school. The schools are free to set their own grade boundaries so a grade C at one school does not necessarily equate to a grade C at another. Children do not fail CE, but many schools set minimum CE admission requirements with those requesting 60 per cent or above usually considered selective. The most able children may be invited to sit for a scholarship  at their school of choice, rather than sit CE. For many schools this takes the form of common scholarship rather than papers written by the school.

The CE curriculum generally results in a better spread and depth of knowledge than the National Curriculum – mostly because of the freedoms inherent within it – but preparation for whatever test is to be sat becomes focussed and ferocious for the last two years.

 Further reading

Galore Park an independent publishers have an excellent range of books designed for common entrance.yllabus. You can order past papers for CE and common scholarship too.rs

When things go wrong

"Johnny must go!" declared the Head . "Yessir", responded the father meekly. That was in the old days. Now,the father says "Why?"

Peter Woodroffe, Education Law Specialist with Woodroffes, Solicitors, advises.

Useful sources of help and advice

For advice on problems relating to Special Educational Needs, see our extensive SEN section.

The Advisory Centre for Education: a charity founded in 1960. Publishes guides on such subjects as how to approach primary schooling, UK school law, and how to deal with the bureaucrats on Special Educational Needs, school choice and appeals, home education, bullying etc etc.

Bullying: the BBC's survival guide - extensive advice, links and information. It's not always obvious where on the BBC site the bullying pages are - in difficulty use their search facility. See also Bullying Online, an increasingly impressive site; Bullying: advice on bullying as part of the Scottish Council for Research in Education's website; Kidscape.

Child Abuse: how to spot it and what to do about it.

Childline: helpline for children and young people in trouble or danger. Good advice and good links..

Drugscope, the drugs charity. The Health Education Authority's drugs website is at www.internethealthlibrary.com/Professional-Associations/healtheducationauthority.htm
or call 01304 614 731 for publications and their CD-ROM, or the national drugs helpline on 0800 77 66 00.
Adfam National , the drugs advice charity, is on 0171 928 8900.
The London Lecture Group (regular drugs lectures for parents and teenagers) is on 020 7736 4182, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The McClellan Practice: Harley Street consultancy for alcohol, smoking, drugs and eating disorders. Does roadshows round schools too.

The National Association for Gifted Children: a good set of resources and links for gifted children.

Parentline: advice over the telephone on problems at school and other problems of parenting.