How to help a child who does not get the SEAG result they wanted.

Supporting Your Child After the SEAG Transfer Test Result: A Guide for Parents

We understand how challenging it is, for both parents and child, when our children don't pass the SEAG Transfer Test, especially with the high expectations surrounding our grammar schools. If your child is in this situation, rest assured that you're not alone. Here are practical steps to support your child and maintain their academic confidence:

1. Be a Strong Pillar of Support:

- Remind your child that they are loved, and their exam results don't define them.

- Approach the conversation with empathy, avoiding negativity about the process, schools, or others children who got a better score.

- Acknowledge the disappointment, but normalise it, emphasising that finding the right school is very important.

2. Give Them Space and have a Plan B:

- Allow your child time to process the news and express their feelings.

- Discuss a Plan B together, focusing on other schools where your child can thrive.

- Show positivity and highlight the benefits of the new school choice.

3. Re-establish a Learning Routine:

- Once emotions settle, re-establish a home/school learning routine.

- Consider using online platforms to create a consistent and enjoyable learning schedule.

- Celebrate small achievements to boost your child's academic confidence.

Plan for the future:

1. Stability and Success:

- Reassure your child that the knowledge and skills they gained for the SEAG preparation are valuable for future learning.

- Use this time to consolidate their learning, putting them in a strong position for Year 8.

2. Focus on Long-Term Learning:

- Encourage intrinsic motivation for learning, stressing its value beyond exams.

- Discuss the importance of sustained effort and routine for long-term academic and social success.

- Highlight that continuous learning and hard work for the rest of P7 builds secure knowledge and good habits for “big school.”

3. Remember and Reinforce Success Stories:

- Share stories of children who thrived both academically and at work despite not attending a grammar school.

- Stress that a grammar school education does not guarantee success, and other schools offer excellent opportunities.

Perhaps reframe your own thoughts:

This may be difficult but consider that your child might find more fulfilment and happiness in a different type of school environment and that they might not have been completely happy in a grammar school environment.

Finally:

Remember, your child's success is not determined solely by a single exam. By providing support, maintaining a positive outlook, and exploring alternative schools, you can help your child navigate this transition successfully and happily.

We do hope that this text has been of some genuine help.