I didn't realise that the 11 plus still existed! maybe not in it's original form but it's still out there in certain parts. I thought the 11 plus had gone out with the trench coat or at least renamed, but no it remains still.
11 plus ah' yes I remember it well considering the amount of time that has lapsed between now and me taking it. Circa 1962 yet you ask me what I had for dinner last Thursday and I'd be scratching my head.
The options were as I remember, fail and it was Hasland Hall or Deincourt at Nth. Wingfield, pass and it was Tupton Grammar or Tapton house. For girls passing was the extra choice of St. Helenas in Town, for me it was Deincourt. Going to different schools lost a lot of friendships splitting mates up as it did. Although a disappointment to me and my parents {especially my dad} I can't help but wonder if my mother secretly breathed a sigh of relief as going to a Grammar school meant the school uniform was obligatory, but with Deincourt it was optional.
Shows you what it was like then, my best mate passed and so chose Tapton House. My elder sister who was already at Tapton was leaving
so my mother donated part of my sisters uniform to my mates mam till they could afford new {apparently he got a bit of ribbing at school about his shirts}
"And you tell the kids of today that and they won't believe you"
Oh by the way chips egg and beans