My mini Moos are older now, but we used to live in an area dominated by grammar schools.
My lot are good 'allrounders' and GS wasn't an option. What I do know is that if GS is an option for your child you have to deal with it WAY before Y6.
Tutoring isn't just for extra lessons, most cover the actual exam prep as well. Some schools do practice tests too. The application for High School needs to be in by end of October. Every other parent would have done research last term (or earlier), even under lockdown schools were doing virtual tours and online Q & A sessions.
Also, in regards to tutoring. According to Jack she's had her son 'every waking moment' (
) so why not sit with him all day going over schoolwork? If she's so desperate for him to taking entrance exams then why has it only occurred to her 6 weeks before the deadline?