The 11 Plus exams can be a daunting prospect for both children and parents. These exams, usually taken in Year 6, are designed to assess a child’s abilities in subjects like English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-verbal Reasoning. For many families, success in the 11 Plus can unlock opportunities to attend a grammar or selective independent school.
As a parent, your support can make a huge difference in helping your child feel prepared and confident. This blog will guide you through practical steps to support your child’s preparation while keeping the experience as positive as possible.
Understand the 11 Plus Exams
The first step in helping your child prepare is to familiarise yourself with the format of the 11 Plus exams in your area. Not all tests are the same—some focus heavily on maths and English, while others include verbal and non-verbal reasoning. Check the specific requirements for your local grammar schools or the independent schools you are applying to, as well as any guidance they offer on preparation materials.
Once you understand the content, you can help your child focus their efforts where they’re needed most. If verbal reasoning is unfamiliar territory for your family, for instance, you can introduce practice materials gradually to build familiarity and confidence.
Create a Study Routine
Establishing a consistent study routine is key to helping your child manage their preparation without feeling overwhelmed. Aim to start well in advance, giving them plenty of time to cover all the necessary areas without cramming. A regular schedule—perhaps 30–45 minutes, three to four times a week—can make a huge difference.
Break study sessions into manageable chunks, and don’t forget to include breaks. The Pomodoro technique, which alternates 25-minute focused work periods with 5-minute breaks, can work wonders for children’s concentration.
Encourage your child to treat their study time as part of their daily routine, but be flexible enough to adapt if they’re feeling tired or unmotivated. A consistent but compassionate approach will help them stay on track without unnecessary pressure.
Make Learning Fun
Preparation for the 11 Plus doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Look for ways to make learning enjoyable by incorporating games, apps or challenges into their study time. Many online resources offer interactive quizzes and puzzles for practising verbal and non-verbal reasoning, which can make these topics feel more accessible and fun.
Reward your child’s efforts with positive reinforcement. Celebrate small milestones, such as completing a practice test or mastering a tricky topic, with a treat or family outing. This not only motivates them but also helps maintain a positive attitude toward the exams.
Focus on Reading and Vocabulary
Strong reading skills and a broad vocabulary are essential for the English and Verbal Reasoning sections of the 11 Plus. Encourage your child to read widely, from novels and newspapers to non-fiction and poetry. Discussing what they’ve read can help deepen their comprehension skills and expose them to new vocabulary.
Make word games like Scrabble or Boggle a part of your family time and consider using flashcards or apps to help them learn new words. Vocabulary-building is a gradual process, so the earlier you start, the better prepared they’ll be.
Practise Past Papers
Familiarising your child with the format and timing of the 11 Plus is critical. Practice papers are one of the best ways to prepare. Start with untimed practice to help them get used to the question types, then gradually introduce timed tests as the exam date approaches.
Review their answers together, focusing on areas where they struggled. Mistakes are valuable learning opportunities and talking through errors can help them build problem-solving skills and resilience.
Support Their Wellbeing
While academic preparation is important, your child’s emotional wellbeing should always come first. Exams can be stressful, and the pressure to perform can feel overwhelming for some children. Make sure they know that your love and support are unconditional, regardless of the outcome.
Encourage them to take breaks, stay active and get plenty of sleep. Activities like sports, music or simply spending time with friends can provide much-needed balance during the preparation period.
Be Involved Without Taking Over
It’s tempting to take a hands-on approach to 11 Plus preparation, but it’s important to strike the right balance. Be there to guide and encourage, but allow your child to take ownership of their learning. This not only builds their confidence but also helps them develop the independence they’ll need for secondary school.
Ask how you can help, whether it’s by marking practice tests, explaining tricky questions or simply being a cheerleader. Let them set the pace, and listen to their feedback about what’s working and what isn’t.
Plan Ahead for Exam Day
As the big day approaches, take steps to ensure it runs as smoothly as possible. Practice the journey to the exam centre if it’s unfamiliar, and pack everything they’ll need the night before—pencils, erasers, water bottle, and any required documents.
On the day, offer calm and encouraging words. Avoid talking about the exam results and instead focus on how proud you are of their effort and commitment.
Bristol Tutors’ 11 Plus Tuition
At Bristol Tutors, we understand how challenging it can be to prepare for the 11 Plus. That’s why we’re excited to announce our new online 11 Plus tuition sessions, which started in the new year. Led by experienced tutors, these sessions will cover all key areas of the exams in a supportive and interactive environment.
If you’re interested in giving your child the best possible preparation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Let us help you take the stress out of 11 Plus preparation and set your child up for success.
Further Reading and Resources
For additional support and resources, check out these helpful websites:
- The 11 Plus Guide – Comprehensive information about the 11 Plus process and advice for parents.
- Bond Online – Practice papers and interactive resources tailored to 11 Plus preparation.
- BBC Bitesize – Free educational resources to boost maths and English skills.
- Grammar Schools UK – Details about grammar schools and admission processes.
Preparing for the 11 Plus can be a journey for the whole family. With the right strategies and support, you can help your child approach their exams with confidence and optimism.