Top Tips for Starting to Prepare for the 11+

By Team 11+ Connect

Starting your child’s 11+ preparations can be daunting. You will likely have a lot of questions and it can be hard to find the answers.

So, here are the 11+ Connect Team’s Top Tips for Starting to Prepare for the 11+.

Tip 1: Ask the Hard Questions

It might seem unusual to put the hardest questions first. But, when it comes to the 11+, it is important to ask them in the early stages.

The first question you need to ask is, ‘Is my child academically ready for the 11+?’ Children can make remarkable progress in a short space of time so a child does not necessarily need to be above expectation in both English and Maths.

However, if your child is below the expected level in either English or Maths then you need to consider why that is. Post-pandemic, many children haven’t had the time to build foundation skills so that could be a factor. If you’re not sure why your child is not at the expected level, talk to their teacher and ask for a realistic summary of their potential.

Being below the expected level doesn’t mean the 11+ is definitely off the table for your child but it does mean that they have a higher mountain to climb to reach the required level.

With that in mind, the second question to ask is ‘Do I have time to commit to the 11+ preparations?’ Even with a tutor, the 11+ journey requires parental support and commitment to the process. You need to carefully consider whether the amount of time required is feasible for you, your child and the rest of your family.

Tip 2: Pick your Schools

Choosing a suitable school can be a minefield and it is something a lot of parents find really difficult. If you are already living in an 11+ ‘area’, it is often an easier task, especially if you are in one of the consortium areas such as Slough, Essex, Kent, etc. as you can pinpoint your focus area more easily.

However, we recommend you also do your ‘homework’ about individual schools. Many grammar and independent schools have amazing reputations but still take time to explore the school website, check out the exam results and read the most recent Ofsted report. Likewise, ask on parent forums about different experiences of the school. Whilst all children are individual, there may be opinions which resonate with you.

Tip 3: Check the Catchment Areas

We have lost count of the number of parents – and students – who are left disappointed when their child achieves an excellent score in an exam but are out of catchment and unable to gain a place.

To be certain of the options, look at the admissions criteria for any schools you are interested in. Each school will stipulate if they have a catchment area and when you need to move into the area by.

Tip 4: Identify the Exam Format

Most grammar schools use a GL exam format, some use FSCE and others write their own papers. Independent schools usually write their own or use ISEB or CEM Select.

For your chosen schools, check the exam format so you know exactly what you need to focus on.

Tip 5: Decide on your Tutoring Model

It is absolutely possible to prepare for the 11+ without enlisting the help of a professional tutor. You can self-tutor your child but you will need to be disciplined to ensure you cover all the required areas in sufficient detail.

For comprehensive advice about choosing a tutor, please see our dedicated articles: ‘Tutoring: Key Decisions’ and ‘Key Questions to Ask a Potential Tutor’

Tip 6: Workbooks and Resources

There are endless resources available for the 11+. Many publications – such as CGP, Bond, Collins – have a wealth of workbooks you can buy. There are also independent resources from experienced educators you can explore.

When choosing workbooks, make sure the book is at the right level for your child and the right exam board for your requirements. You can find additional free resources on the internet but please check the source to ensure the materials are accurate.

Tip 7: Remember the Time

Although the 11+ can be challenging, it is important to remember you have time. If your child is currently in Year 5, you still have time to prepare them. As aforementioned, children can make incredible progress in a short space of time.

Likewise, if your child is struggling with a particular area, don’t put too much pressure on them, or indeed on yourself. Take a break for a few days – or even a week – and focus on a different area. Then go back with fresh eyes.

Tip 8: Confidence and Resilience

The 11+ can be challenging for children and sometimes we can all forget that the children are still very young. They are also building their self-esteem and, as parents, your input will have the biggest impact. Celebrate any achievements, even if it is only a 1–2-mark improvement and praise them for their effort as well as their scores.

Equally, help your child set targets for any areas they are struggling with. In life, we all need to build resilience and recognising focus areas and setting achievable targets is an excellent way to develop both confidence and resilience.

Tip 8: Keep Calm and Carry On

Whether you start in Year 5, or in earlier years, the 11+ is a long process. It is important that you – and your child – take time out to enjoy other things outside of the 11+ preparations. We recommend keeping one day ‘11+ free’ per week and to use that day to spend fun time with your child and as a family. Time together will rejuvenate you both!