How to Prepare for the 11+: A Parent's Guide

A parent's guide · The Exam Revision Club

Preparing for the 11+ can feel daunting, but you don't need to be a teacher — or spend a fortune on tutoring — to give your child a strong, calm run-up. A steady routine beats last-minute cramming every time. Here's a simple plan.

1. Start early and keep it little-and-often

Short, regular sessions (20–30 minutes) work far better than occasional marathons. Beginning several months out means you can build skills gradually and keep stress low — for you and your child.

2. Know which exam you're preparing for

Formats differ by area and school, so find out what your target school uses before you dive in. Our guide to the exam boards explains the main ones, and you can check your specific school in seconds.

3. Cover all four areas

Most 11+ exams test English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Reasoning is often the least familiar to parents and children alike, so don't neglect it — it's very learnable with practice.

4. Build exam technique, not just knowledge

A child can know the material and still lose marks to the clock. Practise working at pace, reading questions carefully, making sensible guesses on multiple-choice, and moving on rather than getting stuck. These habits are worth as much as the content itself.

5. Use full, timed mock papers

Once the basics are in place, complete timed mocks are the single most useful tool. They build stamina, get your child used to the pressure, and — crucially — show you exactly where the gaps are so you can focus your time where it counts.

6. Review every mistake

The real learning happens in the review. Go through wrong answers together and make sure your child understands why. This is why worked solutions matter so much — they let you explain the reasoning even for questions you'd find tricky yourself.

7. Keep it positive

Confidence is part of performance. Celebrate progress, keep sessions short enough to stay enjoyable, and avoid piling on pressure as the exam approaches. A calm, well-practised child does better than an exhausted one.