Exam Tips

✅Eleven Plus Exam Tips for Parents and Students

The Eleven Plus exam is a critical milestone for many students aspiring to attend selective grammar schools or independent schools. Typically, the exam includes subjects such as English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Preparing for this exam can be stressful for both students and parents. This guide provides practical tips and strategies to ensure students are well-prepared, confident, and capable of performing their best on exam day.

🕰️1. Start Early and Plan Ahead

➡️Begin Preparation in Year 3

Starting preparation as early as Year 3 provides a significant advantage. Early preparation allows students to gradually build the foundational skills and knowledge necessary for the Eleven Plus exam. This approach reduces stress and avoids the pitfalls of cramming. Early preparation also gives ample time to identify and address any areas of weakness.

➡️Focus on Core Skills

In the early stages of preparation, the focus should be on strengthening core skills in English and Mathematics. Activities such as daily reading, mental math exercises, and spelling practice help build a strong foundation​​. Consistent reinforcement of these basics in Years 3 and 4 sets the stage for more focused and targeted exam preparation in Years 5 and 6.

➡️Develop a Study Routine

Establishing a regular study routine from Year 3 helps students develop good habits and become disciplined learners. Create a study schedule that includes short, frequent sessions rather than long, infrequent ones. Keeping sessions to 30–50 minutes with regular breaks aligns with a child’s natural attention span and helps maintain focus​​.

✅2. Encourage Reading and Vocabulary Building

➡️Promote Daily Reading

Reading is crucial for success in the English and Verbal Reasoning sections of the Eleven Plus exam. Encourage your child to read a wide range of books, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and newspapers. Discussing what they read enhances comprehension skills and builds vocabulary​. Engaging in conversations about the text helps deepen their understanding and analytical skills.

➡️Use Vocabulary Games

Introduce vocabulary-building activities such as word games, crosswords, and flashcards. This makes learning new words fun and interactive, which helps retain their interest. Building a broad vocabulary over time is essential, as it improves both comprehension and verbal reasoning skills​.

✅3. Practice Exam Techniques

➡️Familiarize with Different Question Formats

The Eleven Plus exam includes various question formats, such as multiple choice, standard answers, and online questions. Regular practice with these different formats will make your child more comfortable and less likely to be surprised by unfamiliar question types on the actual exam day​. This familiarity helps build confidence and reduces anxiety.

➡️Use Mock Exams

Mock exams simulate real exam conditions and are an excellent way to practice time management and exam techniques. Regularly scheduling mock exams from Year 3 onwards can help your child get used to the pressure of timed tests and identify areas needing improvement​​. Reviewing mock exam results together can provide valuable feedback and highlight specific topics that require more focus.

✅4. Stay Organized and Monitor Progress

➡️Create a Revision Checklist

Organize the subjects and topics into a checklist that can be displayed in a visible place, such as on the fridge. This helps track what has been covered and what still needs attention. Breaking the syllabus into smaller, manageable parts makes the preparation process less overwhelming​.

➡️Regularly Review and Adjust Study Plans

Children’s strengths and weaknesses may evolve over time. Regularly review and adjust the study plan to address areas of difficulty and build on strengths. Flexibility in the plan helps accommodate your child’s progress and keeps them motivated​​.

✅5. Use Engaging and Active Learning Methods

➡️Utilize Visual Aids

Visual aids like mind maps and diagrams can help in summarizing information and showing relationships between different concepts. These tools are especially useful for subjects that require understanding of complex ideas, such as Non-Verbal Reasoning​​.

➡️Incorporate Mnemonics and Memory Techniques

Mnemonics are a fun and effective way to remember information. Creating personalized abbreviations, phrases, or stories helps children recall facts and data more easily. Encourage your child to come up with their own creative mnemonics for different subjects​.

✅6. Provide a Supportive Environment

➡️Balance Study with Relaxation

Avoid overloading your child with too much study. Balance study time with regular breaks, physical exercise, and relaxation activities. This approach helps to prevent burnout and keeps your child’s mind fresh and engaged​​. Encourage activities like sports, hobbies, and socializing with friends to provide a healthy balance.

➡️Maintain a Positive Attitude

Stay positive and encouraging throughout the preparation process. Celebrate small achievements and progress to boost your child's confidence. Avoid putting too much pressure on results, as this can lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety​​.

✅7. Consider Professional Support

➡️Explore Tutoring Options

While many parents choose to guide their child’s preparation themselves, others may find it beneficial to seek professional tutoring. Tutors can provide structured lessons, additional resources, and targeted practice tailored to your child’s needs​. However, it’s important to choose a tutor who understands the demands of the Eleven Plus exam and can adapt their teaching style to suit your child’s learning pace and personality.

➡️Join Study Groups or Classes

Study groups or prep classes offer a collaborative learning environment where children can motivate each other. Being around peers who are also preparing for the Eleven Plus exam can help your child feel less isolated and more supported​.

✅8. Stay Informed and Involved

➡️Understand the Exam Format and Syllabus

Stay informed about the specific requirements and format of the Eleven Plus exam for your area. This includes knowing which subjects are tested, the types of questions, and the timing of the exams. Being well-informed allows you to tailor the preparation process effectively​​.

➡️Keep Communication Open

Regularly check in with your child about how they feel regarding their preparation. Open communication can help identify any areas where they feel unsure or stressed, allowing you to address these concerns promptly​.

✅9. Prepare for Exam Day

➡️Plan Ahead for the Exam Day

Ensure your child is well-rested the night before the exam. Have a nutritious breakfast on the morning of the test and leave plenty of time to arrive at the exam location calmly. Being organized and prepared reduces last-minute stress​​.

➡️Stay Calm and Positive

Encourage your child to stay calm and positive. Remind them that their best effort is all that matters and that they are well-prepared. A calm mindset will help them approach the exam with confidence​​.

Conclusion

Preparing for the Eleven Plus exam is a journey that requires careful planning, consistent effort, and a supportive environment. Starting early, focusing on core skills, and using a variety of learning methods will equip your child with the tools they need to succeed. Remember that maintaining a balanced approach, celebrating progress, and providing emotional support are just as crucial as academic preparation. With these strategies, both you and your child can navigate the Eleven Plus exam process confidently and successfully.