With National Offer Day for secondary school places happening next week, it’s the perfect time to talk about the eleven-plus (11+) examination. If you live in an area with academic selection, you might already be thinking about this important step in your child’s journey 🚀.
The eleven-plus exam is used in various parts of the UK and the structure and format vary depending on the region, so it's important to check with your local authority for the most accurate information. Since I’m based in Kent, any specifics I refer to will be mainly based on the Kent Test, which includes the following subjects:
- Verbal Reasoning (VR) 🗣️
- Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR) 🧩
- Mathematics (MA) ➕
- English (EN) 📖
Thinking About the Eleven-Plus 🤔
If you live in an area with academic selection and your child is currently in Year 5, then I'm sure you're already thinking about which schools will be available to you, and whether the eleven-plus is the right choice for your family. It can be an overwhelming decision, but whatever you decide, the most important thing is to choose an approach that works for your child and your circumstances.
Different Ways to Prepare 🛠️
Preparation for the eleven-plus varies in terms of time, cost, and learning style. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, so here are some of the most common ways families prepare:
1. Self-Study with Free Resources 💻
One of the most budget-friendly options is to familiarize yourself with the exam format and use free resources available online. For instance, in Kent, the Kent County Council website provides details about the exam along with familiarization materials: Kent Test Information. This will give you a basic understanding of the feel and format of the exams and what to expect, but does not provide any revision materials.
2. Group Tutoring 👥
Enrolling in a tutoring centre that offers group sessions is a popular choice. Many children benefit from learning alongside others in a structured environment and group tutoring sessions, often run by tuition centres, can help cover the necessary content while providing a sense of support and motivation. Most centers will offer trial sessions which you can make use of to see if this format works for your child.
3. One-to-One Tutoring 👤
When it comes to one-to-one tutoring, you can either:
- Work with your child at home using purchased study materials. Everything is available from revision books to learn and understand the content that will be tested, to short tests and even practice papers.
- Hire a private tutor who can focus on specific areas where your child needs the most help.
4. Practice Exams 📝
Many companies offer practice exams under real test conditions. These can be a great way to build confidence and help your child get used to the exam setting before the big day.
5. Parent Recommendations 🤝
Don't hesitate to ask other parents for their experiences and advice. Their insights on which methods worked best for their children can be invaluable in making an informed decision. Then once you've made your decision on which route to take ask for recommendations on specific resources or tutors that have worked well for them.
The Revision Wizard 🧙♂️
No matter which route you take, I truly believe that supplementing preparation with The Revision Wizard is a smart choice. After all, it was initially created as a way to expand my little wizard’s vocabulary after realising that vocabulary played such an important role, not just in all aspects of the English paper, but also in the Verbal Reasoning examination too. If you’re looking for a way to boost vocabulary skills, it could be just what you need.
A Final Word 💡
Deciding on the best preparation method is a personal choice that depends on your child’s learning style and your circumstances. The most important thing is to support your child’s learning in a way that suits them best, and it's important to remember that whichever route you take, there are no guarantees when it comes to results.
Above all, remember to put your child’s well-being first and set realistic expectations. Your little wizard's eleven-plus journey should be about learning, growth, and confidence - Not just achieving a specific outcome.