Advice for the 11 plus exams

Navigating the 11 plus exams for independent schools is daunting for both parents and children, but, like most things, is much simpler in retrospect. I have been through it twice with my children, two years apart, and while it is challenging, there are some things that I have learnt that I wish I had been told upfront.

Start a shortlist of schools in your area during Year 5 and start to think about your child’s strengths and weaknesses. If you have no idea, visit the schools anyway and see what you think. London offers a wide range of schools, each with its own distinct character and ethos and, in my experience, you will have fairly strong preferences after visiting a few.

It is best to have seen the schools before your child enters Year 6, as the exams are now starting earlier in Year 6 - in some cases as early as the Autumn Term. Your child’s preference of school, however, may be heavily influenced by the quality of the snacks supplied on the Open Days. So, I would caution taking them to all the schools you see, though it is best if they have visited the schools they intend to apply for.

It’s also not all about academics, or at least I don’t feel it should be - a well-supported and happy child will thrive in most places. Think about what else is important to you and your child. Reflect on factors such as sports facilities, what sports does your child enjoy? Not all sports are core sports in secondary school. Also think about your child’sas well as your own - preference for single-sex or mixed-gender education, and if you are unsure, talk to your primary school for their opinion. In my mind, the most important thing to consider is pastoral care and guidance. Ensure the school you choose provides comprehensive support and an environment to help your child overcome any difficulties that may arise, both educational and social.

Distance to the school is a practical factor that many parents worry about too. While it may seem challenging in the initial year, children grow quickly and by Year 8, the distance often becomes less noticeable. Don’t let that be the deciding factor. The right school is worth a little extra travel time if it checks all the other boxes.

Once you have narrowed down your options and chosen a short or even a longlist then it’s time to look at the specifics of each school’s exam requirements. Pay attention to the exam dates, as they can be spread over several months. If they clash, there is always a second sitting. Let them know early and they should give you another date.

In my mind, the most essential bit that is not communicated is the importance of understanding the specific format of the exam, whether that is written, multiple-choice or AI-based adaptive testing. Not all schools test verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning, which may be important if your child has strengths or weaknesses in these areas.

Sadly, there is no standardised format for all schools, although several schools may use a similar format. Find some past papers or information about the online tests and go through it with your child. This doesn’t need to be pressured, but simple measures such as chatting through it before the exam will make the whole experience less stressful. For example, if the exam is multiple-choice and your child is running out of time, they may not know how to make educated or even random guesses. The ISEB online adaptive test prioritises accuracy, so slow down on the first few questions, as you can’t change the answers. Other AI tests are the complete opposite, needing speed to get through them and get a good mark. The information provided about the exams varies between schools. Some are very open about their type of exam and provide past papers and marking schemes, while others have multiple parts to the exam with vague or no information provided.

Interviews can be before or after the exam itself. These are often more daunting than the exam itself for some children, but other than knowing why they want to go to that school (a question which is always asked), it is best they answer truthfully and enthusiastically rather than preparing answers.

I felt this stage was also useful for the school to determine if your child would be happy at their school, and so it is important for them to be themselves.

At the end of the day, they are only exams and are as stressful as you make them. Try not to have a favourite school, or one that you communicate to your child. Remind them that all they can do is their best; the school selection is a bit like the Sorting Hat in my opinion. The right school will find them.