Is the 11+ right for your child? A guide for parents

To sit the 11+ entrance exams is an important decision for lots of children and their families in the UK, determining entry to grammar schools and selective independent schools. For parents considering this pathway, the decision to have your child take the 11+ can be both exciting and daunting. It’s a choice that requires careful thought, balancing the potential benefits with the demands of preparation.

In this blog, we’ll explore the factors to consider when deciding if the 11+ is right for your child, and how EduBridge Tutoring can help support you along the way.

What is the 11+ Exam?

The 11+ is a selective entrance exam taken by students in Year 6, typically for admission to grammar schools or independent schools. It assesses a range of skills, including verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, English, and mathematics. Schools use the results of the 11+ to determine if a student is suited for the academic challenges of their curriculum.

What Are the Benefits of the 11+?

For many students, passing the 11+ opens doors to a variety of opportunities:

1. Entry to their chosen school

The main benefit of successfully passing the 11+ exams is of course to get into their chosen school - you might have chosen the school you did because of a high-quality of teaching, their range of extracurricular opportunities, or their facilities.

3. Challenge and growth

The 11+ curriculum covers advanced material in English and maths, as well as reasoning skills. Preparing for and sitting the exam can help challenge your child academically, building their problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and resilience.

4. Setting high aspirations

Going through the 11+ process can set the tone for high academic expectations. For some students, working towards the goal of passing the exam and gaining admission to a selective school helps foster motivation, self-discipline, and a strong work ethic—qualities that will serve them well in future studies.

What are the demands of the 11+?

While the benefits are clear, the 11+ also brings its challenges, especially when it comes to preparation:

1. Extra workload

One of the key considerations is the extra workload. Preparing for the 11+ requires significant study time outside of the regular school curriculum. Students need to be familiar with a wide range of topics, including those not always covered in primary school. Parents should assess whether their child is ready to take on this additional workload without it becoming overwhelming.

2. Time commitment

The preparation process can be lengthy, often starting in Year 4 to ensure students are well-prepared. Regular practice with past papers, learning new topics, and mastering exam techniques are all essential. This means making time for structured learning on top of regular schoolwork and extracurricular activities.

3. Managing stress

The pressure to perform well on the 11+ can cause stress for some children. As a parent, it’s important to be mindful of your child’s emotional wellbeing throughout the preparation process. Not every child thrives in a high-pressure environment, and it’s essential to balance academic goals with mental health and happiness.

4. Fair competition

Remember that not every student who takes the 11+ will gain entry into a grammar school, as the competition can be fierce. It's vital to manage expectations, ensuring your child understands that success is not solely defined by the results of one exam.

How to Decide if the 11+ is Right for Your Child

Deciding whether or not to pursue the 11+ is a personal decision and depends on various factors:

1. Academic strengths

Is your child already performing above average in key areas such as English and maths? The 11+ exam is challenging, so it’s important to assess whether your child has a strong academic foundation in these core subjects. If your child excels in problem-solving, reasoning, and comprehension, the 11+ may be a good fit.

2. Interest and motivation

Does your child have an interest in working towards academic goals? While you can provide guidance and encouragement, intrinsic motivation is essential for managing the demands of 11+ preparation. If your child is excited by the prospect of new challenges and attending a grammar or selective school, they may be ready for the commitment.

3. Emotional readiness

Taking on the extra work for the 11+ requires resilience and determination. Consider whether your child is emotionally prepared for the potential stress of balancing schoolwork with 11+ preparation. Talk openly with them about their feelings regarding the exam and be supportive throughout the journey.

4. Family time and commitment

Supporting your child through the 11+ process is a family commitment. Consider how much time you’ll be able to dedicate to helping them with their studies, or whether additional support from a tutor might be necessary to ensure consistent progress.

How EduBridge Tutoring Can Help

If you decide that the 11+ is the right path for your child, we’re here to help! At EduBridge Tutoring, we offer tailored 1:1 tuition specifically designed to prepare students for the 11+ exam. Our experienced tutors focus on the core subjects of the 11+, providing expert guidance and targeted practice to build confidence and skills.

Here’s how we support your child in their 11+ journey:

• Personalised learning plans: We assess your child’s strengths and weaknesses and create a learning plan tailored to their specific needs.

• Exam technique mastery: Our tutors provide plenty of practice with 11+ style questions and past papers, helping your child feel comfortable with the format and timing of the exam.

• Regular feedback and progress tracking: We provide feedback after every lesson, along with termly reports, so you can track your child’s improvement and areas for further focus.

• Flexible scheduling: We understand the demands of school life, so we work with your family’s schedule to provide lessons at times that suit you.

The 11+ can open doors to fantastic educational opportunities, but it’s not the right path for every child. When making this decision, it’s important to weigh the benefits and demands carefully, considering your child’s academic strengths, motivation, and emotional readiness. If you do decide to pursue the 11+, EduBridge Tutoring is here to provide expert tuition and support throughout the process, ensuring your child has the best chance of success.

If you’d like to learn more about our 11+ tutoring services or book a free evaluation lesson, contact us today! We’re here to help your child on their journey to academic success.