Top Tips for Sitting the 11+ Exam
At Champion Tutors, we understand that preparing for the 11+ exam can feel overwhelming. As a premium online tutoring agency, we’ve helped many students navigate this important milestone, and we’re here to share our top tips to help you feel confident and ready.
1. Start Early and Plan Ahead
The 11+ is challenging, so starting early gives students plenty of time to master the necessary skills. A well-structured revision timetable is essential. Break down the subjects (English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning) into manageable chunks, and allocate regular time for each. Consistency is key — little and often is more effective than cramming at the last minute.
2. Practice, Practice, Practice
One of the best ways to prepare for the 11+ is by completing practice papers. Familiarising yourself with the exam format and types of questions reduces the chance of being caught off guard on the day. Timed practice papers also help build up speed and accuracy, which are essential for success.
However, it’s important not to overdo it! Focus on understanding the question types first, then slowly build up speed. Quality practice, where you carefully review mistakes, is far more beneficial than rushing through endless papers.
3. Strengthen Core Skills
The 11+ tests more than just knowledge. It also measures logical thinking, problem-solving, and language skills. Encourage your child to read widely, as this will boost their vocabulary and comprehension skills — key areas of the English exam. For maths, ensure they have a solid grasp of basic concepts before moving on to more complex problems.
At Champion Tutors, our expert tutors tailor lessons to address specific areas of weakness, ensuring your child is fully prepared and confident in every subject.
4. Teach Exam Techniques
The 11+ can be tricky, so teaching students how to approach the exam is crucial. This includes strategies like:
Reading instructions carefully: It’s easy to make mistakes when rushing, so remind your child to take their time and fully understand what the question is asking.
Eliminating wrong answers: In multiple-choice sections, crossing out obvious wrong answers can increase the chances of guessing correctly.
Skipping tricky questions: If a question seems too difficult, it’s okay to move on and come back to it later. This prevents wasting valuable time on a single question.
5. Stay Calm and Confident
Nerves are natural, but it’s important to manage them so they don’t affect performance. Encourage your child to take deep breaths, stay calm, and remember that they’ve prepared well. A positive mindset can make a world of difference. Remind them that one exam doesn’t define their future — and praise them for their hard work no matter the result.
6. Prepare for the Day Itself
On the day of the exam, ensure your child is well-rested and has a healthy breakfast. Arrive at the exam venue in good time to avoid any last-minute panic. Pack all the necessary equipment the night before, including pencils, a rubber, and a ruler, to ensure they’re fully prepared.
7. Seek Professional Support
If you’re looking for expert guidance, a tutor can provide personalised support to target key areas and boost confidence. At Champion Tutors, we offer one-on-one, tailored tutoring sessions designed to help your child excel in their 11+ exam. Our experienced tutors are here to guide your child every step of the way.