Is my child ready for 11+ exams?
This is a question that many parents ask themselves. For children taking their 11+ exams, this is a significant milestone in their child’s educational journey. There is fierce competition with, on average, eleven children sitting the 11+ for every grammar school place in England. The stakes are high, and the process can feel overwhelming. So, how can you truly know if your child is ready?
The only way to know? Test your child
No amount of guesswork or wishful thinking can replace the clarity that comes from actual testing. The 11+ isn’t just another school test; it’s a selective exam that assesses a child’s ability to apply knowledge under pressure, in unfamiliar surroundings. The only reliable way to evaluate readiness is to have your child sit realistic practice tests that simulate the actual exam conditions.
At AE Tuition, each child sits a baseline assessment at the beginning of their course. This assessment doesn’t just help to understand what level a child is at and where the gaps are, it also highlights the level of confidence and skillset to take exams. After the baseline assessment, a detailed report is produced for our teachers to walk through the child’s result with their parents.
Our teachers also run weekly tests and mock exams to make sure they are on track and to give them more confidence to sit exams.
Preparation is non-negotiable
For the sake of their mental health and to give them the best chance of passing, no child should enter the 11+ exam room without preparation. It’s not just about cramming facts, it’s about building a strong foundation in core skills, developing exam techniques, and learning how to manage time and stress.
Success in the 11+ is not just about knowing the answers. Children need to develop a specific skillset. We ensure our pupils learn:
- Exam technique: Understanding how to approach different question types
- Resilience and confidence: The ability to stay calm, focused and positive, even when faced with challenging questions
- Time management: How to plan their time during the exam and assess how long they have to spend on each question
- Routine and independence: Building good learning habits and take responsibility for their own work
How we deliver success for our pupils
AE Tuition has over 35 years of experience in preparing children for the 11+ and beyond. Here’s how we deliver educational excellence in our courses:
Proven methodology: AE Tuition’s approach is based on decades of classroom experience, and is continually refined to reflect the latest exam trends. Our courses are designed to build both knowledge and skillsets, ensuring children are fully prepared for their 11+ exams and their grammar school future- UK-qualified teachers: All AE Tuition teachers are experienced, UK-qualified teachers, and follow the AE Tuition methodology
- Comprehensive range of materials: We provide all the materials needed for our pupils to complete our courses, worth up to £630
- Flexible Learning: With both in-classroom and online courses, parents can make the choice of what delivery method works for their child.
- Parental Support: AE Tuition supports parents throughout the process, through our unique partnership between parent, pupil and teacher. Open communication is vital to support a child through their preparation
- Track Record of Success: Tens-of-thousands of children have succeeded in the 11+ and gone on to thrive at grammar schools thanks to our methodology, teachers and teaching team
Our expert advice wrapped up
If you’re wondering whether your child is ready for the 11+, the only way to know for sure is to test them. Preparation is essential. Not just for passing the exam, but for building the confidence and skills they’ll need for grammar school and beyond. AE Tuition’s courses provide the structure, expertise and support your child needs to succeed.
Ready to take the next step? Learn more about our courses here
