- Dec 12, 2022
- 2 min read

11+ Preparation over Christmas

Note: At the bottom of this blog post, there are some free resources for the 11+

As a tutor, I find the Christmas period a very interesting one: on the one hand, it is a time to relax and spend it with family and loved ones. On the other, it's an important time for many children in Year 6 for 11+ preparations. Even though many exams are held in November and December, many private schools hold their entrance examinations in January of each year, This means that the time off school should be spent focusing on past papers and final bits of revision.

Here are some steps you can follow:

Read the Admissions Pages: Visit the websites of each school and find out whether they require English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.
Get your child involved: Has your child visited the websites themselves? Here is one: https://www.oldpalace.croydon.sch.uk/admissions/the-admissions-process/
Order 10-minute tests: Many brands such as CGP and Bond offer 10-minute tests in English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. These shorter tests are great for quick revision
Prepare for interviews: Various private schools interview as a part of the admissions process. Some interviews are now over, but Whitgift conduct their interviews on Thursday 12th January - Wednesday 25th January 2023. Find out whether your school requires an interview to take place, and help your child prepare by asking them questions about their hobbies and passions. Here is an article to help guide you in the right direction: https://exampapersplus.co.uk/11-plus-grammar-school-interview-questions-answers/
(Champions only): Check out the Google Drive link I sent you for homework. It contains a wide range of past papers and resources to help you revise for your upcoming exams. I've also provided you with answers so that you can track your scores and find out if you have any target areas to work on.