We often get parents asking us how they can prepare over the Summer holidays for the 11+ exams (or the senior schools entrance tests that – for the most part – take place in Autumn / Winter of year 6) that are looming on the horizon. Despite the spectre of this ogre on the horizon, we urge parents not to sacrifice their children’s holidays; they are too few and precious.
We have put together some information and tips to help you balance the holidays with the upcoming exams.
Key dates
Registration deadlines: We would advise checking the websites for each school but can give you this rule of thumb…
Boarding schools – End of Year 5.
London schools – Half term of the Autumn term Year 6
ISEB pretests – Most independent schools require students to sit the ISEB pretest anytime between the beginning of October and late November (eg. St. Paul’s 2nd October 2023 – 24th November 2023).
School entrance days – If your child is invited for interview, then these would usually take place between December 2023 – March 2024.
Best resources
Atom Learning – Many parents will be familiar with this powerful online learning tool. Atom is particularly good for students preparing for the ISEB pre-test as it comes with mock ISEB tests, as well as recorded video tutorials for all subjects and topics.
Pre-test plus – Similar to Atom Learning in that this website gives parents access to lots of mock tests including CAT4, UKiset, ISEB pre-test and CEM select.
CGP – A long established life saver for GCSE and A Level students, CGP present content in a fun, engaging manner for students of all ages. We advise a combination of their 13+ study books (which are more informative than the 11+ version) and practice books.
Bond – Another veteran in the 11+ resources space. We particularly like their new 11+ Non verbal and Verbal reasoning handbooks, which detail all of the question types that students need to know for their 11+ reasoning tests.
Galore Park – Sometimes a little heavy going but very thorough, Galore Park have a revision and practice series that will guarantee your child’s confidence to improve with practice.
What to do over the summer
Little and often – We wouldn’t recommend long, arduous sessions. The key thing for the Summer is to not lose momentum and to not forget techniques. The best approach would be 15-20 minute spurts, 2 or 3 times a day.
Know the syllabus – Children can find it motivating to known that they are working through (and crossing off) the syllabus throughout the Summer. Ask Clarendon for your 11+ syllabus.
Include online – The ISEB is an online format, so do include online work. Ask Clarendon for further details if you need pointers.
The dinner table interview prep – It’s so important for children to engage in adult conversation. Ask them questions about what is going on in the world, and share your own. This will stand them in good stead for interview prep.