(And How to Avoid Them)
Preparing for the 11+ grammar school entrance exam is a big journey for both parents and children.
While hard work and dedication matter, so does avoiding certain common mistakes that can hold your child back on exam day.
Here are the top 7 pitfalls and how to dodge them.
1. Starting Too Late
Many parents wait until the end of Year 5 to begin preparation.
While some children can catch up quickly, most benefit from at least 9–12 months of steady practice.
✅ Avoid it: Even if you start small, begin regular work on core maths and reading skills as early as possible.
2. Focusing Only on Past Papers
Past papers are important – but if your child only works on them, they’ll miss the chance to improve weak skills.
✅ Avoid it: Mix practice papers with targeted skill-building in vocabulary, arithmetic, and reasoning.
3. Ignoring Weak Areas
It’s tempting to practise the subjects your child enjoys – but the 11+ will test all areas.
✅ Avoid it: Identify weaknesses early and tackle them head-on, even if they’re challenging.
4. Overloading with Tutoring
Some parents book too many tutoring hours, thinking more is better. This can lead to stress and burnout.
✅ Avoid it: Limit intensive tuition to 1–2 hours a week and supplement with short, fun practice at home.
5. Skipping Exam Technique Practice
Even the brightest students can lose marks if they misread questions or run out of time.
✅ Avoid it: Teach your child time management strategies and how to move on if they get stuck.
6. Not Understanding the Local Exam Format
The 11+ varies by county and school — some use CEM, others GL Assessment, and some write their own papers.
✅ Avoid it: Research your local test format and prepare accordingly.
7. Forgetting About Wellbeing
A stressed, tired child will never perform at their best.
✅ Avoid it: Ensure they get plenty of sleep, breaks, and encouragement alongside practice.
Final Takeaway
The 11+ isn’t just a test of knowledge — it’s a test of preparation, resilience, and confidence.
By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll give your child the best chance to succeed without unnecessary stress.
