Watching your child prepare for the 11+ can bring a mix of pride and nerves. Maybe they’ve started asking numerous questions about the papers, or they pause mid-problem and say, “I just can’t do this one.” Moments like that are normal, and often an opportunity to show them how capable they are.
The 11+ isn’t just about passing a test. It’s the first real stretch towards selective schooling, and the skills children develop along the way, including reasoning, problem-solving and confidence, will benefit them long after the exam. Preparation works best when it’s structured, calm and supportive, rather than rushed or pressured.
Here are some practical ways to guide your child through 11+ preparation.
Understanding the 11+
Most children sit papers covering four key areas:
- Verbal reasoning – word puzzles, logic and comprehension.
- Non-verbal reasoning – patterns, sequences and visual problem-solving.
- Maths – problem-solving, arithmetic and reasoning.
- English – reading comprehension, grammar and creative writing.
Looking at some past papers together can help your child feel grounded. Instead of focusing on everything they don’t know, highlight the questions they can tackle. Celebrate those moments when they spot a tricky pattern themselves or finish a challenging passage. That small sense of achievement builds real confidence.
It also helps to break questions down together. You might say, “Let’s read this step by step,” or “What part of the problem do you understand first?” These little strategies build understanding without making preparation feel like a test.
Building a routine that works
Children usually respond best to short, focused sessions, rather than long blocks of study. Some practical tips include:
- Plan sessions of 20 to 40 minutes with a brief break.
- Mix subjects to keep the brain active – a maths problem followed by a verbal reasoning puzzle, for instance.
- Use a checklist so your child can see what they’ve accomplished each day.
- Include small rewards such as five minutes to play a game, a favourite snack or a chat about what they found interesting.
Pay attention to their reactions. A quiet “I did it!” or a grin after spotting a solution themselves is a sign that preparation is working. Those moments matter as much as correct answers because they build self-esteem and independence.
Balancing strengths and challenges
Children thrive when preparation balances reinforcing their strengths with gentle stretches that encourage growth.
- Celebrate what they do well. Whether it’s completing reading passages accurately, spotting patterns quickly or explaining their reasoning clearly, acknowledging these successes boosts motivation. Small victories matter because they help children see that effort leads to progress.
- Introduce challenges gradually. Slightly more difficult questions or puzzles can stretch their thinking without feeling overwhelming. Start with manageable steps, then increase difficulty as their confidence grows. This approach encourages problem-solving skills and adaptability, rather than frustration.
- Frame mistakes as learning opportunities. Rather than focusing on errors, discuss them together: “That one was tricky. What did you notice?” This encourages reflection, critical thinking and resilience. Children who understand that mistakes are part of learning are more likely to take on new challenges with curiosity.
By celebrating progress instead of perfection, you help your child stay engaged, curious and motivated. Over time, this balance of encouragement and gentle challenge builds both competence and a positive attitude towards learning, skills that go far beyond the 11+ exam itself.
Practice with purpose
Effective preparation isn’t about repetition alone. Encourage your child to:
- Explain their reasoning aloud to deepen their understanding.
- Mix timed and untimed exercises to build confidence and pacing.
- Tackle a variety of question types to avoid predictability.
- Review mistakes calmly, focusing on strategies for similar problems in the future.
Adding playful elements, like logic games or word puzzles, keeps learning enjoyable. Children respond best when preparation feels like a challenge they want to tackle, not something imposed.
Encouraging reading and curiosity
Independent reading and engagement with new ideas support many 11+ skills. You could:
- Read together, then discuss what happened in the story or article.
- Introduce a variety of materials such as fiction, non-fiction or age-appropriate news articles.
- Encourage puzzles, crosswords or brain teasers for problem-solving practice.
- Discuss real-life situations, like cooking or shopping, to reinforce maths or reasoning in context.
These activities strengthen comprehension, critical thinking and assurance, while keeping learning connected to the world outside the exam.
Supporting wellbeing
Preparation is more than academics. Children who feel supported and calm perform better than those who feel pressured. Keep in mind:
- Praise effort, not just results. Celebrate their approach, persistence and curiosity.
- Maintain balance. Downtime, hobbies and outdoor play are essential.
- Keep healthy routines for sleep, meals and breaks.
- Reassure your child that it’s okay to struggle; everyone finds something difficult sometimes.
Even small gestures like a relaxed chat at the end of the day about what went well can have a big impact.
When tutoring support helps
Many families find tailored tutoring invaluable:
- Lessons structured around their pace and learning style.
- Focused help on areas needing most attention.
- Guidance on exam strategy and timing.
- Confidence-building without pressure.
At Dukes Tutoring, our 11+ programmes are personalised to combine skill development, readiness and enjoyment. Children learn to tackle the exam calmly, with a sense of pride in their own progress.
Looking beyond the exam
It’s worth remembering that the 11+ is just one step in your child’s educational journey. Preparing well can also foster:
- Independence and organisation
- Curiosity and problem-solving
- Resilience and a positive approach to challenges
These qualities help children not only with the exam, but in the years that follow, giving them tools for lifelong learning.
Nurturing success in the 11+
The most effective 11+ preparation blends structure, encouragement and emotional support. Clear routines, small achievable goals and guidance when needed help children approach the exam calmly and positively.
Dukes Tutoring offers tailored 11+ programmes to support your child’s learning, nurture confidence and make preparation a positive experience. Call 020 3488 0754, email info@dukestutoring.com or complete our online enquiry form to find out more.
