For parents, the 11+ can feel daunting too. With careful planning, structured practice and the right support, you can help your child approach it with confidence rather than stress.
Understanding the 11+ grammar exam
The 11+ exam usually takes place in Year 6, though some schools test earlier. It assesses multiple areas: English, mathematics, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Within English, grammar is a key component alongside spelling, vocabulary and comprehension.
Grammar questions might ask your child to correct sentences, complete passages or identify parts of speech. They could work on punctuation, sentence structure, clauses or verb forms. As well as helping with the exam, developing these skills improves reading, writing and communication across all subjects.
Understanding the exam’s structure is helpful. When you and your child know what to expect, preparation feels more purposeful, and progress is easier to measure.
Start with a gentle assessment
Every child comes to the 11+ with a unique set of strengths and areas to develop. Some may already have a solid foundation in grammar, while others might need targeted support.
Begin with a gentle assessment:
- A short test at home or with a tutor can reveal gaps.
- Reviewing previous work helps identify patterns of mistakes.
- A calm conversation with your child can highlight areas where they feel unsure or confident.
The goal isn’t to create pressure but to build a clear picture of where to focus practice. When children understand what they need to work on, they can approach preparation with confidence.
Building a routine that sticks
Preparation works best when it’s steady and manageable. Rather than long, last-minute sessions, short, consistent practice encourages progress without overwhelming your child.
Try incorporating:
- Daily grammar exercises: One or two sentences a day focusing on punctuation, sentence structure or parts of speech.
- Weekly review: Look back over the week’s work and discuss any challenges.
- Reading for pleasure: Fiction or non-fiction exposes children to varied sentence structures and vocabulary naturally.
- Timed practice papers: Once or twice a month, simulate exam conditions to develop focus and stamina.
A predictable routine helps children feel in control. Knowing what to expect each day makes preparation feel natural and reduces stress.
Making grammar enjoyable
Children engage best when practice is creative and relevant.
- Story-building: Encourage your child to add a sentence to a story each day, focusing on grammar and punctuation.
- Friendly quizzes: Reward progress with small incentives like stickers or extra reading time.
- Everyday spotting: Ask your child to notice grammar points in menus, signs or even social media posts.
By weaving grammar into everyday activities, children learn to apply rules naturally. This practical approach strengthens understanding and makes the exam less intimidating.
Breaking down the English syllabus
Knowing what to focus on helps keep preparation structured:
- Sentence structure: Recognise simple, compound and complex sentences. Understand how clauses link together.
- Punctuation: Commas, apostrophes, colons, semi-colons and full stops all feature regularly.
- Parts of speech: Nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns and prepositions all need recognition and correct usage.
- Spelling and vocabulary: Regular practice and wide reading enhance both writing and comprehension.
- Comprehension: Grammar often appears in context, so children must apply their skills to passages and texts.
Breaking these elements into manageable steps ensures progress without overwhelm.
The role of a tutor
Tutors bring structure, guidance and reassurance. They can:
- Identify gaps: Personalised practice targets weak areas rather than repeating known material.
- Offer timed mock exams: Familiarity with exam formats reduces nerves and helps children manage pace.
- Provide calm feedback: Tutors show what’s done well and where improvement is needed, building confidence along the way.
At Dukes Tutoring, our tutors combine experience with encouragement. The aim is to make grammar practice enjoyable, helping children feel capable rather than pressured.
Supporting your child at home
Parents play a vital role in 11+ preparation. The approach works best when it’s supportive rather than controlling:
- Praise effort, not just results: Celebrate persistence and small wins.
- Discuss challenges calmly: Encourage problem-solving rather than immediately providing answers.
- Set realistic expectations: Progress takes time, and mistakes are part of learning.
Children who feel supported approach the exam with focus and composure. Calm, structured encouragement makes all the difference.
Practical tips for exam day
As the exam approaches, simple routines help children feel prepared:
- Familiarity with formats: Review past papers and sample questions.
- Morning routines: Ensure sleep, a healthy breakfast and leaving home in good time.
- Brief focused revision: Short, targeted sessions reinforce learning without adding stress.
- Positive mindset reminders: Encourage your child to see the exam as an opportunity to show what they know.
Preparation over time makes exam day manageable, helping children remain calm and confident.
Beyond the 11+
While the exam is a milestone, it is not the end of the journey. Skills developed during preparation continue to support learning:
- Curiosity and resilience: Facing challenges teaches children to approach new tasks with confidence.
- Enjoyment of learning: Encouraging engagement with language fosters a lifelong love of reading, writing and problem-solving.
- Grammar in context: Skills developed during 11+ preparation strengthen writing, comprehension and communication across subjects.
By viewing preparation as an opportunity to build habits and understanding, children benefit far beyond the test itself.
We’re here to help
At Dukes Tutoring, we offer one-to-one programmes tailored to your child’s needs. Whether reinforcing grammar, building comprehension or boosting confidence, our tutors provide support that balances challenge with encouragement.
For personalised guidance on preparing your child for the 11+, call 020 3488 0754, email info@dukestutoring.com, or complete our online enquiry form.
