After months of preparation, the 11+ comes down to one morning. What you do in the final days can't add much knowledge — but it can make a real difference to how calm, rested and focused your child feels. Here's a practical plan.
The final week
- No new topics. This is the time to consolidate, not learn. Light review of familiar material builds confidence.
- Short sessions only. 20–30 minutes a day is plenty. Daily vocabulary review keeps things ticking over.
- At most one gentle timed paper early in the week — and only if it'll boost confidence.
- Protect sleep. Move towards a regular, early bedtime all week, not just the night before.
- Check the logistics. Re-read the admission letter: the venue, arrival time, what to bring and what's banned. Plan the journey and allow for traffic.
- Talk about the day so nothing is a surprise: the room, the answer sheet, the timings, the instructions.
The night before
- Pack the bag together — letter, pencils, rubber, sharpener, water and snack if allowed.
- Lay out clothes, with layers in case the room is hot or cold.
- Do something relaxing: a film, a board game, a walk. No last-minute cramming.
- A normal dinner and an early night.
The morning
- A good breakfast with slow-release energy — porridge, wholegrain toast, eggs — rather than sugary cereal.
- Leave early. Arriving rushed is the worst start. Aim to be there in good time.
- Use the loo before going in.
- Keep your goodbye positive and short. "Just do your best — I'm proud of you already."
In the exam: strategies to remind your child of
- Listen to every instruction and read each question carefully — especially words like not, two and most opposite.
- Watch the answer sheet. On multiple-choice papers, check the question number matches the line being marked.
- Don't get stuck. If a question takes too long, make a best guess, mark it and move on. Come back if there's time.
- Never leave a multiple-choice answer blank — unless the instructions say wrong answers lose marks. A guess could be right.
- Keep an eye on the clock, but don't obsess over it.
- If there's a writing task, plan for a few minutes first and leave time to check. See our creative writing tips.
- One hard section doesn't mean a bad result. Everyone finds parts difficult. Take a breath and keep going.
Handling nerves
A few butterflies are normal — they can even sharpen focus. To keep nerves in check:
- Stay calm yourself. Children read their parents' mood.
- Practise "box breathing" beforehand: breathe in for four, hold for four, out for four, hold for four. It's a quick reset they can use during the exam.
- Normalise it. "Everyone feels a bit nervous — it means you care."
- Recall the practice. They've done mock papers and question after question. This is just one more.
- Separate worth from results. Make sure they know your love and pride don't depend on a score.
After the exam
Resist the urge to quiz them on every question. Ask how they felt, celebrate the effort, and do something fun together. Results usually take several weeks. Whatever happens, the reading, vocabulary and study habits they've built will serve them well at secondary school.
Timed 11+ mock exams in the format your child will sit — including printable papers — mean exam day feels familiar rather than frightening.
Frequently asked questions
Should my child revise the night before the 11+?
No new learning. A short, relaxed look over a few familiar words is fine if it helps them feel settled, but the evening is best spent doing something calm and enjoyable, followed by an early night.
What should my child take to the 11+ exam?
Check the test centre's instructions first. Commonly: the admission letter or ticket, pencils (HB is often specified), a rubber, a pencil sharpener, a watch without alarms if allowed, and a water bottle and snack if permitted.
How can I help my child with 11+ nerves?
Keep your own manner calm, remind them that some nerves are normal and even helpful, practise a simple breathing technique beforehand, and make sure they know you'll be proud of them whatever the result.