11 plus support thread for exams 2024

My DD goes to a group tutoring class once a week and does the homework that's set, I don't really get her to do anything else.

Have your year 5s done CAT tests at school this year?

We have a tutor doing 1 hour a week and have just started Atom learning. We’re aiming for a moderately selective independent.
I’m not sure you need a tutor if you’re willing to spend time with your child going through questions, setting them practice, working out where they’re not so strong, but that said I’m very glad of our tutor.

You could be describing my son here! 🤦🏼‍♀️

Are most people on here prepping by themselves and not opting for tutors? Or are you aiming for private schools/super selectives?

Just asking because we're aiming for a standard Kent grammar and this thread is making me feel like I'm not doing enough with all the talk of stress and cramming and nagging!

My daughter does rowing in an independent school and training 6 days a week, I am so grateful that she trains at school, the boat house is at the back of the school. 3-4 early mornings a week starting at 6-6:30am is manageable even by public transport on some of the coldest winter days. She used to train in a local boat house club but the school facility is much better-outstanding, the coaching is amazing, the team is amazing. Her best friends are her rowing squad.

Music is good however indeed that it isnt as good as the Regional orchestra that she goes to(2 diplomas on 2 instruments and is just on average so she sticks to outside school orchestra because the quality of music is much better).

So overall its a mix for us.

Academic support has been amazing though, no homework in year 7, ease in from year 8. There is 1 subject that teaching was off however the rest is great. Very very happy at the current school( we had Tiffin too option too).

Good to hear this. My kid is looking at some test papers now and getting 30 - 35%... I'm on the verge of not doing it anymore but this gave me some hope thank you

It IS a stressful time, I've had 3 DCs go through the process! (Kent)

I'm also a tutor and my advice to all parents would be to try and be as relaxed as you can at home...if your child has a tutor and is obviously at school every day, make sure home isn't also just about studying. They need down time.

I tell all my students (aged 9 and 10) that if they don't pass it's not the end of the world.
And if they work hard at secondary - grammar or comprehensive - they will go far.

My eldest didn't pass and went to the local comp. He developed an excellent attitude to learning and went on to do extremely well at school, university and in the workplace.

My 2 younger DCs did pass the Kent test but do not have the same work ethic as their older brother and academically, they probably won't achieve the same high grades.

Absolutely, I keep saying to them it's only five and a half months away now, but to them that must seem such a long time!

@user1490043295 same here, also have good days and bad days. Overall it's going ok, I just feel like I'm constantly nagging them though, it's no fun for anyone

It's crazy busy. Kids have good and bad days. Think it's a lot more pressure as it's two of them taking the test at the same time. We have to factor in if one gets through and the other one doesn't. I have DC and DS . Applications are not open yet so wilk need to wait for a few weeks. How is it going with your prep?

Hi @user1490043295 I also have twins.

How is everyone getting on? I've just done the application for DS, it's starting to get closer isn't it!

Our applications should open end of April

Hi , I am glad I found this thread. I have twins sitting the 11+ this year. Its so stressful.
They will be sitting bucks and berkshire test as we are in both catchment area

Our experience with viewing and open house with our elder child was she then formed her view and we couldnt change it. For 1 school, she didnt answer questions during the interview, she showed that she was “forced” to go for it(while for the schools she likes she did really well-max academic and music scholarship). I am still thinking whether I should bring my second. We target private schools in SW London.

No, but signed up to one in June. I will just view the one school and see how the 11+ goes before viewing more. If you get offers the schools have offer holder events and I feel that is the best time to view.

anyone started attending open houses?

Hi I’d like to join you all! My DD will be doing 11+ for the state grammar I attended many years ago. She’s my eldest but has two younger sisters so I’m treating this as the first step in a long journey!

More helpful Music Aptitude Test (MAT) videos for your children to prepare for the test -
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Thanks @ElvenDreamer and @Quornflakegirl !
It's very full on but also easier in some ways to find the time to focus on it. The grammars are single sex here so at least that takes away some of the "competition" between them!

random my twins sat the 11plus last year and it was full on with helping both of them, some days were really tough not to mention the worry if only one was successful. Best of luck!