11+ Support Thread 2026

Where can i find this data?

elevenplus forum

@Steresses11mumthe few people I’ve spoken to who had dc sit FSCE papers have all said their dc didn’t finish the papers.
I know my dd missed quite a lot, I can’t work out how many questions she had left, but it seems like she missed quite a bit. I found it harder to help her prepare as there aren’t past papers. When DS sat the 11+, it was GL and I was able to help by using past papers and timing him, but I didn’t do any of that with DD.

they do take age into account, so her being on the younger side will work in her favour ☺️

it’s such a long wait for us, 19th October the result will be emailed. I’m finding it difficult to not think about it.

@LinearTransformations its been really difficult preparing them for thr exam when there is nothing to go off. Also the familiarisation booklet was different to what the actual exam was like. I do feel that the number of questions was excessive for them. That is also demotivating. Im trying my best to push it out of my head but I am feeling very anxious tbf.

As a parent in your position, I will say the following -

Most of the feedback about the FSCE has been kids not finishing the test. It was a LOT of questions in an unfamiliar format in very less time than usual. Your kiddo isn’t the only one who didn’t finish the paper so please don’t worry - if anything, it shows they’re all on the same boat!

Secondly, you did your best and so did your little one. Whatever has been done in the test can’t be changed now so focus on giving your child some relief and relaxation after all the 11+ stress - appreciate her efforts and think if this is how stressed you feel, imagine the stress inside her mind! It’s hard for kids to articulate stress but they do feel it too, especially if they sense their parent is stressed.

Lastly, focus on realistic options. Be open minded. Getting into a grammar school isn’t the be all end all. A lot of success depends on their home environment and parental support, which you are clearly providing ❤️

Not everybody will pass the test and that is OK. I feel the same stress and anxiety as you, I really HOPE my child passes BUT I am reminding myself that it’s not the end of the world if they don’t and that my job is to make my child feel confident, supported and hopeful about their future - not pass my stress on to them ❤️

Good luck and take it easy on yourself! x

Five days and counting… 😬

Did anyone sit for Tiffin Boys? If so, how did it go? I've heard the English was surprisingly hard

Thank you, and you’re so right. I’ve told her I’m proud she even went to the test, and the outcome isn’t a big deal. We’ve been looking at other schools and that’s taken the drudge of waiting easier ☺️

Ahh bless your little one, I got mine a box of chocolates after they took the test and then a new lunch box that they really liked ❤️

Looking for other options in the meantime is also a really good idea as it reminds you how BIG the world is! So many options and things for our kids to do, so much time to keep achieving in a healthy and productive way 🤞🏼

Isn't that the whole point of the newly designed FSCE in the first place? It is designed precisely to be unpredictable and tutor-proof, which I think makes complete sense. Parents shouldn't be overly worried about the results because, at least in principle, there's very little you can do—you just have to trust the exam to find the right fit for each child.

i get what you mean but tbh going in totally blind puts children at an automatic disadvantage. It takes time for children in the UK who aren’t used to regular exams throughout primary (which are common in other countries eg Asia) and understanding exam formats, styles, questions and time restraints. Children who have some knowledge of test practice will be at an advantage even if they haven’t been officially tutorwd

Hi, all.
Very very late to the party in more ways than one!
Best of luck to those in Bucks..!

We did not have grammar school on our radar but in June there was a change in our living circumstances so it became an option. And that was the start of us registering and then preparing for 11+!
I was tutoring DD and I initially thought it would be no problem but it quickly showed that I had underestimated the prep. It's been very exhausting.
One exam just done. Another in 3 weeks and the last one in December.
I am constantly filled with anxiety and having poor sleep. I have become so invested.

Goodluck to everyone still sitting exams and those awaiting results.

How could there be exams in December, when school choices need to be in by end of this month?

I also completely underestimated this process. But DD has decided that even if she passes she doesn't want to go to grammar anyway, so that makes the pressure off for tomorrow's results

I know!! December is quite late i thought (in comparison to other schools) but they use their 11+ exam to select from those who choose their school in the October applications. I am grateful for the extra time though, we only started prepping for the exam toward the end of June.

This is my first time down the 11+ route. I also totally underestimated it. I have also had to learn A LOT and learn very fast but I am still picking up things I am totally unaware off.

Yes, I would assume most parents, as long as they are really serious about the 11+, would have their kids do a decent amount of preparation, including mock tests—and this is what I call a low-stress, healthy dose of preparation. These kids would not be at much of a disadvantage during a novel test like the FSCE, would they?

On the other hand, you are lucky to have started in June. First, you made it just in time for the registration deadline. Second, you only have to go through the whole process in less than half a year. I started thinking about grammar school as an option this time last year and did the DIY prep slowly all the way through. Overall, I have to say I have really enjoyed the process so far, although I occasionally have weird dreams about taking the 11+ myself instead of my daughter!

Another 3 days before Gloucestershire results and I feel pretty sick to be honest. My kids aren't bothered about it and because no one else they know is doing it I've been very vague about when results are with them. My husband is pretty blase as he likes our other options if they don't get in. It's just me gnawing my fingernails to the quick! It's hard knowing that schools must know already and that that information is just sat somewhere and I don't have access to it! I think there's a case as well of if you are self-tutoring that's ahuge draw on your time and effort, and once it goes away then you just channel that towards the results. I won't know where to put all these feelings once I know!

7 days to Warwickshire/Birmingham. I think my daughter has forgotten about it; not many of her friends sat it. I know the parents haven't! Genuinely no idea if she'll get what she needs for her preferred school. And need not to pass on excessive emotions about it either way, the local comp is good. Not outstanding, but good.

Hi, is anyone waiting for the Chelmsford County High results? My DD took the exam on 3rd Sep, and we were just told the results will come out by email in mid-October.
It feels like a long wait, and I don’t like the fact that they will be emailed. I frantically check my emails every day in case they end up in the spam folder!

Yes, we were able to register just in time! But if it we hadn't been able to register, we would have continued with initial plans.
Having now put in all tnis effort i have become invested and feel anxiety. I also have dreams about the 11+.. some good ..some really weird.

I think that you have to remember that if you have a child seriously trying for the 11+, they are already a child who is quite bright, hard working and motivated. These qualities will serve them well wherever they go. We are results day today, and whether DD passes or not, I don't worry about her future, I know she will do well wherever she goes, and whichever school that it, they will be lucky to have her.

I got into a highly selective (30 applications for every place) but refused to go, much to my mums annoyance. I walked out with all A's and A*'s at gcse and A level, got a highly competitive uni offer and loved my school.

So try to let go of some of that anxiety if you can. I know it feels huge right now, but they will be fine

Yes. I try to hold this attitude: either she gets what she wants, or it works out even better for her in the grand scheme of life.

Congratulations!!!