11+ Support Thread 2026

[Elevenseconds]

Hi all

Am I going mad? I'm sure we had a thread to discuss those current Y5 who will be taking the exam in September. Has it disappeared, or am I having a moment?

Hi did anyone’s son sit the Reading test this week? How did they find it? A similar level to familiarisation book or harder/easier? Any surprises?
obviously not looking for discussion on individual questions but more an overall feel

How is everyone’s summer going? I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel - six weeks is a lot less daunting than six months!

It feels good as well that we’ve covered the curriculum, so there’s hopefully nothing new to learn - there are some topics she still struggles with (hidden shape, hole punches, word problems involving conversion of units). But I do finally feel we’re at the consolidation stage.

How are things for you?

Yes, similar. Although I feel like summer learning is more hit and miss with lots going on...she's not quite as attentive now the routine is more random...there are the odd gaps still, esp around 3D cubes/nets, which we'll try and focus on, but ultimately they're not going to get 100%, are they? Have to trust in the process that got you here, and not stress too much about it. Or at least not convey that to them!

We did an at home mock which was a disaster from a different provider. This has knocked DDs confidence but I wish I had found the provider sooner because of the level of feedback given and it being specific to our exam.
We are currently on holiday so no prep has been done but we are going to have a timetable in place for the rest of the holiday.

I will be glad when it's all over. DD is doing an 11+ summer camp next week - intensive 7 hour days x 5, so hopefully this will fill any gaps. Whatever the outcome I am so impressed at her effort and focus, it's a good life lesson on trying your best without any guarantees, and not giving up when it gets hard/boring. I will be proud of her whether she passes or fails.

We have an intensive week of tuition the last week of August.
It has been a good learning experience for DD and I am so impressed by her perseverance to go for something she wants.

Love this 🥰.
Children who make a conscious choice to try their best and do extra work which they don't have to do, to persevere even when it gets hard, will go on to do well in life, whichever school they end up at.

It would be interesting to track those who didn't pass, or passed but didn't gain a place, to see if they did better than those who didn't go through the process.

Just catching up on this thread and it's lovely reading how proud you all are of your DCs, that attitude of trying hard even when it's tough will serve them brilliantly wherever they land. If anyone's still not sure where the remaining gaps are this close to September, the Ace11Plus diagnostic tool is good for showing exactly which question types are costing marks rather than guessing. Wishing everyone a calm run in.

The wordy maths problems are driving me mental. DD is really good at maths but will she read the fucking question? No she will fucking not. If it asks you to work out how much change Asam will get from £20, you can bet your arse she’ll answer the total he’s spent. Over and over and over.

I’ve got her to underline the important parts of the question - on marking she immediately understands what she’s done wrong (and often works out the correct answer in her head). But will she read the bloody question? No she will not.

Ironically, her comprehension scores are fantastic.

Rant over.