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11+ Support Thread 2026

155 replies

Elevenseconds · 10/02/2026 09:46

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?

OP posts:
Steresses11mum · Yesterday 17:04

Where can i find this data?

Breeze67 · Yesterday 20:52

elevenplus forum

LinearTransformations · Yesterday 22:42

@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.

Steresses11mum · Yesterday 22:47

@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.

FSCEme · Yesterday 23:34

Steresses11mum · Yesterday 22:47

@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

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