11+ Exam Day Tips
With the 11+ test just days away, I have compiled some top tips to help you and your child get prepared for the big day!
Download my free exam day guide for kids here!
Catch some z’s
Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep the night before the test. Being well-rested will help them to think clearly and remember everything they’ve learnt. It might be the weekend, but an early night is never a bad idea
Fuel up
Give your child a healthy breakfast, or pre-exam snack to fuel their brain and stop any rumbling tummy distractions mid-test. Avoid giving them any sugary snacks that might cause a sugar crash or leave them feeling jittery.
Get prepped
Prepare your child’s bag or pencil case the night before so there’s no rushing around, or last minute panics on test day. Check your invitation letter carefully for rules on pencil cases, stationery, water bottles and watches. The requirements may vary between providers and test centres, so make sure they have everything they need ready to go.
To revise or not to revise?
I wouldn’t recommend any last minute cramming of revision or practice tests just before the exam. Your child has been working towards this for some time now and anything done in the last few days may induce additional anxiety about the test. There may be a few key concepts or some vocabulary you want to go over, but try not to put on any extra pressure.
On the day
Try to help your child stay calm and relaxed on exam day. Some children will be sitting their tests in the afternoon, so keep your morning as stress-free as possible! Encourage your child to do something relaxing like drawing or reading. It may be easier said than done, but some screen-free time would definitely benefit your child to help keep them focused and engaged. Getting some fresh air and gentle exercise can also help to keep your child relaxed before the exam. A run around in the garden, or a trip to the park can help to get their blood flowing and prepare them to be seated for a long time during the test. It might be best to avoid any intense activities, such as football training or swimming lessons, on the day as they can use a lot of energy and may leave your child feeling tired during the test.
Getting there
Have your route to the test centre prepared in advance and ensure you leave in plenty of time so your child can enter calmly without rushing. There will be lots of other parents and children arriving at the same time, so traffic and parking may be a challenge if you are arriving by car.
At the test centre
When you arrive, there will be staff around to help you get your child signed in and show them where they will be sitting. This will be a strange experience for you and your child if this is your first child sitting an 11+. They may be taking the test in a place they’ve never been before and there will be lots of children that they don’t know. Help your child to feel calm and reassured. There will be plenty of staff there to help and all the children and parents will be feeling the same! You know your child the best, so give them the words of encouragement you know they need to hear and get them settled before you leave.
What to do during the test
Parents are usually asked to leave the test centre once the children are settled in. Make sure to check the time to be back to collect your child so you are there to greet them when they come out. The 11+ journey can be a stressful time for parents as well as children, so you may leave feeling more nervous than they are! Feel assured that your child is prepared to do their best and all their (and your) hard work will have paid off. You can go home, put the kettle on and put your feet up for the next couple of hours!
After the test
The test is finally over! Yay! Be at the test centre in time to greet your child with a big smile and a big hug (unless they’re too cool for that at 10 years old). Children may come out of the test with a mixture of emotions. Again, you know your child best, so I’m sure you know just the right thing to say or do when they come out. They may need a bit of reassurance that they’ve done their best and remind them how proud you are. However big or small, they’ve definitely earnt a treat after all their hard work - and you do too! Spend some time together doing something fun and relaxing after the test.
Best of luck to all children sitting the test and to all the parents too! I wish you all every success with the exam!
