Blog & guidance

Calm, practical guidance

Honest, plain-English thoughts on the 11+ and preparing without pressure, written by a qualified teacher.

28 May 2026
How to prepare for the 11+ without pressure
Preparation and pressure are not the same thing. Practical, calm ways to get your child ready while protecting their confidence, and your evenings.
21 May 2026
Can you prepare for the 11+ without a tutor?
Yes, plenty of children do. A teacher's honest take on when a tutor genuinely helps, when it isn't necessary, and how to prepare well at home either way.
14 May 2026
When should my child start preparing for the 11+?
There's no single right age, but there is a right spirit. A calm, teacher's view on when to begin, and why gentle and early beats late and frantic.
7 May 2026
What skills does the 11+ actually test?
Underneath the different formats, the 11+ keeps coming back to four families of skill. Here's what they are, and the reassuring news about how they grow.
30 April 2026
What is GL Assessment? A parent-friendly guide
A plain-English introduction to GL Assessment: what it is, what its 11+ tests tend to include, and why you should always check your own school's details.
23 April 2026
Is Year 3 too early to think about the 11+?
Thinking about it is fine. Formal cramming is not. How to use the early years well: gently, playfully, and without stealing your child's childhood.
16 April 2026
Dyslexia and the 11+: should my child take the test?
Calm, teacher-written guidance for parents weighing the 11+ for a dyslexic child, including access arrangements, choosing a school and building skills without focusing only on scores.