Securing a place at top Grammar Schools is always important for parents. They want their children to do well academically and be admitted to renowned institutions. Therefore, we devised this amazing guide for parents to help them decide the best strategies, ensuring 11 Plus success for Grammar School admission.
Since Grammar Schools are considered the best secondary schools in the UK, the competition for Year 7 entry is very competitive. Students must take the entrance test or the 11 Plus transfer test to get a place. Securing a place in the Grammar School shows a child’s good academic abilities and knowledge of core subjects.
Let’s look at the ways to help your child secure admission to top Grammar Schools.
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Understanding the Grammar School Entry
First of all, it is important to understand the requirements and admission process of your chosen Grammar Schools. You must know how to approach your child’s admission process at the right time and using the right methods. Therefore, thoroughly research the schools you want your child to apply to. If you have any queries or concerns, you can always consult expert 11 Plus tutors in the UK for guidance.
Some schools take CEM, and some use papers prepared by GL Assessment. Also, you must ensure everything is aligned with your child’s 11 Plus entrance test goals. If you’re not sure, you should get help from other parents with experience in it.
Early Preparation for the 11 Plus Entrance Exam
After conducting research and deciding about the Grammar School admission process and requirements, you should next focus on starting 11 Plus preparation as early as possible. This will give your child ample time to prepare and revise each topic.
Since you already know about your chosen school’s requirements, you can easily create a personalised study plan. To help your kids with their studies and exam preparation, you must devise a plan that caters for everything.
Make a Revision Schedule at Home
One proactive approach to efficiently manage study time is to make a revision calendar at home. Start by evaluating the subjects and issues that need to be addressed. Set out specific time slots for every subject, balancing them to keep students’ attention and avoid exhaustion.
To make the study sessions more palatable, divide more complex subjects into smaller, more doable assignments. Include quick pauses in your study sessions so that you may refuel.
Selecting the Right Tutoring Support
The role of qualified and experienced tutors is very crucial in the 11 Plus exam preparation. They can prepare students and make them ready for these competitive exams. However, you must find the proper criteria to choose the best tutoring services for your child. You cannot just let your child learn from unprofessional teachers.
Therefore, you must know your child’s specific needs and plan to address them while choosing the right tutor for your child’s 11 Plus exam tuition. Even if you’re preparing your child at home, you must make homeschooling interesting for your kids for better preparation and excellent outcomes.
Balancing Academic Excellence and Well-Rounded Skills
It is important to recognise how important well-rounded skills are for Grammar School applications. This is why the 11 Plus test includes reasoning, which assesses a child’s analytical skills. To pass such a test, your child must have these skills along with a deep understanding of Maths and English topics.
You can help your child develop such skills through regular participation in extracurricular activities and learning games. Make them feel confident to play with peers and improve communication skills. For the 11 Plus exam, a child must have academic excellence, reasoning and creative abilities. This entrance test gives students a chance to showcase their diverse skill sets and secure admission.
Mock Exams and Assessments
Taking 11 Plus mock exams also makes the entrance test preparation a lot easier and more comprehensive. Through mock exams, students get a whole view of the 11 Plus exam format and question styles. It makes them feel confident on the exam day as they already know how to spend the time accordingly on each question.
You can use assessment as a preparation tool to regularly assess your child’s progress. Regular practice of 11 Plus exam papers builds students’ confidence, helping a child’s secondary school transition easier and more becoming. It also helps them deal with exam stress.
Navigating the Application Process
Parents on the journey of selecting a Grammar School for their child are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the application process. They must recognise that each school may have unique requirements and procedures. As such, a comprehensive understanding of the 11 Plus process will empower parents to navigate the application process smoothly.
- Emphasising the importance of adhering to deadlines is crucial. Timely submission of applications ensures that parents and their children are considered within the given framework.
- It is equally essential to submit accurate documents. Mistakes or oversights in this phase can have significant consequences.
- Detail-oriented attention to the application requirements is a key aspect of a successful application process.
Deal Better With 11 Plus Exam Stress
Each exam comes with challenges, and so is the 11 Plus. Since students are young and competition is high, they must know how to deal with exam stress. Parents have a key role to play in this matter. They must give their children the confidence they need while dealing with exam pressure.
Children must feel they can handle all types of situations. For that, parents must know the strategies on how to cope with exam stress with confidence. With the right approach, your child will be able to deal with stress like a pro.
Remaining Positive and Supportive
Acknowledging the challenges in the 11 Plus exams and remaining positive is important as well. Parents should recognise that this journey might be demanding for both them and their children. A positive and supportive approach can alleviate stress and foster a healthy mindset.
Celebrating achievements, no matter how small, throughout the application process is essential. Whether completing a complex application form or securing admission with the highest marks, it is important to keep a positive atmosphere. It will boost the child’s confidence and support the idea that the journey itself is worth celebrating.
Promote Regular Practice of 11 Plus Topics
To ensure success and foster your child’s confidence for 11 Plus, engaging in regular and consistent practice is advisable, ideally allocating three hours per day. This commitment enhances the likelihood of achieving optimal results.
However, it’s important to note that dedicating three hours daily is optional to pass the 11 Plus. As part of our 11 Plus and Entrance Exam tuition, we recommend supplementary home practice for 30 minutes per week.
Additionally, our 11 Plus students benefit from access to online verbal and non-verbal reasoning practice materials, allowing them to practise at their own pace and convenience.
Don’t Forget to Make Time for Relaxation
Maintaining a positive and comprehensive attitude to school requires balancing academic obligations and free time. Promoting general well-being is facilitated by taking pauses, participating in enjoyable activities, and spending quality time with loved ones.
Recall that a healthy balance between concentrated work and delightful leisure time fosters a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle and improves academic performance.
Conclusion
Throughout, keep an upbeat and encouraging environment while preparing your child for the 11 Plus entrance test. Follow all these tips and strategies to help your child secure a place at Grammar School.
