11+ Preparation Blog

One or two practice papers is rarely enough. Why sitting several 11+ mock exams builds real confidence, kills exam-day fear, and trains the timing instincts children need to beat the clock.

Bexley has switched to Quest Assessments. How it differs from CEM and GL, why it's still paper-based, multi-answer English/VR pitfalls, and what isn't clear on marking yet.

The hidden trap that makes kitchen-table scores crumble on exam day — and the optimal timeline for introducing mocks.

Everything you need to know about grammar schools and the 11+ exam — what they are, how the test works, and how to keep preparation stress-free.

A parent shares their honest experience of the 11+ prep journey — from playground anxiety to a calm, effective approach that actually worked.

Understanding how Kent, Medway and Bexley really score the 11+ exam — and why missing a question isn't the crisis you think it is.

A clear comparison of GL Assessment (Kent & Medway) and Quest Assessment (Bexley Test) — formats, subjects, question styles, and how to prepare for each.

A practical timeline and strategy guide for 11+ preparation. When to start, what to focus on, and how to keep your child motivated.

Balance arithmetic fluency with strategic problem-solving — the FDP matrix, RUCSAC method, estimation tricks, and pacing.

Master comprehension, vocabulary, SPaG, and creative writing — the four pillars of 11+ English success.

5 expert strategies to master the most trainable section of the 11+ — vocabulary, code-breaking, elimination, time management, and logic puzzles.

5 expert strategies to decode shapes, patterns, and spatial puzzles — the SPANS system, rotations, elimination, cube nets, and visual stamina.