Preparing for the 7+ or 11+ entrance exams involves much more than academic revision. For many children applying to independent schools, the interview is another important part of the admissions process. Understanding how to prepare for a 7+ or 11+ school interview can help your child approach the experience with confidence, curiosity and enthusiasm. Whether your child is applying for a London independent school, a selective preparatory school or a competitive secondary scho

Choosing the right school for a child with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can feel overwhelming. Whether your child has autism, ADHD, dyslexia, speech and language difficulties, sensory needs or social, emotional and mental health needs, finding a school where they feel safe, understood and able to thrive is essential. For parents searching for the best grammar or independent schools in Manchester, Gloucestershire or London, the good news is that there are

It’s half term!! The term has flown by so quickly, it is unbelievable. But if you are sitting the FSCE you now have only 5 more terms before the summer holidays, which, in reality, is 4 terms until the test. Support your child's FSCE 11+ preparation with fun half-term activities, educational family days out, reading and practical learning opportunities. Half term is the perfect opportunity for families to take a break from the usual school routine while continuing to support

If your child is preparing for the FSCE 11+ exam, you may be wondering whether they need to revise science alongside English and maths. With the FSCE (Future Stories Community Enterprise) 11+ assessment being used by grammar schools in different areas, including Gloucestershire and Greater Manchester, understanding the role of cross-curricular knowledge in the 11+ is increasingly important for parents. While strong English and maths skills remain essential for 11+ success, s

If your child sat the Gloucestershire 11+ exam in September 2026, there is probably one question dominating your thoughts right now: When are the Gloucestershire 11+ results out? Officially, Gloucestershire 11+ results are released before 31 October, ahead of the secondary school application deadline. In reality, results are normally released considerably earlier than this — typically around mid-October and a good week before the October half-term holiday. That timing is imp

“Critical thinking” is becoming one of the phrases parents hear most often when discussing the new FSCE 11+ exam. But what does it actually mean — and how can you help your child develop it? The first thing to know is that critical thinking isn't another subject your child suddenly needs to learn. With FSCE rushing through the 11+ world, it is the new key phrase that everyone is talking about. Critical thinking simply means - how a child thinks. The FSCE exam aims to test

If you are a parent of a Year 4 or Year 5 child hoping to sit the Gloucestershire 11+, you may be feeling a little uncertain at the moment. There is plenty of discussion about the new Gloucestershire grammar school entrance test, FSCE, what it might contain and how children should prepare. Our advice at Success Index is simple: Stay steady. Don’t rush. And please don’t panic. Until the detailed guidance and familiarisation materials for the new test are available, there is

Starting the 11+ journey can feel overwhelming. Suddenly, there are new words to learn, schools to research, practice papers to think about, different subjects to understand and, everywhere you look, advice about what your child should be doing. It’s easy to feel that you need to get started immediately and somehow fit everything in. But take a breath. You don’t need to do everything at once. In fact, one of the most important things you can do at the beginning of the 11+

Your September plan will depend if you are starting the journey OR coming to the end of it. Remember for everyone September is a reset point not a race month.Some families are opening their first notebook. Others are packing their pencil case for test day. The right September plan depends entirely on where your child is on the journey. For both points the most important thing to remember is DO NOT COMPARE YOUR CHILD TO OTHERS.