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.

Is your child sitting the Gloucestershire 11+ exam in September 2026? With just two weeks before the 11 plus, here's exactly what parents should do to help their child feel calm, confident and ready for the GL Assessment 11+ test. The final two weeks before the Gloucestershire 11+ exam can feel nerve-racking. Parents often wonder: Should we do more practice papers? What should my child revise? How much 11+ practice should we do each day? What happens if they're still struggli

If you're preparing your child for the Gloucestershire 11+, chances are you've wondered: "What's it actually like inside Pate's Grammar School?" It's one of the most searched-for grammar schools in the count and for good reason. Known for outstanding academic results, Pate's also places a strong emphasis on helping pupils feel that they belong, thrive and excel. Here's a quick look at what parents and prospective students can expect.

One of the most common questions parents ask is: "What score does my child need to pass the Gloucestershire 11+?" It is the question running wild through all the facebook groups, forums and playgrounds. The honest answer is that there isn't a fixed pass mark. Unlike some areas of the country, the Gloucestershire 11+ does not operate with a published score that guarantees a grammar school place. Instead, children are ranked according to their standardised score...

If your child is preparing for the Gloucestershire 11+ exam, choosing the right 11+ tutor in Gloucestershire is one of the most important decisions you'll make. With competition for places at Gloucestershire's grammar schools remaining high, many parents seek expert tuition to help their children build confidence, develop strong exam techniques and perform at their best. The introduction of the FSCE test has also opened the opportunities to employ a tutor from outside the cou

At this point in your 11+ you can easily spend all your time focusing on skills and practising past papers. You must remember that exam success depends on many things. Build your child's confidence and ability in the following areas will support your child's success. Many children lose marks not because they don't understand the questions, but because they: - spend too long on one difficult question - rush the final section - panic when they notice the clock don't know when

If your child is sitting the Gloucestershire 11+ exam on 12th September, the summer holidays are the perfect opportunity to prepare without the pressure of schoolwork. The key is not spending hours every day studying. Instead, focus on regular, consistent practice that keeps your child's brain active and builds confidence for exam day.

Every year, thousands of children sit the 11+ and 7+ exam hoping to secure a place at their chosen grammar school or independent school. While ability is important, preparation can make a significant difference. As a parent, it's easy to make well-intentioned mistakes that can add unnecessary stress or leave your child underprepared. Here are the ten most common mistakes—and how you can avoid them.

One of the most common questions parents ask is “Is it too late to start 11+ tutoring?” The simple answer is — not necessarily. We have all heard the stories of the child who did no preparation, the child who started a month before and the child the spent two years preparing. This shows us the reality - EVERY child is different. EVERY school and home day is different. Every year, many children begin preparing for the 11+ exam later than planned and still go on to achieve exce

For many parents preparing their child for the 11+ exam or 7+ exam, one of the biggest decisions is choosing between online tutoring and face-to-face tuition. With grammar school competition increasing across the UK, parents want the best possible preparation for verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, maths, and English. At Success Index, we work with families across the country and understand the advantages — and challenges — of both approaches.

Preparing for the 11+ can feel overwhelming for parents. Whether your child is sitting a GL Assessment paper, CEM, Quest, or another grammar school entrance exam, one thing remains constant: strong language skills are essential. From verbal reasoning and comprehension to creative writing and problem-solving, vocabulary underpins almost every section of the 11+ exam. The good news? Language development is something families can improve steadily at home — and the May holidays

If you’re preparing your child for the 7+ or 11+ exams, you’ve likely felt it—the quiet pressure that builds over time. The UK entrance exam process - whether for grammar schools or independent schools -can feel overwhelming. There are mock exams, practice papers, school choices, deadlines, and constant questions about whether your child is “on track.” If you’re feeling this, you’re not alone.

For many families preparing for UK entrance exams, including the 7+, 8+, 11+ and 13+, the first mock exam can feel like a defining moment. You may have spent months preparing—working through 11+ practice papers, investing in tuition, and building a routine. So when your child performs below expectations in their first mock exam, it can feel worrying. But here’s the reality: a poor first mock result is not only common—it’s often essential for success.

If you’re starting your child’s 11+ exam preparation or 7+ exam preparation, chances are you’ve already asked the same question which thousands and thousands of parents are asking across the UK. Are we preparing for the 11+ or 7+ the right way? It is the biggest worry for families navigating the journey to grammar school admission—and for good reason.

If you’re a parent preparing your child for the 11+ or 7+ entrance exam in the UK, you may be wondering whether they can receive special adjustments such as extra time, rest breaks, or support for ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning needs. The good news is: yes, adjustments are possible—but the process can be strict, and timing is crucial. This simple guide explains exactly how to apply for 11+ special arrangements, what evidence you need, and how to maximise your child’s cha

If you’re a parent asking “should I go to open days?”, the short answer is yes—but with a clear plan. Open days are one of the best ways to explore secondary schools, grammar schools, and independent schools in the UK, especially if your child is preparing for 11+ exams, 7+ exams , entrance exams, or academic assessments.

As children approach the end of primary or pre-prep education, many parents begin to consider the next stage of their child’s academic journey. In the UK, the three main pathways— grammar schools, independent schools, and state schools—each offer distinct advantages, structures, and expectations. Understanding these differences is essential for making an informed decision that suits your child’s needs, abilities, and future aspirations. There are multiple places online where

As children approach the end of primary school, many parents begin to ask an important question: how does the 11+ compare to the standard primary curriculum? Understanding the difference in difficulty is key to ensuring your child is properly prepared and confident when the time comes. At its core, the primary curriculum in the UK is designed to build foundational skills. Children develop competence in maths, English, and basic reasoning at a steady pace, with a strong focus