Families Hub for 7+ & 11+ Tutors, Mock Exams, Comprehension Practice & UK Grammar School Entrance Exam Support
Helping simplify the world of school entrance exams - teachers, resources, courses and more, all together on one, easy to use platform.
The UK’s hub for 7+ and 11+ entrance exam support, helping you find trusted tutors, comprehension practice, mock exams, courses and school admissions resources all on one simple platform.
We make it easier to navigate grammar school and independent school entrance exams by bringing together teachers, educational resources, exam preparation tools and expert support in one place.
Sign up for free to find the right 7+ and 11+ tutors, English and maths support, and exam preparation services tailored to your child’s needs.
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Free resources
Friday Freebie
This week we have free 7+ & 11+ Prime Number exercises for 7+ and 11+ entrance exams and grammar school preparation.
You can access the library of 7+ and 11+ free pdfs here.
The School Appeals Process
If everything did not go to plan on National Offer Day, you are not alone, many families do not secure a place at their preferred school. You can appeal the decision and help is available to guide you through this process. Below are two expert organisations who could support you.
Support families with school admissions and appeals procedures. Check out their Appeals Guide to better understand what is involved:
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Understanding the Appeals Process
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Knowing what to ask the Admission Authority in advance of the Hearing
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Preparing your appeal statement
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Preparing for the Appeal Hearing itself
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Understanding your options after your appeal
School Select are currently offering a free and without obligation assessment of your own specific appeal.
Contact them on office@schoolselect.co.uk and mention Success Index.
My Education Appeal
Empower parents to be able to appeal to the schools their children need and deserve to get the right education.
Founder, Mr. Jeynes, spent time as a Clerk for School Appeal hearings, listening to appeals where parents had excellent reasons to appeal—they just articulated them the wrong way.
In 2025, he founded My Education Appeal Ltd to bring hands-on experience to the process, helping to write the winning argument and deliver the best appeals at the hearings.
National Offer Day - what next?
If everything did not go to plan, you are not alone, many families do not secure a place at their preferred school. You can appeal the decision.
We have partnered with School Select, who support families with school admissions and appeals procedures. Download their Appeals Guide to better understand what is involved.
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Understanding the Appeals Process
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Knowing what to ask the Admission Authority in advance of the Hearing
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Preparing your appeal statement
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Preparing for the Appeal Hearing itself
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Understanding your options after your appeal
School Select are currently offering a free and without obligation assessment of your own specific appeal. Contact them on office@schoolselect.co.uk and mention Success Index.
Complete 7+ to 11+ preparation timeline
Families may choose to start their preparation two years ahead, in the final year of preparation, this is your overview.
What to Focus on in May?
A Calm, Strategic Guide for 7+, 8+, 11+ and 13+ Parents
May is a pivotal month in the UK entrance exam journey. Whether your child is preparing for the 7+, 8+, 11+ or 13+ exams, this is the point where preparation begins to shift from learning content to refining performance. It can feel intense—but it doesn’t need to be overwhelming.
At Success Index, we aim to provide a quiet, clear space away from the noise of entrance exam stress—helping you make informed, confident decisions.
Here’s what to focus on this month.
Begin Mock Exams Early and Thoughtfully
May marks the start of the mock exam season, and this is one of the most important steps in effective 11+ preparation and beyond.
It’s essential to:
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Book mock exams early—places fill quickly across reputable providers
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Use a range of providers, not just one
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Plan a mock exam timetable running through to September
You can explore guidance on this here:
https://www.successindex.co.uk/mock-exams/
Mock exams are often misunderstood. They are not about chasing high scores. Instead, their real purpose is to:
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Familiarise children with the exam environment
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Reduce anxiety in unfamiliar settings
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Build stamina and focus over longer papers
By exposing your child to different venues, invigilators, and formats, you are preparing them for the unpredictability of real entrance exams.
Understand Your Child’s Academic Position
By May, you should be developing a clear picture of:
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Your child’s current attainment level
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Their strengths and weaker areas
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How they compare to the expected standard for selective schools
Mock exams, alongside school feedback and home practice, provide valuable data. Use this information calmly and constructively.
If you’re unsure how to interpret performance or next steps, our guidance hub can help:
https://www.successindex.co.uk/11-plus-advice/
Remember: every child progresses differently. There is no single “correct” timeline.
Review and Refresh Your Resources
A common mistake in entrance exam preparation is relying too heavily on one set of materials.
In May, take time to review:
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Are your current resources still challenging enough?
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Has your child become too familiar with a particular format?
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Are they exposed to a range of question styles?
Using varied materials ensures children develop flexible thinking, which is essential for exams like the 7+, 8+ , 11+ and 13+, where question styles can differ significantly between schools.
Introduce Past Papers (Carefully)
May is the right time to begin incorporating past papers into your routine.
These are invaluable for:
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Building confidence
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Understanding real exam structure
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Practising time management
However, approach this thoughtfully:
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Some children are ready for timed conditions
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Others benefit from a more supported, untimed approach initially
There is no universal rule. The key is to match the approach to your child’s confidence and readiness.
Use the May Half Term Strategically
The May half term is short—but extremely valuable.
This is an ideal time to:
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Book targeted short courses
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Arrange extra tuition sessions
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Focus specifically on areas of weakness
Rather than overloading your child, aim for focused, high-impact support.
You can explore structured learning support in our courses section.
Research Schools and Key Dates
Alongside academic preparation, May is also the time to get organised with the practical aspects of school applications.
Make sure you:
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Clearly understand your target schools
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Check exam registration deadlines
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Book open days and school visits
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Keep all dates recorded in a single, clear calendar
Missing a deadline can be far more stressful than any exam preparation challenge.
Download our useful recording sheet for school visits to stop them all merging into one!
The entrance exam journey—whether for 7+, 8+, 11+ or 13+—can feel busy and competitive. But progress in May is not about doing more. It’s about doing the right things, calmly and consistently.
At Success Index, we believe preparation should feel:
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Structured, not chaotic
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Informed, not overwhelming
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Supportive, not pressured
You don’t need to navigate this alone—and you don’t need to follow the noise.
As interviewed on
The seven Gloucestershire Grammar Schools (G7) have appointed a new provider - Future Stories Community Enterprise (FSCE) - to run the exam for entry into Year 7 from 2028.
Read what our founder Patricia had to say about the new 'accessible' process for grammar school entry in this article on the BBC.
Meet the Teacher
Teacher, tutor or coach? Whatever the title, finding the right person for your child is critical to success.
Sign up for free and find a tutor.
Which Course is Right for My Child?
There are an abundance of different courses available for your child. It can feel like a minefield.
Sign up for free to compare course options and choose the best fit.
Finding the Best Fit for Your Child
No matter which part of the country you live in there are a myriad of schools to choose from.
Sign up for free to search and compare schools.
Learning the Best Exam Techniques
We have all heard of the phrase "Flop the Mock". But practice makes perfect!
Sign up for free to find a mock near you.
Which Resource and Where Do I Get it?
There are a plethora of resources available for entrance exam prep.
Sign up for free to browse options.