Exam Day Prep

Practical advice for the day of the 11+ exam, from morning routines to managing nerves.

4articles

Exam Day Tips for 11+ Students

Everything you need to know about the night before, morning of, and during the 11+ exam, including managing nerves, time management, and what to do if you get stuck.

8 minBeginner

What to Do the Night Before the 11+ Exam

A calm, reassuring guide for parents and children covering the evening before the exam. Cover practical preparation: pack the bag, lay out clothes, check the route, set two alarms. Address emotional preparation: acknowledge nerves as normal, avoid last-minute cramming, do something enjoyable and relaxing. Discuss sleep: why eight to nine hours matters, screen-free wind-down routines, what to do if the child cannot sleep. Write with warmth and authority, as if from a teacher who has guided hundreds of families through exam day.

4 min readBeginner

Managing Exam Anxiety: A Guide for 11+ Students and Parents

Address exam anxiety with empathy and practical strategies. Cover what anxiety feels like physically (stomach ache, racing heart, blanking out) and normalise it: everyone feels nervous, and a little anxiety actually helps performance. Provide four coping techniques: box breathing (breathe in for 4, hold for 4, out for 4, hold for 4), positive self-talk scripts, the "brain dump" technique (writing worries on scrap paper before starting), and progressive muscle relaxation. Include separate advice for parents: how to be calm without being dismissive, when anxiety needs professional support. Write with genuine warmth.

4 min readBeginner

Last-Minute Revision Tips for 11+ Creative Writing

For the final week before the exam, provide targeted advice that builds confidence without adding stress. Cover: reviewing your personal word bank for ten minutes a day, rereading your three best practice pieces to remind yourself what you are capable of, practising one timed piece mid-week to stay sharp, and spending the last two days resting rather than cramming. Address the parent's role in this final week: be calm, avoid introducing new material, and focus on logistics and emotional support. Close with a reassuring message directly to the student.

4 min readBeginner

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