11 Plus tutoring tips — get set for success!
11 Plus tutoring tips — get set for success!
11 Plus tutoring can make all the difference between a pass or a fail in the Kent Test. Especially as Kent doesn’t issue past papers anymore which makes it more difficult to prepare for.
So, what is The Kent Test? (Frequently known as the 11 Plus)
The exam will assess your child’s suitability for a grammar school. A grammar school is a state secondary school that select their pupils through an examination taken by children in the year they turn 11 years old.
The exam comprises two papers including Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Both papers are timed tests with multiple choice answers. There is also a creative writing exercise.
In the first paper, which focusses on Maths and English, your child will have 25 minutes available to complete each test with some time for practice questions.
Paper two covers Verbal Reasoning (20 minutes), Non-Verbal Reasoning, and Spatial Reasoning, which are split into timed sections of 6minutes each.
For the creative writing test, your child will need to write for around 40 minutes from a selection of different story titles.
The test is written by GL. GL Assessment develop and administer 11 Plus exams in many grammar school areas.
11 Plus tutoring tips to prepare for exam success
Firstly, you can access this free booklet that Kent issue which includes useful examples of typical 11 Plus questions: https://www.kent.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0014/14513/Kent-Test-familiarisation-booklet.pdf
Secondly, I suggest a structured revision program focussing on core skills in maths and English alongside regular tutoring sessions. Children who only revise past exam papers as the bulk of their revision may not perform to their best. The key is to revise key topics in the form of exam questions, but to concentrate the time on key skills, confidence and knowledge – particularly important during the latter stages of revision just prior to the exam.
Lastly, I recommend you join Bond Online to further support your child’s studies at
home. Bond is an annual subscription service (not affiliated to me!), which
allows you to access tests and revision, all suitable for children due to sit
their 11 Plus that year https://www.bond11plus.co.uk/.
About me
I am a fully qualified teacher with over 10 years teaching experience. For more 11 Plus tutoring tips, book onto one of my small, friendly courses – either my popular in-person 11 Plus tutoring group in Goudhurst, or my online Friday sessions.
