Q: When in September are the eleven-plus tests?
A: Eight months from now (if you’re reading this in January)
Yup, if you’re a parent of a year 5 child, in EIGHT months (plus a little bit more for those pesky indie tests) all that preparation they’ve been doing can be ditched (and you’ll get all those shelves and storage spaces back again!)
They will have sat their grammar school entrance tests and life at home can finally, get back to some kind of normal.
The fact remains, however, that your child’s got around eight months left to bring them to a top standard so they outdo all those other boys and girls trying for a place at the school you want yours to attend.
Life’s not fair, and entrance tests aren’t the be-all and end-all of your child’s education, but THEY ARE important (otherwise why are you still reading this?)
So, if you’re already driving your nipper forward with some good 11+ prep, that’s great, but if you’re not, why not have a conversation with a few tutors (I’m not the only game in town) and find out what they can do for you to help nudge your child’s potential upwards?
The eleven-plus tests are in September – always
Every year children FAIL to secure grammar and indie school places, not because they couldn’t pass the entrance tests, but because they weren’t sufficiently prepared.
As a parent, you’ve probably already got 101 other things to do, and your child has clubs to attend, parties to go to, etc, but they’re now back in school, which means one-third of this year’s schooling is over.
That time has gone, forever.
Whilst you might have the best of intentions, to home tutor your child yourself perhaps, without the time, the skills or a support network, achieving a pass at a top school is difficult, and for many parents, simply too much to cover.
Most tutors receive enquiries from parents of children around the end of year 5, or early in year 6, who are looking to top-up their child’s prep, and whilst significant, fast improvements can be made for them, earlier always beats later.
So if you’re considering the eleven plus for your child, don’t put off starting their preparation.
Begin. Now!
If you’re thinking about DIYing their prep, definitely begin asap (there are lots of books and videos you could try), and if you’re considering group or 1-to-1 tutoring for them, speak to some tutors as soon as possible, too.
This is because most tutors have only so many hours available for tutoring (whether 1-to-1 or group) and when they’re gone, they’re gone.
I’m working with students from years 3, 4, 5 and 6 (aiming for independent and grammar schools) to help get them 11+ fit and entrance exam ready and so whatever your child’s age I’m sure they’d find tutoring engaging and fun.
Starting in February will still provide year 5 students two whole terms of preparation, along with the option of continuing during the summer break (note: they should).
And obviously more time for those in earlier years, too.
That changes the sporting event they’re taking part in from a sprint to a long-distance jog.
Simply put: it will set your child up for entrance test success.
Eleven plus entrance tests are in September
And what would that achievement mean to you?
The right school blazer, the right school tie – probably much better than the one your local authority would prefer they’d wear, I’m willing to bet.
2023 is here already.
The clock’s ticking…
Interested? I have a handful of 1-to-1 online tutoring spaces available.
To find out more -> bit.ly/get-11-plus-fit