Advice and stories for parents navigating the 11+ journey.
An honest look at the benefits, costs, and what really separates independent education from the alternatives.
Read more →Grammar schools offer a selective, academic environment — but are they right for your child? A balanced look at the benefits, realities, and what to consider.
Read more →GL Assessment is the most widely used 11+ exam board in England. Here's what it tests, how it's scored, and how to prepare your child.
Read more →CEM is one of the two main 11+ exam boards in England. Find out what it tests, which areas use it, and how to prepare your child effectively.
Read more →A framework for planning your child's preparation timeline — from light-touch Year 4 exposure to intensive Year 6 practice — without burning anyone out.
Read more →NVR scores improve significantly with the right kind of practice. Here's what actually makes a difference — and what wastes time.
Read more →Series completion, matrices, hidden figures, paper folding — a plain-English guide to every NVR question type your child will face.
Read more →The two main 11+ exam boards test non-verbal reasoning differently. Here's what each looks like and how to prepare for the one your child will sit.
Read more →Never heard of NVR before? You're not alone. This guide explains what non-verbal reasoning is, why schools test for it, and what the questions actually look like.
Read more →A practical, reassuring guide to having age-appropriate conversations about the 11+ — without creating pressure or anxiety.
Read more →The honest story behind why we decided to build a better 11+ preparation tool — and what we set out to do differently.
Read more →A clear breakdown of the two main 11+ exam boards — what they test, how they differ, and how to prepare for each.
Read more →A complete guide to all the Verbal Reasoning question types — from synonyms and analogies to hidden words and number codes.
Read more →When should you start 11+ prep? How much time per week? This practical timetable covers the full preparation journey.
Read more →Practical revision tips for parents — from building a routine to managing exam nerves.
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