11+ Summer Revision Tips: 6 Ways Parents Can Help Their Child Prepare for the 11+ Exam
Discover practical ways to support your child's 11+ exam preparation over the summer while maintaining a healthy balance between revision and relaxation.
For many families, the summer holidays are a crucial period for 11+ exam preparation. With grammar school entrance exams and independent school assessments approaching, parents often wonder how much revision their child should be doing. The key is finding the right balance between focused 11+ revision, skill development and time to relax.
In this post, we'll share six practical ways to make the most of the summer holidays and help your child feel confident ahead of the 11+ exam season.
Read on to find out how to get the most out of your 11+ prep.
1. Identify priority areas
Before planning out your study schedule, take some time to assess your child’s strengths and areas for development. This can help you structure your revision in a way that is more productive and focuses on areas in need of the greatest improvement. You can use the Bond Placement Tests to assess your child’s strengths and development areas.
2. Create a manageable summer revision plan
Creating a structured revision schedule makes it easier to keep your child’s 11+ preparation on track throughout the summer holidays. Here are some tips for creating a study plan:
- Short, regular study sessions are more effective than long periods of intensive work
- Involving your child in creating the plan can be a great way of giving them a sense of ownership over their learning
- Schedule in rest days as well as study time
- Use Bond’s free Revision Planner to plan out your schedule
- Display the plan somewhere visible and cross off completed sessions to create a sense of progress and achievement
3. Focus on exam technique
By the summer holidays before Year 6, your child should already be familiar with the four core 11+ subjects and question types they’ll encounter in the 11+ exam. Now is the time to focus on building essential exam skills. Areas to concentrate on include:
- Timed practice to build speed and accuracy. Regular timed exercises help children become comfortable working under pressure and build effective time-management skills. Bond 10 Minute Tests are an excellent way to introduce timed practice.
- Mock exams to familiarise real test conditions. Ensure you know which exam your child is preparing for (GL Assessment or another provider) and choose resources which replicate that format most closely, for example:
- Bond 11+ Test Papers for GL Assessment and other paper tests
- Bond Online Premium Plus mock exams for the ISEB Common Pre-Tests
4. Build confidence and reduce exam anxiety
For many children the 11+ will be their first time taking a formal exam. It’s natural for nerves to set in, but parents and carers can play an important role in nurturing a positive mindset. Try to avoid discussing the exam in terms of “pass” or “fail”. Instead, present it as an opportunity for your child to demonstrate the skills and knowledge they have developed.
You can also try Mindfulness Techniques for the 11+ to reduce stress and boost focus.
5. Keep revision varied
Keep children engaged with their 11+ practice by mixing up the different revision methods you use. Practice papers are an essential part of any study routine, but you can add variety by incorporating some of the following:
- Vocabulary-boosting games with the Bond 11+ Vocabulary Flashcards
- Short practice quizzes, such as those on Bond Online
- Reading a wide range of books, including those on the Bond 11+ Recommended Reading List
- Blending print books with online practice, such as Bond Online Premium and Premium Plus
- Introducing activities that secretly boost 11+ skills such as puzzles and board games
6. Don’t forget to take a break
Children learn best when they are rested, motivated, and relaxed, so it’s important not to let 11+ preparation dominate the entire holiday. Days out, family activities, exercise, and downtime are all valuable in creating a balanced environment that supports learning. If concentration starts to dip, or frustration sets in, taking a short break can often be the most productive decision.
Summary
Successful 11+ preparation is about quality rather than quantity. By following a structured summer revision plan, practising exam techniques and supporting your child's wellbeing, you can help them approach the 11+ exam with confidence. Whether preparing for a grammar school entrance test, GL Assessment exam or ISEB Common Pre-Test, a balanced approach can make all the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions About 11+ Summer Revision
How much 11+ revision should my child do during the summer holidays?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to 11+ revision, but most children benefit from short, regular study sessions rather than long periods of intensive work. Many families find that 20 to 45 minutes of focused revision several times a week is enough to maintain progress while still allowing plenty of time for summer activities.
What should my child focus on before the 11+ exam?
By the summer before Year 6, children should aim to strengthen any weaker areas in English, maths, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. This is also a good time to focus on exam technique, including time management, accuracy, and answering questions under timed conditions.
Are 11+ mock exams useful during the summer holidays?
Yes. Mock exams and timed practice papers help children become familiar with the format and pace of the 11+ exam. They can also highlight areas that need further attention before the exam season begins.
If you are looking for mock tests for GL Assessment, try the Bond 11+ Test Papers or a Bond Online Premium subscription. If you are preparing for the ISEB Common Pre-Tests, consider a subscription to Bond Online Premium Plus
How can I help my child feel confident about the 11+ exam?
Parents can support confidence by focusing on effort and progress rather than exam outcomes. Celebrating small achievements, maintaining realistic expectations, and creating a positive study environment can help reduce anxiety and build self-belief.
Should my child revise every day during the summer holidays?
Not necessarily. While consistency is important, children also need time to relax and enjoy their summer break. Scheduling regular study sessions alongside family activities, exercise, and downtime can help create a healthy balance.
Can reading help with 11+ exam preparation?
Yes. Regular reading can improve vocabulary, comprehension, spelling, and general knowledge, all of which are valuable skills for many 11+ exams. Encourage your child to read a variety of fiction and non-fiction books throughout the summer. Reading is particularly valuable for children preparing for verbal reasoning and English components of the 11+ exam. Find out more about How Reading Helps Children Succeed in the 11+ Exam.
When should my child start preparing for the 11+ exam?
Most children begin 11+ preparation between Years 4 and 5, although timelines vary depending on their starting point and target schools. The summer before Year 6 is often an important period for consolidating knowledge, improving exam technique, and building confidence ahead of the exam season.
Is it too late to start preparing for the 11+ during the summer holidays?
While many children begin preparing earlier, the summer holidays can still be a valuable opportunity to consolidate learning, improve exam technique, and build confidence before the 11+ exam. A focused and structured approach can help children make meaningful progress in a relatively short time.
What's the best way to create an 11+ revision timetable?
Start by identifying your child's strengths and areas for improvement. Plan short revision sessions across the week, include a mix of subjects and activities, and leave time for breaks and relaxation. A flexible timetable is often more effective than an overly ambitious one.
Should my child prepare differently for a grammar school entrance exam?
The format of grammar school entrance exams varies by school and exam provider, so it's important to check the specific requirements before creating a revision plan. Most tests assess a combination of English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning, making targeted practice and exam-specific preparation particularly important.