Exams and revision articles
7 tips to ease SATs stress for SEND children
During SATs season parents strive to convey the importance of exams without overwhelming their children, especially those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Helen Spiers, child and adolescent counsellor and Head of Counselling at Mable Therapy, gives her expert advice.
Last year's SATs uproar & what to expect in 2024
In 2023, the news was rife with stories about the alarming difficulty of the KS2 SATs reading paper. Matt Revill, seasoned headteacher and educator, dissects the controversy and provides helpful advice for this year's Year 6 children and parents.
7 things you need to know about the Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA)
In the first half-term of their Reception year, children take part in classroom-based assessment. We take a look at what’s involved.
What is working memory?
What role does short-term working memory play in children’s learning, and how can you help your child use it to their advantage? Steve Garnett, author of Cognitive Load Theory: A Handbook for Teachers, explains what parents need to know about working memory.
How to make online tutoring work for your child
Is your child preparing for the 11+ or getting support with general studies? Two tutors share their advice on making the most of online tutoring.
Best literacy resources
Whether your child is just learning to read and print letters or looking for ways to put their creative writing skills to the test, we've rounded up some fantastic resources to help them practise phonics, grammar, story-writing and comic-creating at home. Plus there are loads of different ways to connect with authors and listen to stories.
9 tips for helping your child learn online
As children’s learning becomes increasingly internet-based, we ask the experts for their advice on primary school online learning.
12 of the best home learning websites for kids
We've rounded up some of our favourite online resources to support your child's learning at home.
Access arrangements for primary school SATs
If your child has additional needs that could affect their SATs performance, they may be entitled to adjustments, known as ‘access arrangements’. We explain what can be arranged and how it might help your child.
Help your child learn to learn
Everybody learns differently, and many children struggle with traditional approaches to studying. Barbara Oakley and Terrence Sejnowski, authors of Learning How to Learn: A Guide for Kids and Teens, shine a light on creative (but neuroscience-backed) methods to help your child learn and think about learning differently.
What are age-related expectations?
Is your child’s learning on track for their age? We explain how age-related expectations work in primary school.
Age-related expectations: KS2
Were age-related expectations mentioned on your child's report? We explain the targets children are asked to meet by the end of their primary school journey.
Your region-by-region guide to the 11+
Knowing what to expect from the 11+ in your area will help your child feel prepared. Working with Explore Learning, we've rounded up the insider info you need to help them fulfil their potential on test day and beyond.
What is the ISEB?
We take a look at the work of the Independent Schools Examination Board and the tests it sets.
What is a tutor-proof test?
Is there such thing as a tutor-proof 11+ test? TheSchoolRun investigates.
Best 11+ apps for kids
Help your child do verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning practice to prepare for the grammar school entrance exam with these useful apps.
What are SATs results used for?
Do your child's SATs results really matter? We take a look at what these national tests are used for.
What are secondary school banding tests?
They’re used to ensure schools admit pupils across a range of abilities, but how do banding tests actually work?
Be your child’s own 11+ tutor: parents’ tips
Could your child pass the 11+ without a tutor? We asked parents for their top preparation tips and advice on DIY 11+ tutoring.
Helping your primary school child with exam stress
With increasing numbers of children suffering the effects of test anxiety, how can you help your child keep their nerves under control?
What are primary school CATs?
Even in non-SATs years, some primary-school children take formal tests known as CATs. We explain what the GL Assessment CAT or CAT4 tests for primary-school pupils involve and how the results are used.
How to improve your child's memory
Want to help your child remember dates, formulae, tricky vocabulary and more? Memory champion Chester Santos has a few tips to share to help boost their confidence (and amaze their parents and teachers!).
The parent's guide to InCAS tests
Many primary-school pupils in Northern Ireland and Scotland are assessed every year using InCAS tests. We explain what’s involved.
How to get the best from tutoring
If you’re investing in a tutor for your child, you’ll want to get your money’s worth. We explain how to make the most of tutoring.
The Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) explained
A formal test of multiplication skills takes place in the summer term of Year 4. Our guide for parents explains how the Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) will work in English primary schools.
How to handle the 11+ test day
Your child has done all their prep, and now the big day is looming. How can they make sure they do their best?
Primary school assessment in Scotland explained
The Scottish National Standardised Assessments are online standardised assessments in literacy and numeracy completed by children in Scotland in P1, P4, P7 and S3. We explain what parents need to know about the SNSAs.
What are selective and super-selective schools?
Places at selective and super-selective schools are highly sought after, with many applicants for every place – but what's the difference between these types of school, and how does the application process work?
The beginner's guide to 11+ maths
If your child is taking the 11+, their maths skills will be tested as part of the assessment process. We explain what the maths task involves.
The beginner's guide to the 11+ English task
An English task is a key part of the 11+ exam in many areas, but what does the test actually involve?
7+ entrance exams explained
If you’re considering an independent prep school for your child, it’s important to know what to expect from the entry procedure. We explain the facts about the 7+.
How to succeed in the Kent 11+
Kent has more grammar schools than any other area, so how can you give your child the best chances of gaining a place?
Top tips for the Medway 11+
What are the secrets of success in the Medway grammar schools’ entrance test? We asked tutor Anita Clemens for her insider advice.
What is a grammar school?
What could a grammar school offer your child, and how does the application process work? We explain in our grammar school guide for primary-school parents.
Choosing an 11+ tutor
Every parent wants their child to have the best chance of 11+ success, and choosing the right tutor could be the key. We explain how to find the best person for your child.
What are Common Entrance exams?
Common Entrance exams are the route to an independent senior school education for many children. We explain what’s involved.
Top tips for the 11+ English writing task
In some areas, a piece of extended writing is an important component of the 11+. Tutor Anita Clemens explains the secrets of success.
GL Assessment 11+ tests explained for parents
It’s one of the main developers of grammar school entrance exams in the UK, but what do GL Assessment’s 11+ tests involve?
Taking the 11+ test in Lancashire
What's involved in the entrance assessment for Lancashire's grammar schools? We have the details.
The Yorkshire 11+ test explained
Yorkshire has six selective schools, split across three local authorities. Here's what you need to know about taking the entrance tests.