Exams and revision articles
The Northern Ireland transfer test: Common Entrance Assessment (CEA)
Since the 11+ was discontinued in 2008, pupils in Northern Ireland have taken a transfer test for grammar school entry. We explain what's involved in the Post Primary Transfer Consortium test and the Common Entrance Assessment (CEA).
Taking the 11+ in Surrey
Surrey's grammar schools are some of the most competitive in the country. We have the facts you need to know about their entrance exams.
The 11+ in Barnet and Enfield
Competition is fierce for places at Barnet and Enfield's grammar schools, so what does the 11+ test involve?
Taking the 11+ test in Cumbria
With only one grammar school in Cumbria, we explain what you need to know about entering your child for the entrance test.
The Lincolnshire 11+ test explained
With a massive 15 selective schools to choose from, what do you need to know about registering your child for the Lincolnshire 11+?
Taking the 11+ in Liverpool and the Wirral
The Liverpool and Wirral areas have 10 schools that are fully or partially selective. We explain their testing arrangements.
The 11+ test in Berkshire
All the facts you need to know about entering your child for the 11+ test for entrance to the Slough and Reading grammar schools.
11+ testing in Devon explained
With three separate Local Authorities involved, applying for a grammar school place in Devon can be challenging. We cut through the confusion and explain what parents need to know.
The Essex 11+ test uncovered
With 11 schools to choose from, Essex is one of the largest grammar school areas in the country. We explain the testing process.
Grammar school 11+ tests in Dorset
We have the facts you need to know about taking grammar school entrance tests in the Dorset area.
The parents' guide to the CEM 11+ test
A popular choice for schools and authorities that use 11+ tests, we find out the facts about the CEM assessment and explain what to expect if your child will be taking the CEM 11+.
The Trafford grammar schools' entrance tests (11+) explained
If your child is applying for a place at one of Trafford's grammar schools, we have the facts you need to know about the 11+ test.
Taking the 11+ test in Wiltshire
If your child is applying for a place at one of Wiltshire's two grammar schools, they'll need to sit the 11+. Read on for the facts about the test.
The Hertfordshire Consortium 11+ test explained
Competition is fierce for places at Hertfordshire's selective schools, so how can you help prepare your child for the 11+ test?
The Buckinghamshire Transfer Test (11+) explained
If you're living in Buckinghamshire, your child will take the Transfer Test to decide which type of secondary school they'll go to – but do you know what's involved?
The Warwickshire 11+ test explained
With six selective secondary schools to apply for in Warwickshire, we have the details you need about registering your child for the 11+ test.
Taking the 11+ in Redbridge (Essex)
If you're planning to apply for a place at one of Redbridge Borough's grammar schools, check out the facts you need to know about the 11+ in this area.
The Gloucestershire 11+ test explained
An 11+ pass is essential if you want your child to have a chance of a place at Gloucestershire's seven grammar schools. We have the facts about the test.
Taking the 11+ test in Bromley
With competition for grammar school places fierce in south east London, we explain the facts about taking the 11+ in Bromley.
11+: the Kent Test explained
Kent is the largest grammar school area in the UK, with more than 30 selective schools to choose from. We have the facts about the 11+ test in this region.
The Shropshire, Walsall and Wolverhampton 11+ test explained
With five grammar schools in the Shropshire, Walsall and Wolverhampton area, we explain the 11+ test procedure that determines whether your child may get a place.
The 11+ test in Bexley
Children living in the London Borough of Bexley can sit the 11+ test for entrance to one of the area's grammar schools. We explain the facts parents need to know about the Bexley test.
The Birmingham 11+ test
If your child will be applying to grammar schools in Birmingham, knowing what to expect from the 11+ test is essential. We have all the details about applying for and sitting the exam.
The Medway 11+ test explained
With six grammar schools and one bilateral, we have the facts you need to know about the 11+ test in the Medway area.
What are NFER tests?
Never heard of NFER levels? You're not alone. We get the lowdown on these optional tests for Key Stage 1 and 2 children.
What is a cloze test?
An important part of the new-format 11+ exam, and a valuable test of your child's ability in English, we explain what cloze procedures involve.
Top tips for surviving the 11+
Sally Ashworth and her husband have seen three children through the 11+ (with one more gearing up for the test later this year). From DIY tutoring to dealing with fraying tempers (adults' and children's), she shares her top tips for 11+ success.
Primary-school grading system explained for parents
A new grading system to replace national curriculum levels was introduced into English primary schools in 2014. We explain what parents need to know about primary school assessment levels as well as KS1 and KS2 SATs and the new Reception Baseline Assessment.
Reception baseline assessment tests explained for parents
The Reception Baseline Assessment was introduced in September 2021. We explain what the assessment looks like and how the results are used in our parents' guide.
Best 11+ learning tools
Workbooks, practice papers and a hefty dose of general parental anxiety are a classic combination when your child is preparing to take a selective exam like the 11+. These tools aim to make preparation more fun, more convenient or more efficient – well worth including in your revision plan in the run-up to September.
Memory aids for kids
Rhymes, acrostics and other mnemonics could all help your child to remember important facts, from tricky spellings to grammar rules. We asked the experts why they work so well – and for their top 10 memory aids.
How to help your child develop study skills
Learning how to study, complete homework projects and revise is essential as your child moves towards the end of primary school. We asked the experts for their advice on getting into good work habits. By Lucy Dimbylow
10 ways word puzzles can help your child
Crosswords, word searches and hangman aren’t just handy ways to keep your child quiet for five minutes; they could also boost their learning in some surprising ways. Here’s how…
8 facts all parents should know about the 11+ exam
Lesser-known facts and tips for 11+ parents and children, from fluctuating pass marks and tutoring to the Late Transfer Test and SEN arrangements. Olivia Holcombe reports.
The beginner's guide to the 11+
Is your child due to take the 11+ exam at the beginning of Year 6? Find out more about grammar school selection exams, how they differ across the country and the literacy and numeracy topics children are tested on.
National Reading and Numeracy Tests explained for parents
All children in Wales from Y2 to Y9 take tests in reading and numeracy at the end of each school year. Find out what these tests involve, and how you can help your child prepare for them.
What is the Y6 Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling test?
Year 6 children are all tested on their spelling, punctuation and grammar as part of the KS2 SATs. So what will your child need to know, and how can you help them brush up their skills? By Lucy Dimbylow.
What is non-verbal reasoning?
A major part of most secondary school selection and 11+ exams, as well as Year 7 CATs, non-verbal reasoning can be a tricky skill to master. We explain what non-verbal reasoning tests involve, and how you can help your child at home.
What is verbal reasoning?
Verbal reasoning tests are a key part of most secondary school selection and 11+ exams, as well as Year 7 CATs – but your child won’t necessarily be taught the skill at school. We explain just what verbal reasoning involves, and how you can help them prepare for their test.
KS2 SATs in 2015: what parents need to know
KS2 SATs have changed completely over the last few years. We explain the process for 2015 and what the new plans are for the Y6 assessments, including the new KS2 Grammar, punctuation and spelling test, following Lord Bew's review.