Transition to secondary school articles
What is the 12+/13+ late transfer test?
If your heart is set on a grammar school place for your child but they didn't pass the 11+ you could consider late transfer test. We explain the process for entry at 12+ or 13+.
What is the equal preference system?
How do schools take your rankings into account when you apply for a place? We explain how equal preference works.
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.
What is an independent school?
Considering sending your child to a private school? We give you the lowdown on the independent education sector.
Secondary school induction days: what to expect
The transition from primary to secondary school is a big step for your child, but summer term induction days can help them to prepare for their new milestone. We explain how they work and what you (and your child) should expect.
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.
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.
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
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.
Choosing a secondary school: 10 crucial questions to ask
When you're faced with finding the best secondary school for your child it can be easy to focus on schools' settling-in strategies for Year 7 pupils, but it's vital to look beyond these initial worries and seek answers to questions which will affect your child several years down the line. Moira Holden reports.
Best labelling solutions for school
Wish there was a labels fairy to transform the uniform pile into a neat stack of personalised clothing? Whether you’re super-organised and spread your labelling over the holidays or prone to last-minute panics and label-sewing all-nighters, these products are designed to help you get the job done – and look great, too.
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.