This book covers everything you need to know in preparing children for both pre-tests and 11+ entrance exams for admission into independent and grammar schools.

It sets out ways in which children can become successful and confident learners over the years and months building up to these tests taken in Year 6. The author passionately believes that intelligence is not fixed but can be nurtured and grown with the right support. The key to putting this into action is to understand how you learn and to master the strategies for learning, retaining and recalling information effectively. This book will help parents and teachers support children approach one of their first academic hurdles with confidence. The book begins by looking at why revision is important and how the brain works. It introduces the concept of growth mindset and how with the right support, confidence, resilience and independence can be nurtured. It provides guidance on physical and mental wellbeing (including a section on coping with stress). It moves on to cover ideas on how to gain control of studying and how to develop good organisational skills. Being healthy, feeling stress free, in control and excited about school is vital.

There is a comprehensive chapter study skills and how to master them, from learning how to identify key words, using flashcards, to creating mindmaps. Examples based on the 11+ syllabus and questions or tasks to revise the skill are given throughout.

The book then focuses specifically on the skills needed for the 11+ tests. It offers wide-ranging advice on each subject (English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal reasoning), how to prepare for online tests, interviews and test day tips.

Current thinking and research by world-renowned social psychologists, psychologists and educators is at the heart of this book and are referenced. Tips for parents supporting their children’s learning journey are given throughout.