11 Plus Blog

Honest guides for parents preparing for the 11 Plus

When to start, GL vs CEM, tuition versus self-learning, how to keep a ten-year-old engaged without burning them out. No fluff, no salesmanship — practical guidance from people who do this every day.

16 May 2026 · 8 min read

Are we pressurising a 10 year old? Why adaptive learning is the way forward

11 Plus preparation can tip into burnout fast. How to spot the warning signs, what genuinely reduces pressure (it's not less practice), and why adaptive learning works better than volume.

16 May 2026 · 7 min read

Private tuition or group classes — what actually helps a child improve?

1:1 tutoring versus group classes for the 11 Plus — what each genuinely offers, what they cost, and how to pick what fits your child's personality and learning style.

16 May 2026 · 7 min read

11 Plus tuition versus self-learning — which approach should we take?

Should you hire an 11 Plus tutor, or is structured self-learning enough? Honest breakdown of where each adds value, what they cost, and which type of child suits each path.

16 May 2026 · 6 min read

GL Assessment vs CEM — which 11 Plus papers should we actually practise?

Most 11 Plus practice questions are written in either GL Assessment or CEM style. Here's how to know which your child needs, and what to do when they're applying to schools that use both.

16 May 2026 · 7 min read

When should my child start 11 Plus preparation?

How early is too early for 11 Plus prep, and when is too late? A practical timeline by year group — what to do in Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 without burning your child out.

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