Jane Copland

Is your child ready for the 11+? Find out what the test really measures, how to spot the signs and how to get a clear picture of where they stand.

When a child says "I'm stupid", they're not describing themselves – they're making sense of a feeling. Here's the science behind it, and how to help.

What elite football academies understand about children performing under pressure – and what it means for how you prepare your child for the 11+.

The three English topics that quietly drain marks in the 11+ – prepositions, direct speech punctuation and inference – and ways to help children master them.

What 11+ anxiety actually looks like in children, what parents can say that helps – and the well-meaning habits that accidentally make things worse.

Why children forget what they've just revised – and what the science of memory actually says about making learning stick before the 11+.

A curated reading list for ages 7–10 – organised by what each book actually does for your child's developing mind, from vocabulary to inference and stamina.

Twelve board games that build the logic, vocabulary and maths skills children need for the 11+, without feeling anything like revision.

What psychology actually says about motivating children through 11+ prep – from growth mindset to sleep science and why rewards often backfire.

Research-backed advice for parents on supporting children through 11+ prep – without the anxiety, reward traps or comparisons that can do more harm than good.