As a tutor guiding students and families through the labyrinth of entrance exams, I’m well acquainted with the buzz phrase “Tutor Proofing.”

It’s a myth that often leads to heated discussions among concerned parents about how best to ensure children’s success in these pivotal assessments. But amidst the chatter, it’s crucial for parents to discern fact from fiction and understand how to best support their children through the exam process.

The notion of “Tutor Proofing” exams may sound appealing—a shortcut to guaranteed success if you can crack the code.

But rather than fixating on unraveling the exam’s secrets or attempting to predict its content each year, focusing on equipping children with the skills they need to excel, regardless of the exam’s format is what will ensure the best chance of success. While awareness of past exam patterns can offer insights, it’s far more valuable to cultivate a solid grasp of fundamental concepts and nurture critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Effective exam preparation transcends mere memorisation and test-taking strategies; it encompasses a holistic approach that fosters a love of learning and resilience in the face of challenges.

As parents, you play a pivotal role in creating an environment that supports your child’s academic growth and development. Here are some tips to guide you along the way:

1. Foster a Growth Mindset: Encourage your child to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and development. Teach them that intelligence and abilities can be cultivated through effort and perseverance.
2. Encourage Independence: Empower your child to take ownership of their learning journey by fostering autonomy and self-reliance. Encourage them to ask questions, seek help when needed, and take initiative in their studies.
3. Prioritise Well-being: While exam success is important, it should not come at the expense of your child’s well-being. Encourage a balanced approach to study, rest, and recreation to support their overall happiness and fulfillment.
4. Embrace Learning Opportunities: Help your child see exam preparation as a chance to explore new concepts and ideas, rather than a daunting task. Encourage them to approach challenges with curiosity and enthusiasm, knowing that each obstacle is an opportunity for growth.

As a tutor, I understand the pressures and uncertainties that come with preparing for entrance exams. My role is not to “Tutor Proof” exams, but rather to empower students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed, and to present information to them in a variety of ways so they are not daunted by new formats on the day.

If you’re seeking expert guidance and support for your child’s exam preparation journey, don’t hesitate to contact me for tailored tuition that prioritises their growth and success.

Preparing children for entrance exams can be a daunting task. As parents, you, of course, want to see them succeed, but also strive to ensure their journey is as stress-free as possible. Is it possible to achieve this delicate balance?

In my role as an entrance exam tutor for children preparing for 7+ and 11+ exams, I often engage in conversations with parents who express their desire for an stress-free preparation process. It’s a sentiment we can all relate to—wanting the best for our children without subjecting them to unnecessary pressure. However, in the realm of competitive entrance exams, complete elimination of stress may not be entirely feasible.

Nonetheless, there are strategies we can employ to minimise and manage it effectively.

1. Be Really Clear: From the outset, understanding what is involved in achieving success is paramount. As a tutor, I have very open conversations with parents about the realities of exam preparation. This includes discussing the amount of work involved, potential adjustments to schedules, and the weekly time commitment required. By setting clear expectations early on, we can alleviate anxiety and uncertainty for everyone involved.

2. Infuse Joy into Learning: Contrary to popular belief, learning doesn’t have to be dull and monotonous. Incorporating fun and engaging activities into sessions is a must! Making learning enjoyable can significantly reduce stress levels.

3. Prioritise Consistency over Cramming: The temptation to resort to last-minute cramming before exams is understandable, but it rarely leads to optimal results. Instead, I encourage a steady, structured approach to learning and practising the content for entrance exams over an extended period. By spacing out learning and revisiting material regularly, children feel more confident in their abilities, thereby reducing stress as exam day approaches.

While there’s no magic formula to completely eliminate stress from the exam preparation process, these principles can go a long way in making it more manageable for both parents and children alike.

Ultimately, of course, it’s not just about the outcome but also the experiences and lessons learned along the way. T

As we reflect on the past year’s 7+ entrance exam cycle, it becomes evident that while certain aspects remain unchanged, there are notable developments that provide insights into new trends and which should be considered by anyone navigating the competitive landscape of top London schools in future. 

• Persistent Rise in Applicant Numbers:

Despite economic fluctuations and potential adjustments to the nature of school fees, it is noteworthy that applicant numbers to leading London schools have continued to increase. This surge in competition has heightened the challenges of progressing through the assessment stages. To secure your child’s advancement, it is crucial to focus on ensuring they perform within the top 30%. This statistic underscores the importance of strategic preparation to navigate the increasingly competitive environment.

• Surprising Changes in Written Papers:

Schools have made unexpected modifications to their written papers, with some institutions, known for prioritising creative writing, omitting this element from their exams. The lesson learned here is the risk of over-reliance on previous years’ tasks. Instead, the emphasis should be on achieving a high proficiency across all skill areas. Flexibility and a well-rounded skill set are paramount in the face of evolving exam structures.

• Continued Emphasis on Mental Maths:

Despite the changes in written paper formats, mental maths remains a crucial component of many school exams. A reliance solely on written methods is not enough to ensure success. Ensuring your child has the flexibility to be able to calculate with two digit numbers in multiple methods is key. 

• Looking ahead:

The trend indicates that schools are opening entry points at 4+ and reducing spaces at 7+, intensifying competition. Additionally, more schools are transitioning to computer-based tests, underscoring the importance of students’ comfort with digital assessments.

In reflecting on the recent exam cycle, I am pleased to share that despite heightened competition, all my 7+ students secured offers to their schools of choice. These include Highgate, UCS, City of London, Dulwich College, JAGS, Streatham and Clapham, Sydenham High, Bancroft, and Chigwell School. This success is a testament to the collective efforts of the students, their parents, and myself.

The evolving landscape of 7+ entrance exams necessitates a proactive and adaptable approach to preparation. As parents, focusing on a well-rounded skill set, staying informed about changing exam structures, and embracing digital literacy will contribute to your child’s success in this competitive journey.

“Bing” is the sound of the email you’ve been eagerly awaiting. The email from the school regarding your child.

Will it be an acceptance or a rejection?

For you, this marks the culmination of a year or more of dedicated efforts with your child. You’ve done everything possible towards the ultimate goal of securing a spot at their preferred school.

The joy that follows the opening of the email confirming their acceptance is undoubtedly immense.

But what if you find out that your child has not been accepted?

If your initial reaction is one of “failure,” I urge you to reconsider.

The statistics are quite striking. Most sought-after private schools are significantly oversubscribed. It’s not uncommon to have as many as 10 times the number of applicants compared to available spots, especially at the 7+ and 11+ stages. Viewing rejection as a mark of failure would mean considering thousands of children (and their parents) as “failures” each year.

However, this is not the right perspective to adopt at all. Each school has a limited number of spots available, and the competition is fierce. Often, many children perform well on assessments and demonstrate promise and aptitude, but the available spots cannot accommodate all of them. The factors that lead to a school choosing or rejecting an applicant can be subtle and difficult to identify.

So, how should you feel if your child is not accepted by the schools you prepared them for? It’s natural to feel disappointed. But then, it’s time to move forward and celebrate their (and your!) achievements.

Guiding your child through the process of preparing for an exam is an accomplishment worth recognizing. The skills and knowledge they acquired from you during that process are valuable and will undoubtedly contribute to their ongoing success.

When those emails land in your inbox, open them with a sense of anticipation, but also with the understanding that, regardless of the results, you have succeeded in supporting your child.

The top 3 questions many parents ponder about the 7+ and 11+ entrance exams (even if they haven’t voiced them):

1. Is it possible to prepare for tests when schools suggest no preparation is needed?
2. Should we invest time in preparing for exams designed to showcase potential?
3. Can we overdo the preparation?

The unequivocal answer to all these queries is a resounding YES.

Based on my many years of experience in this area, let me share with you why I feel this way to ease any uncertainties you might have:

1. Familiarity with the exam’s style and format alone can boost scores by 10-15%, even without a significant increase in knowledge.
2. Every child sitting for these exams is undergoing some form of preparation. Placing your child into the 7+ or 11+ exams without readiness puts them at a distinct disadvantage compared to their peers.
3. Striking the right balance is crucial. Excessive preparation may lead to anxiety and even depression.

As a guide in this process, part of my role is helping parents navigate these concerns and the mixed messages from schools and other parents regarding the ideal level of readiness.

In essence, preparation isn’t just about gaining knowledge; it’s about building confidence and alleviating anxiety. The 7+ and 11+ aren’t solely academic challenges; they are psychological ones as well.

My duty, as the tutor on this journey with you, is to assist your child, ensuring they are well-prepared academically and emotionally.

Let’s collaborate to empower our children, instilling in them the confidence to face challenges and reveal their true potential in these entrance exams. Preparation isn’t just about providing correct answers; it’s about fostering a mindset that embraces learning and growth.

‘Hold them in your thoughts.’ 

This simple yet profound sentiment encapsulates my ethos of prioritising the holistic well-being of my students, particularly during the often stressful journey of exam preparation.

I want to share a unique strategy I employ with my youngest students—a strategy that may seem silly to outsiders but has proven to be a source of comfort and support for these my students. I tell them about my ‘magical powers,’ describing how I can shrink myself down and become invisible. In this imagined state, I accompany them on their shoulders during exams.

This seemingly playful game serves a deeper purpose it is, in fact, a subtle way of providing my students with emotional containment. While they may not truly believe in my magical abilities, the idea of carrying my invisible support into the exam offers them a tangible connection to encouragement and belief in their own abilities.

Small gestures can have a profound impact on a child’s emotional state during challenging times. As parents, you play a pivotal role in fostering a sense of security and confidence that extends beyond academic success. As their tutor, I embrace this role too.

Or so it can feel that way.

“Find the school that fits your child, don’t shoehorn them into one that doesn’t.” 🌟

This invaluable advice resonated strongly at the recent Independent Schools Show, where parents gathered to unravel the complexities of selecting a secondary school, especially in the lead-up to the 11+.

As a specialist entrance exam tutor, I often engage in conversations with parents who are unwavering in their determination to secure a spot for their child in specific top-tier, ultra-competitive London schools. Their choice typically hinges solely on exam results and exit destinations.

Yet, there’s a wealth of considerations beyond these metrics:

• Peer Dynamics: What are the students like at the school? Do you envision your child thriving within this peer group?
• School Culture: What is the ethos and culture of the school? Does it align with your child’s values and aspirations?
• Pastoral Care: How robust is the pastoral care system? To what extent is it informed by the students themselves?

While the primary role of entrance exam tutors is to facilitate students’ entry into chosen schools, remember that this journey is about more than securing a spot. It’s about finding a school that genuinely nurtures your child’s potential and growth. 🌱 What factors are you considering as you guide your child through this educational journey?

October is the time when the pressure starts to build.  Entrance exams are looming closer, in some cases only a month away.  It is understandable that stress can start to grab hold.  

However, the impact of this pressure cannot be underestimated and can have a very real effect on learning. Even if you feel that you are hiding your stress from your child, they are very likely to be picking up on it. 

What can make the difference to both you and your child when the pressure starts to build?

✔️ Feeling supported rather than pressured by those around them. For you, talk to others going through the same process. Share ideas and concerns. For your child, make sure they feel that you are on their side. 

✔️ A sense of control over their learning. Give your child choices. While there is no escaping the need to get the preparation done, they might be able to choose which activity they want to do that day.

✔️A positive outlook – help your child to have fun and laugh as well as learn. 

✔️ Feeling prepared. If you follow a step by step approach and keep track of progress, you will feel more prepared for each part of the process. Letting your child know what is coming each day will also help them feel more prepared. 

What can you do to specifically help your child?

✔️ Listen to and acknowledge your child’s feelings. Help them understand that it is OK to feel worried about the exams and not want to do extra work. 

✔️ Show them how far they have come and emphasise the positive. Highlight their strengths. It is a great idea to keep examples of work from the beginning of the journey (such as a story they wrote) and remind them how they have improved. 

✔️ Don’t overload them with extra work and ensure they get plenty of breaks at weekends. Small amounts of regular work is much more manageable than trying to fit in long and arduous sessions all in one go at the weekend. 

When we think of how children learn, we often associate it with giving them new information.  I would challenge that and say that often the best learning comes from being questioned.  This is a method that really works for home educated children.  

Asking the right questions to spark critical thinking is one of the most effective techniques we can use as parents and teachers.  Paul’s (1992) Elements of Reasoning is a model for critical thinking that suggests that for persons to reason through a situation they must:

⭐️ determine points of view

⭐️ make inferences based on given information

⭐️ make judgments about a given situation to determine implications and consequences

⭐️determine conceptual relevance or main ideas

We can capitalise on this model to have conversations with our children about the books they are reading, creating an environment which fosters the process of exploring and questioning over “right” answers. 

Critical reading questions include:

❓How does this text relate to my personal experience and does it affect  the way I respond to the text?

❓What point of view does the author write from and why did they chose this?

❓What is the author’s position on any relevant theme or issue?

❓What were the (significant) characters motivated by?

Validating the responses that children give, helping them to explore their ideas and challenging their pre-conceptions all allow them to move from conceptual to critical thinking.  You can do this in any subject or area of interest, but books and reading are the easiest jumping off point to try this out.  

Summer holidays are not only a time for travel but can also be a time for making connections to what we read. 

I am currently in Devon with my family, not far from Torquay.  Agatha Christie was born in Torquay and used many of the nearby locations for scenes in her novels.  Arthur Conan Doyle set The Hound of the Baskervilles in Dartmoor in Devon.  Last year, I spent a few days in the Lake District and was able to see some of the locations from Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons series.  

Making connections between real life and what we read is so important.  It helps open the door to the world of wider concepts and deeper understanding of the texts and has been shown to increase retention of information. 

Of course, we can’t always visit a location from a book (wouldn’t that make a great round the world trip?!) but we can help children make connections in other ways.  

You can begin when children are very young by:

⭐️ thinking about an emotion a character is expressing and discussing a time when they felt the same way.

⭐️ noticing similarities between characters in the book and themselves. Does a character have the same toy as them? Or like the same foods? 

⭐️ observing differences between their own lives and the lives of the characters. That character lives on a farm while I live in a city. 

For older children, you can help them make connections in deeper ways by:

⭐️  realising that the experiences people have in times different to our own still create the same conflicts and resolutions we face today.

⭐️ thinking about how the themes in one book relate to other books they have read.

⭐️ imagining themselves in the place of a character and how they would react. 

As adults, we make these connections automatically. But children need to be taught to make these connections through the discussions we have with them. Doing this will ensure they not only understand and retain the information they read but also engage them in a love of reading.