11+ Preparation Blog

Kent County Council has appointed Quest Assessments to run the Kent Test from 2027. Who is affected, and what the council says is not changing.

One or two practice papers is rarely enough. Why sitting several 11+ mock exams builds real confidence, kills exam-day fear, and trains the timing instincts children need to beat the clock.

Bexley has switched to Quest Assessments. How it differs from CEM and GL, why it's still paper-based, multi-answer English/VR pitfalls, and what isn't clear on marking yet.

The hidden trap that makes kitchen-table scores crumble on exam day — and the optimal timeline for introducing mocks.

Everything you need to know about grammar schools and the 11+ exam — what they are, how the test works, and how to keep preparation stress-free.

A parent shares their honest experience of the 11+ prep journey — from playground anxiety to a calm, effective approach that actually worked.

Understanding how Kent, Medway and Bexley really score the 11+ exam — and why missing a question isn't the crisis you think it is.

A clear comparison of GL Assessment (Kent & Medway) and Quest Assessment (Bexley Test) — formats, subjects, question styles, and how to prepare for each.

A practical timeline and strategy guide for 11+ preparation. When to start, what to focus on, and how to keep your child motivated.

Balance arithmetic fluency with strategic problem-solving — the FDP matrix, RUCSAC method, estimation tricks, and pacing.

Master comprehension, vocabulary, SPaG, and creative writing — the four pillars of 11+ English success.

5 expert strategies to master the most trainable section of the 11+ — vocabulary, code-breaking, elimination, time management, and logic puzzles.

5 expert strategies to decode shapes, patterns, and spatial puzzles — the SPANS system, rotations, elimination, cube nets, and visual stamina.