3 Next Steps you could take if you were unsuccessful in the 7+
/I’ve spoken to a lot of parents in the last few months whose children were unsuccessful in the 7+. Many of them asked me how my students were able to be so successful. I don’t have a magical power that allows my students to be successful but I do know what each individual school is looking for so unless these school drastically change their content or format of their assessments, I am able to appropriately prepare all of my students so that they have the highest possible chance to be successful.
All of the students who followed these instructions were successful at gaining entry to at least one school of choice:
Apply to at least 5 target schools. I know some of you have your ultimate favourite school/s but you cannot just apply for one or two schools. You must always have a back up. This way you have options. If you still desire a certain school, you can apply again at 11+ or go on the school’s list for an occasional place (which do come up)
Have at least 9 months of consistent weekly tuition. Consistency is key because children who missed lessons or took long breaks weren’t as successful.
Complete all home learning tasks during the week.
Have consistent communication with their tutor during the week. Parents who communicated their children’s struggles/ gaps in the week between lessons had children who were more successful than parents who didn’t.
That’s it!
So if you were unsuccessful and are unsure about your next steps, here is what I advise.
If you have one school which is your ultimate favourite and you strongly desire to send your child there, it is highly likely that they will have entry at 11 (11+) so you can start tuition in preparation for the 11+. I highly encourage you to start when your child begins year 3. This will be an investment into your child’s learning and will ultimately lead them to being successful in their 11+. Please, please don’t wait until they are in Year 5. This is not enough time.
If you do not wish to tutor your child, please engage with a professional who has experience with the school/s that you are interested in. We also provide Massive Action where you can work directly with one of our teachers and receive bespoke learning for your child, without your child having formal tuition. It is of vital importance that you know exactly what to expect at the schools that you will be sitting your child.
Start preparing your child yourself as early as possible. Give them a break after their 7+ and begin when they begin year 3.
So those are my next steps for you.
I’m sorry if you feel discouraged by the 7+ assessment process or if you feel disappointed. It is a highly competitive process and each year it becomes more so.
Myself and my team of specialist 11+ teachers are here to support you with your next steps in supporting your child with their learning.
Book your FREE trial today and experience our bespoke online lessons for yourselves.
