Test Day and Beyond
The test day and the time prior to the outcome will be merely as distressing for you as to your child. Here are a number of ideas about how to reduce this pressure, and how to adapt to the waiting phase.
Facing the Test
Be certain that you and your child are totally prepared for the day of the test. You have to know:
- Where the test is and how you will show up there (parking may an issue).
- What time the test begins and what time you to be there by.
- What they should bring (pencils, etc.) or whether everything is presented to them.
Ensure your child is as comfy as possible the night prior to the test, and that they have had a good night’s sleep. Inform them about the plans for the test day so they understand what to anticipate.
After the test, prepare a trip or a reward which will take your child’s (and your) mind off the test. Even if your child is still getting ready for other 11+ tests later in the year, they’ll still require a break.
- There’s generally a retest day for children who are ill on the day of the test. Consult the school ahead of time and inform the test centre as quickly as possible if you can’t make it to the test.
- If you believe there are circumstances that have truly impacted your child’s performance in the test, collect proof of this as quickly as possible (e.g. a medical professional’s note or school grades that have actually dropped). After you’ve got the result’s it’ll be far too late.
After the 11+
Make a plan for the time between the last of your child’s tests and the day you get their results — this wait can be very strenuous.
If you’re going to reward your child for their hard work preparing for the 11+, you might want to do it now. If they’re rewarded for their effort and hard work, they’ll realise that they’ve achieved something, even if their results aren’t what they hoped for.
This also is a right time to explore the appeals process for the schools you’ve applied to. Some parents choose to appeal the admission decision if their child isn’t offered a place (see the next page for more on appeals).
Make Sure you have a Backup Plan
Quite possibly your child might not score highly enough in the 11 plus, so have a plan B ready.
Put down in any event one non-selective school that your kid may attend, and where they are probably to be accepted (check the school’s admissions criteria cautiously to ensure).
In case you simply apply to particular schools and your child doesn’t get a spot, they’ll be apportioned a spot by your LA in a school that isn’t full.
Visit your backup school just as your preferred schools if you can and remain as positive as possible about the chance of your child going there. This will help in the event that they don’t get the spot they desire.
