Y4 11+ Week Commencing 13TH July (week 8 of 8)
Welcome back!
We hope you all had a lovely weekend. It's been wonderful to enjoy some warmer weather recently, and let's hope it continues well into the summer holidays!
It’s hard to believe that we are now in our final week of the academic year. The year really has flown by, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support throughout the year. Although this will be my final weekly update until September, I’m sure you’ll still hear from me over the summer—I wouldn’t want to disappoint!
As we approach the summer break, I know families often take different approaches to studying. Some prefer to relax completely, while others feel their child should spend long periods revising. Ultimately, you know your child best, but if I may offer some advice—as a teacher, an 11+ specialist, and a parent who has recently been through the process myself—I would always recommend little and often.
Short, focused sessions of around 10–20 minutes are far more effective than hours of study in one sitting. Consistency is key, and keeping learning enjoyable helps children retain confidence and motivation over the summer.
Attending our workshops and other sessions is also a fantastic way to build confidence, reinforce key skills and reduce the pressure on home learning. As I mentioned in a recent message, I would be very grateful if you could book sessions as far in advance as possible. This enables me to plan staffing effectively and helps to ensure that I don't have to disappoint families by turning children away when sessions become fully booked.
If you're unsure which sessions would be most beneficial for your child, or how much work you should aim to do over the summer, please don't hesitate to get in touch. I'm always happy to help.
Although September may feel a long way off, it's worth remembering that there is a strong possibility that the 2027 entrance exams will move forward to July 2027. If that happens, children will have just over nine months of preparation from the start of the new academic year, and that time passes incredibly quickly.
Keeping up with a little practice over the summer can make a huge difference. It helps to prevent the inevitable 'summer slide', maintains good learning habits and ensures that children return in September feeling confident, prepared and ready to hit the ground running.
Thank you once again for all your support this year. I hope you and your families have a wonderful summer, and I look forward to seeing many of you over the holidays and again in September.
👉👉If you haven’t done so already - please follow me on Facebook
PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO LINK: QUICK MATHS TIPS VIDEO This can replace a 10min test and children will receive 2 raffle tickets for doing so. The KAHOOT is averages this week too!!
We have come to the end of the 8-9 books and have moved onto the 9-10 books. I plan to do an order this weekend for the books. You can order here.
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VOCABULARY
WORD OF THE WEEK: PERSISTENCE (Find a synonym, antonym and put it into a sentence)
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This week’s KAHOOT quiz pin: (09915246 Vocab Quiz 35)
Remember to play through Kahoot.it using name1, name2 etc.
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UPDATE In Case You Missed It: Potential Changes to 11+ Testing Dates
There has been increasing discussion surrounding a possible change to the timing of some 11+ entrance tests, with suggestions that examinations may move from September to July. Whilst no official confirmation has been made across all areas, there is growing momentum behind this shift, and several grammar school regions have already announced plans to move to summer testing. I would say with some certainty that this is now happening and this will effect your children.
The primary reasoning behind this proposed change is to reduce the amount of revision children undertake during the summer holidays and to ease the pressure of preparing throughout the six-week break.
A number of grammar school areas have already confirmed earlier testing dates. For example, the Gloucestershire Grammar School Consortium — including Pate’s Grammar School, The Crypt School, Sir Thomas Rich’s School, Ribston Hall High School, Stroud High School, Marling School and Denmark Road High School — has announced a move to summer term testing from 2027 (for September 2028 entry). Similarly, Reading School in Berkshire has already brought its examinations forward and will hold testing in July for the 2027 intake.
Whilst we understand the rationale behind a potential move to earlier testing, we also recognise that this may reduce the amount of preparation time available for some children. We know many families value a balanced summer holiday, and we remain committed to providing engaging learning opportunities without creating unnecessary pressure or unrealistic expectations.
With this in mind, and as part of our contingency planning, we will be adapting our provision to ensure children are fully prepared should testing move earlier.
For children currently in Year 4, we will be introducing:
• Weekly workshops alongside the existing 1:1 lessons already available
• Additional Maths crash courses, recognising that this can be a challenging area for many children
• Earlier access to mock examinations to help build familiarity, confidence and exam readiness
In addition, we will be expanding our wider holiday provision to include further support during:
• February half term
• Easter holidays
• May half term
This additional provision will include targeted crash courses and earlier mock testing opportunities, helping children remain well prepared whilst maintaining a balanced and positive approach to learning.
Based on previous changes to testing formats — such as the transition from CEM to GL-style assessments in several areas — it is possible that official confirmation may not be received until February or March 2027. At present, however, no formal announcement has been made, and we will continue to monitor developments closely.
Ultimately, our priority is to ensure children are confidently prepared without unnecessary pressure. As competition continues to increase, with some providers beginning preparation as early as Years 1 and 2, we believe it is important to adapt our offering in a measured, child-centred and positive way.
Further details will be shared in the next few days and updated as more information becomes available.
As always, if you have any questions, please do get in touch. We will continue to share the most up-to-date information as soon as we receive it.
👉A REMINDER OF THE FOLLOWING
Holiday Provision
Throughout the holidays, we will continue to offer workshops (each covering different content), mock tests, and 1:1 lessons. These will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with booking links shared in the coming weeks.
Resources & Homework
If you have already placed a book order, your resources should have been distributed. If not, ordering details can be found in the Homework section.
If you are still waiting to receive materials, please get in touch. A small amount of stock is still available for those who have not yet ordered.
Important Reminders
Parking
Please do not park on site, as the parking spaces belong to other organisations using the venue. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Attendance
Classes run Monday to Saturday. If your child is unable to attend a session, please notify us as early as possible. Where space allows, we will do our best to offer an alternative session within the same week.
As a reminder, we are now entering the final term with just 7 weeks of regular teaching remaining. We recommend gradually increasing home study to around 20–30 minutes per day, ideally split into 10–20 minute sessions.
If you are not already attending additional sessions, we strongly encourage you to consider them, as they are highly effective for boosting confidence and addressing any gaps.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support. We are looking forward to a productive and successful half term ahead.
BLOCK 6 DATES
Week 1: 18th May - 23rd May
HALF TERM HOLIDAY
Week 2: 1st June - 6th June
Week 3: 8th June - 13th June
Week 4: 15th June to 20th June
Week 5: 22nd June to 27th June
Week 6: 29th June to 4th July
Week 7: 6th July to 11th July
Week 8: 13th July to 18th July
Warm regards,
Chris, Nic, and the team
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👉👉THINGS TO BOOK
👉SUMMER MOCK TEST BOOK HERE
When theses spaces are filled I am unable to accommodate any further children.
Our mock test will cover the 4 aspects of the 11+ and the children will get the opportunity to complete 1 paper under tests conditions. All our papers are written in house alongside our GL examiner.
Mock tests are one of the most powerful tools in 11+ preparation. They don’t just check what a child knows — they recreate real exam conditions, helping students build confidence, stamina, and time-management skills before the actual test.
At Eleven Plus Success, mock exams mirror the real GL-style 11+ format across English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. This gives children a clear picture of where they are now, and exactly what they need to improve.
After each mock, parents receive detailed feedback showing strengths, weaknesses, and key areas for focus. This turns every test into a clear, personalised revision plan — not just a score.
In short, mock tests reduce exam-day stress, highlight gaps early, and give children the best possible chance of success.
👉HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS BOOK HERE
WEDNESDAYS 4:30-6:30PM
The workshops have been carefully written by Chris to cover all 4 aspects of the 11+. EACH WORKSHOP IS DIFFERENT.
With the changes to the 11+ test now looking likely to take effect from Summer 2027, I’d encourage you to book as many of these sessions as possible. Booking early helps to avoid disappointment and also enables me to plan staffing levels effectively, ensuring we can support the children in the most appropriate way.
Each workshop lasts 2 hours and covers the four key areas of the 11+ exam: Maths, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and English. Pupils work through a range of test-style questions, helping them become confident with the format, structure and timing of the GL assessment.
These sessions are especially valuable in the lead-up to the exam as they help children to:
Develop effective exam strategies – using efficient methods to improve accuracy and reduce errors.
Strengthen time management – practising under timed conditions to build pace and stamina.
Pinpoint strengths and gaps – with clear teacher guidance for targeted improvement.
Build confidence – regular practice in a supportive setting reduces anxiety.
Our workshops provide more than subject knowledge; they equip children with the practical skills and exam techniques needed to perform at their very best. They are a vital part of a well-rounded 11+ preparation programme.
👉SUMMER ONE TO ONES BOOK HERE
Spaces are limited and on a first come, first served basis. We can focus on an area of need your child has. These are also pre-bookable for Mock Test Feedback.
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HOMEWORK
Unsure how to do homework or independent study - watch this link
Coming to the end ofthe 10min test books? The next steps are the focus books. Order here
Finish the booklet from the lesson and return in the following week. Remember to complete the vocab in context.
REMEMBER: to mark the homework with your child and bring it to next lesson.
Complete at least 3 tests from each of the 10min test books. REMEMBER to mark this with your child daily & go through mistakes. Suggested time table is available in our 11+ guide. https://www.elevenplussuccess.com/11-useful-documents
