Your Guide to Creating an Effective Study Schedule for the 11 Plus Exam
Preparing for the 11 Plus exam can feel overwhelming, especially for families juggling school, homework, and extracurricular activities. A clear, realistic study schedule helps bring structure to that preparation, making revision more manageable and far less stressful. The goal is not to study for long hours every day, but to build consistent habits that support steady progress.
Understanding the 11 Plus Exam Requirements
Before creating a schedule, it’s important to understand what your child is preparing for. The 11 Plus typically assesses English, mathematics, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning, although the exact format varies depending on the school or region.
Take time to confirm:
- Which subjects are included in your child’s exam
- Whether there are multiple papers
- The exam date and any practice test deadlines
This information shapes how much time should be allocated to each subject and prevents gaps in preparation.
Assessing Your Child’s Starting Point
An effective study schedule begins with an honest assessment of current ability. Short diagnostic tests or practice questions can help identify strengths and weaker areas.
Use this assessment to:
- Prioritise subjects that need more attention
- Avoid overloading areas your child already finds easy
- Set realistic improvement goals
This approach ensures study time is used efficiently rather than evenly.
Setting Realistic Study Goals
Clear goals give your schedule purpose. Instead of vague targets like “revise maths,” focus on specific outcomes.
Examples include:
- Practise fractions and percentages
- Learn five new vocabulary words
- Complete one verbal reasoning practice set
Small, achievable goals build confidence and help children see progress, which is especially important during longer preparation periods.
Building a Weekly Study Plan
A weekly structure provides consistency while allowing flexibility for school commitments and family time. When planning the week:
- Schedule short sessions, usually 30 to 45 minutes
- Aim for four to six study days per week rather than daily cramming
- Mix subjects to keep sessions varied and engaging
Many families find that weekday sessions work best for lighter practice, while weekends allow slightly longer revision or mock tests.
Balancing Subjects Effectively
Avoid focusing on just one subject for weeks at a time. A balanced schedule keeps all skills developing together.
A typical weekly balance might include:
- Two maths sessions
- Two English sessions
- One verbal reasoning session
- One non-verbal reasoning session
Adjust this balance as needed based on progress and upcoming test dates.
Including Regular Review and Practice Tests
Revision is most effective when previous topics are revisited regularly. Build review time into the schedule to reinforce learning.
This can include:
- Weekly recap sessions
- Timed practice questions
- Monthly mock tests under exam conditions
Practice tests help children become familiar with timing and reduce exam-day anxiety.
Allowing Time for Breaks and Rest
Rest is a crucial part of effective learning. Children preparing for the 11 Plus still need time to relax, play, and recharge.
Make sure the schedule:
- Includes free evenings or afternoons
- Allows time for sports and hobbies
- Avoids back-to-back study sessions
A well-rested child is more focused, motivated, and able to retain information.
Reviewing and Adjusting the Schedule
No study schedule should be fixed forever. Review progress every few weeks and make adjustments as needed.
Consider:
- Increasing time for topics that remain challenging
- Reducing repetition in mastered areas
- Adjusting session length if attention is fading
Involving your child in these discussions helps them feel more in control and invested in their learning.
Final Thoughts
An effective 11 Plus study schedule is realistic, flexible, and tailored to your child’s needs. By focusing on consistent effort rather than long hours, you create a supportive routine that builds confidence alongside academic skills. With the right plan in place, preparation becomes less about pressure and more about steady progress toward success.
