--- type: "Article" title: "Is My Child Ready for the 11 Plus? A Parent Checklist" description: "A simple 11+ readiness checklist for parents: core skills in English, maths and reasoning, timing, review habits and how calm your child feels." resource: https://pip11plus.com/is-my-child-ready-for-the-11-plus tags: ["11+", "pip"] timestamp: 2026-10-13T19:42:37Z image: https://pip11plus.com/og-image.png --- Planning # Is My Child Ready for the 11 Plus? A Parent Checklist Use this simple 11+ readiness check for skills, timing, confidence and exam habits. [Get the short answer](#quick-answer) [See the table](#checklist) ![Pip progress report showing scores and focus areas](https://pip11plus.com/app-shots/pseo/pip-progress-report.jpg) _Clear progress for parents._ **TL;DR** - A ready child has **secure core skills**, knows the **test style** and can work with **calm focus**. - Readiness is **not one mock score**: check English, maths, reasoning, timing, review habits and how your child feels. - A good sign is that **mistakes are understood and reduce** over time. - Not ready yet? Pick the **largest gap** and work on it in small steps rather than adding more full papers. ## The short answer **A ready child has secure core skills, knows the test style and can work with calm focus. Readiness is not one mock score. Check English, maths, reasoning, timing, review habits and how your child feels.** Check Skills, timing and calm Do not use alone One mock score Good sign Mistakes are understood and reduce Main goal A child who can work without panic ## Start with the right test Find the format used by each target school. Some tests use four subjects. Others use only English and maths. School papers can include writing. A child cannot be ready for a test that the family has not checked. Use the school or council site as the final source. ## Check the core skills In English, look for close reading, word meaning and clear grammar. In maths, check number facts and multi-step problems. For reasoning, check whether your child can explain the rule. A clear next step ## Turn what you learn into a simple practice plan Pip gives short English, maths and reasoning practice. Parents can see scores, focus areas and recent work. - Free daily practice - Instant answers and clear feedback - Progress that is easy to check [Download Pip on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/pip-11-practice/id6775690698) [Get Pip on Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pip11plus.app) [Available at Amazon Appstore](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0HKGJ4HTP) ![An English question in Pip](https://pip11plus.com/app-shots/pseo/pip-homophones-question.jpg) _Short, focused practice._ ![A progress report in Pip](https://pip11plus.com/app-shots/pseo/pip-progress-report.jpg) _Useful facts for parents._ ## Check exam habits Your child should read instructions, mark answers in the right place and move on when stuck. These small habits save marks. ## Check how your child feels Nerves are normal. Daily fear, poor sleep or tears are a sign to reduce pressure. A calm child with solid skills is better placed than a tired child with more papers done. ## A simple parent checklist | Area | Ready signs | Needs more work | | --- | --- | --- | | Knowledge | Core work is mostly secure | Basic methods are often forgotten | | Timing | Finishes most short sets | Rushes or gets stuck | | Review | Can explain mistakes | Only checks the mark | | Confidence | Nervous but able to begin | Avoids or panics often | Small steps add up ## Keep practice calm, short and useful Pip helps children practise a little each day. It helps parents see what to do next without another long paper. [Download Pip on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/pip-11-practice/id6775690698) [Get Pip on Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pip11plus.app) [Available at Amazon Appstore](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0HKGJ4HTP) ![Pip practice hub](https://pip11plus.com/app-shots/pseo/pip-practice-hub.jpg) ## Sources and checks Rules and dates can change. Check the official source before you act. - [Pip exam format guide](https://pip11plus.com/what-format-do-11-plus-papers-come-in) - [Pip preparation guide](https://pip11plus.com/when-should-you-start-preparing-for-the-11-plus) ## Questions parents ask **Does a high mock score mean my child is ready?** It is one useful sign. Check the paper level, timing, subject balance and stress too. **What if my child is not ready yet?** Choose the largest gap and work on it in small steps. Do not add more full papers at once. **Can we start late?** Yes. Focus on the exact test and the biggest gaps. Keep the plan calm and realistic. ## Read next [does doing well in sats mean 11 plus success](https://pip11plus.com/does-doing-well-in-sats-mean-11-plus-success) [how many hours a week should my child study for the 11 plus](https://pip11plus.com/how-many-hours-a-week-should-my-child-study-for-the-11-plus) [how to reduce my childs 11 plus exam anxiety](https://pip11plus.com/how-to-reduce-my-childs-11-plus-exam-anxiety)