13+ Exams Explained: An Introductory Guide for Parents

Is your child aiming for a place at a top UK secondary school? Then it's time to tackle the 13+ exams. This guide is designed with you, the parent, in mind. We understand the challenges and questions that come with preparing for these important exams, so we've prepared a guide with the tools and knowledge you need to support your child every step of the way.

Let's begin!

What are the 13-plus exams?

The 13-plus exams, also known as the Common Entrance exams, are competitive entrance exams used by some of the most prestigious secondary schools in the UK to select students for admission. These exams are typically undertaken by children aged 12-13 as they transition from primary school to secondary school.

The 13-plus exams evaluate your child's academic abilities, critical thinking skills, and readiness for a challenging educational environment. They typically cover subjects like English, Mathematics, Science, and sometimes modern foreign languages, humanities, or reasoning tests. 

Each school may have different requirements, so it's important to research the specific exams for the schools you're interested in.

The 13+ exams are usually given by the schools your child applies to, and the format and content can vary. However, most 13+ exams have some common elements.

• Subjects: Exams typically cover English, Maths, and Science. Some schools may also include modern foreign languages, humanities, or reasoning tests.

• Format: While each school may have its own specific format, these subjects are generally tested in both written and multiple-choice formats.

• Skills Assessed: The exams aim to assess your child's academic abilities, critical thinking skills, and overall readiness for a challenging academic environment.

For more information on 13-plus exam questions and how you can register your child for the 13-plus exam, check out the following articles: 

• Breaking Down 13+ Exam Questions: Here's What You Need to Know 
• How do I register my child for the 13-plus (CE) exams?

Why are the 13-plus exams so important?

The 13+ exams are a crucial milestone in your child's educational journey, impacting their future academic and career prospects. Here’s why they matter:

Access to Top Schools: Performing well on the 13+ exams can open doors to some of the most prestigious secondary schools in the UK, which are highly selective and offer exceptional educational opportunities.

Strong Academic Foundation: Excelling in these exams helps build a strong academic foundation. The skills and knowledge gained during preparation can benefit your child's academic career.

Competitive Advantage: Admission to top secondary schools is highly competitive. Doing well on the 13+ exams gives your child a significant edge over their peers.

Future Opportunities: Attending a top secondary school can lead to prestigious universities, internships, and career paths. The 13+ exams can be a crucial step toward these opportunities.

How to prepare your child for the 13 Plus exams

Preparing your child for the 13+ exams involves using various resources like sample papers, past papers, and online exam papers. Many of these can be found for free or purchased online. Here are some personalised tips to help your child get ready:

General Preparation Tips:

1. Simulate Test Conditions:

• Schedule a specific time each day for practice tests.

• Ensure the practice session lasts as long as the actual exam.

• Let friends and family know not to disturb your child during this time.

2. Gather Materials:

• Have all necessary supplies ready, such as pencils, pens, and rulers.

• Use a timer set to the exact exam duration and stop writing when the timer goes off.

Tips for the English Paper:

1. Reading:

• Encourage your child to read various materials, including fiction, non-fiction, journals, and travelogues. Choose content that is at or slightly above the 13+ reading level.

• Practice answering questions about what they read. They should explain the points and provide evidence from the text.

2. Vocabulary:

• Keep a list of new words and phrases encountered during reading. Discuss these with your child and make notes. Encourage them to use new words in daily conversations.

Tips for the Composition Section:

1. Story Structure:

• Help your child practice organising their ideas to tell a story with a clear introduction, build-up, problem, resolution, and ending.

2. Paragraphs:

• Teach your child to use paragraphs to separate ideas and break up longer thoughts into smaller sections.

3. Figures of Speech:

• Encourage the use of similes, metaphors, onomatopoeia, and alliteration.

4. Vocabulary and Grammar:

• Focus on using appropriate vocabulary and checking for correct spelling and grammar.

• Practice writing clearly and neatly.

Following these tips and using available resources can help your child feel confident and prepared for the 13+ exams.

For a more detailed guide, check out How to Get Ready for 13+ Exams: A Complete Guide for Parents

Recommended resources for 13+ exam preparation

Getting the most effective resources for 13+ exam preparation can be quite an overwhelming process, as plenty of resources are available. 

Here are some recommendations to help you make informed decisions:

1. Practice Papers:

Using practice papers is a great way to help your child familiarise with the exam format and sharpen their skills. Reputable sources like PI Academy, Owl Tutors, and Exam Papers Plus offer a variety of practice papers that closely match the actual exams.

2. Online Courses:

Online courses can be beneficial, offering comprehensive and interactive materials such as video lessons, quizzes, and practice tests. Look for courses specifically designed for the 13+ exams and check for positive reviews from other parents and students.

3. Tutoring Services:

Hiring a tutor can provide your child with personalised guidance and support. Seek tutors experienced with the 13+ exams with a proven track record of helping students succeed.

4. Study Guides and Textbooks:

Good study guides and textbooks offer structured content and clear explanations of key topics covered in the exams. Look for resources recommended by teachers or those with positive reviews from other parents.

Choosing resources that align with your child's learning style and preferences is important. Experiment with different resources and adapt your approach based on what works best for your child.

Creating a study schedule for the 13 Plus exams

A well-structured study schedule is key to effective exam preparation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create one for your child:

1. Assess Available Study Time:

• Consider your child’s school timetable, extracurricular activities, and other commitments.

• Determine the available study time around these activities.

2. Prioritize Subjects and Topics:

• Identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses.

• Focus more time on subjects and topics that need extra attention.

3. Break Down Study Sessions:

• Divide the available study time into smaller, manageable sessions.

• Aim for regular study sessions rather than cramming.

4. Set Specific Goals:

• Define clear objectives for each study session, like completing a practice paper or reviewing a topic.

• This helps keep your child motivated and focused.

5. Include Regular Breaks:

• Prevent burnout and maintain productivity by incorporating breaks.

• Use the Pomodoro Technique: study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After four sessions, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes.

• During breaks, encourage your child to stretch, do a quick workout, or practice relaxation techniques to boost focus and energy.

6. Monitor and Adjust:

• Regularly review your child’s progress and adjust the schedule if needed.

• Celebrate their achievements and provide constructive feedback to keep them motivated.

7. Be Flexible:

• Every child is unique. Adapt the study schedule based on your child’s individual needs and preferences.

To help you get started, we’ve created a weekly revision planner. You can customise this planner to fit your child’s specific needs by organising their exam preparation into manageable weekly chunks.

Downloadable PDF of MyEdSpace weekly planner: click here for a downloadable version. 

Tips for managing stress during the 13-plus exam

Worrying about your child's future schooling can be overwhelming, but staying calm and balanced is important. Put the 13+ exam into perspective within your family's broader context.

Remember, the 13+ exam results are less critical than fundamental aspects of life like good health, financial stability, and a safe home. Keeping this perspective can help manage stress and remind you of what truly matters.

Children often feel stressed during the 13+ exams, partly due to anxiety from peers about future schooling. 

To help manage this stress:

• Regularly reassure them about their future, regardless of the 13+ exam outcome. Explain the backup plan ("Plan B") and ensure they understand that alternatives are still positive.

• Continually affirm your pride in their effort, regardless of the results. Emphasise that their hard work in preparing and taking the test is what counts.

• Consider how you handle rewards—reward effort rather than achievement to avoid additional disappointment and reinforce the value of hard work and resilience.

By maintaining perspective and focusing on these strategies, you can help reduce your child's exam stress and support them through this challenging time.

Common mistakes to avoid while preparing for the 13-plus exams

As your child prepares for the 13+ exams, it's important to be aware of common mistakes that can hinder their success. Understanding these pitfalls will help you guide your child and improve their chances of doing well.

1. Time Management: One common mistake is poor time management, which can lead to rushed answers and incomplete sections. Help your child practice managing their time by setting timers for each question or section during their study sessions.

2. Exam Techniques: Another key aspect is understanding the exam format and requirements. Make sure your child is familiar with strategies like skimming passages, underlining key information, and strategically answering questions.

3. Over-Reliance on Memorisation: Rote memorisation can be useful, but focusing on understanding concepts and applying knowledge is crucial. Encourage your child to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills instead of just memorising answers.

4. Ignoring Feedback: Feedback is essential for improvement. Ensure your child reviews their practice papers and learns from their mistakes. Help them identify areas that need more practice and provide constructive feedback to support their growth.

5. Neglecting Self-Care: While exam preparation can be intense, your child needs to prioritise self-care. Encourage them to take breaks, engage in enjoyable activities, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. A well-rested and balanced mind performs better.

Keeping these common mistakes in mind can help your child prepare more effectively for the 13+ exams and enhance their chances of success.

5 steps to support your child during the 13 Plus exams

To help your child during the 13 Plus exams, it's crucial that you, as a parent, offer support and encouragement to your child. Here are some ways you can do that:

Conclusion 

As you prepare your child for the 13+ exams, remember that MyEdSpace offers comprehensive teaching in Maths, Science, and English. To further support your child's academic journey, visit our main website and explore our range of learning resources. Let us help your child achieve their best in the upcoming exams.

Visit MyEdSpace for more information and resources.

Remember, the 13+ exams are just one part of your child's educational journey. Regardless of the exam results, continue to provide love, support, and guidance as they explore their passions and interests. With your unwavering support, your child will thrive and succeed in their academic pursuits.