Choosing a school for your child is an important decision and the 11 plus exam (11+) will play a part in your choice of school. Grammar schools in the Kent Council area cater for children who are deemed selective under the 11+ exams.

The content of the 11+ exam in the Kent area is:
• Mathematics test
• Verbal reasoning test
• Non-verbal reasoning test
• English writing exercise

Parents need to be aware of their child's true ability. Entering a child for the 11+ when they simply will not be able to cope with the academic demands of a selective secondary school will be detrimental to the child's self-esteem. On the other hand, preparing and tutoring children who clearly have the potential to pass the 11+ will dramatically increase their chances of success as schools are asked not to coach children for the assessment process.

Preparation does not necessarily mean employing a private tutor for between £25 and £50 per hour - many parents are quite capable of tutoring their own children to pass the 11+. It would be more economical to buy plenty of 11+ revision guides, assessment, and practice papers to work with at home. 11+ preparation is all about practice - revising concepts and completing test papers until they become second nature.

Children should not be stressed or over-burdened with work or parental expectations - remember, they are only 11, sometimes 10. The atmosphere at home needs to be calm and positive. There's absolutely nothing wrong with using incentives - otherwise known as "bribery" - if they help a child to focus and persevere.

Start early (assessment papers start for ages 6-7). At least 9 months before the date of the exam, complete a test paper once a week. To begin with, let children use their school books and revision guides to help complete the test papers until they are confident to work independently. Explain any tricky concepts thoroughly and praise the child's efforts. Children should be completing 2 or 3 practice papers a week with speed and accuracy, in the build up to the exams.

There are several websites which provide interactive computerised tests - these are a refreshing change to be used perhaps once a fortnight, but the greatest benefit is in the 11+ paper tests - this is how your child will be tested in the real exam. Visit www.thinksmilelearn.co.uk and The Parent Teacher Centre, Riverhead, Sevenoaks and you will find a range of the most up to date 11+ practice papers and revision guides. They also offer reliable advice for parents on the best 11+ practice products.

Emily Johnson-Jones - Former Primary Headteacher and associate with The Parent Teacher Centre.