The 11+ test results day can be an anxious and exciting time for both children and parents. After months of preparation, studying, and hard work, waiting for the results can be nerve-wracking. While your child has done their best in the exam, it’s important to be prepared for the results and know how to handle the day positively, regardless of the outcome. In this blog, we’ll guide you on how to prepare for 11+ test results and manage the day with calm and confidence.
1. Keep Perspective: Understand What the 11+ Is
First, it’s crucial to understand that the 11+ exam is a tool for assessing suitability for grammar or selective schools. While it is important, the outcome doesn’t define your child’s future. Plenty of children thrive and succeed academically and personally without passing the 11+. Help your child (and yourself) keep this perspective to manage expectations and ease the pressure surrounding results day.
2. Know the Results Timeline
Understanding when and how the results will be announced can help you prepare better for the day. Typically, results are provided by email or letter, and the exact method will vary depending on the school or region where your child took the test. Be sure you have these key details in advance:
Date of Results Release: Mark it clearly on your calendar.
How Results Are Delivered: Will it be via email, post, or through an online portal?
Time of Release: Sometimes, schools provide a specific time for results release. Knowing this will prevent unnecessary stress from waiting all day.
3. Stay Calm and Positive Before Results Day
In the days leading up to the results, it’s normal to feel anxious. However, your child will pick up on your emotions, so try to stay calm and composed. Remind them of how proud you are of their effort, regardless of the outcome. Encourage activities that reduce stress and tension, such as going for a walk, playing sports, or engaging in hobbies.
4. Prepare Your Child for All Outcomes
It’s important to talk to your child about the possible outcomes of the 11+ results in a supportive way. Explain that while you hope for a positive result, not passing the exam doesn’t mean failure. Reassure them that there are many great school options available and that their success in life is not dependent on this one test.
Some points to cover:
Celebrate Their Effort: Remind them how proud you are of their hard work and perseverance throughout the preparation process.
Discuss Next Steps: Talk about the different school options available, both if they pass and if they don’t. This will give them a sense of security.
Encourage a Growth Mindset: Emphasize that setbacks can be part of the learning process and that they can always grow from the experience.
5. Managing Expectations: Yours and Theirs
As a parent, it’s natural to hope for the best outcome, but managing your own expectations is just as important. Be mindful of how you talk about the test and the potential results. Avoid putting too much emphasis on the test score and instead focus on your child’s overall abilities and potential. Your approach will help your child understand that the 11+ is only one part of their educational journey.
6. Be Ready to Respond to Results
When the results arrive, be prepared to support your child emotionally, whether the news is good or not. Here’s how to handle both outcomes:
If Your Child Passes:
Celebrate their achievement and hard work.
Discuss the next steps, such as school options and any further preparations that might be needed.
Remain humble and encourage them to continue working hard in their studies.
If Your Child Doesn’t Pass:
Stay calm and provide reassurance. It’s important to show that you’re not disappointed.
Acknowledge their effort and focus on their strengths.
Talk about the alternative school options in a positive light.
Encourage them to keep working hard, and explain that many successful people didn’t attend selective schools.
7. Plan for Post-Results Discussions
After receiving the results, you might need to contact the school or consider options like appeals, depending on the outcome. Be prepared to:
Contact the School: If the result is unexpected, or you have any questions, schools usually have processes in place for discussing the results or making appeals.
Appeal Process: If your child was very close to the cut-off mark and you believe they deserve another look (e.g., due to illness on test day), investigate the appeal process carefully.
Alternative Schools: If necessary, be ready to explore other schools, including comprehensive or independent options, and present them positively to your child.
8. Support Them Emotionally After Results
Regardless of the outcome, it’s important to provide emotional support to your child after the results are announced. Some tips:
Listen to Their Feelings: Allow them to express their feelings, whether they’re happy, disappointed, or anxious.
Avoid Comparisons: Refrain from comparing your child’s results to those of their peers, which can cause unnecessary stress or competition.
Celebrate Their Hard Work: Plan a fun activity or a special treat to show that you value their effort, not just the outcome.
9. Prepare for the Next Stage
Whether your child is going to a grammar school or a non-selective school, focus on preparing them for the transition to secondary school. Encourage them to continue learning and developing their skills. The 11+ is just the start of a long educational journey, and the next few years will offer many new opportunities for growth and success.
10. Celebrate the Journey
Finally, remember that preparing for the 11+ is a significant undertaking, and your child has worked hard to get to this point. No matter the results, take time to celebrate the journey and the skills they’ve developed along the way—such as perseverance, problem-solving, and time management. These qualities will help them succeed in the future, both in school and beyond.
Final Thoughts
As results day approaches, it’s natural to feel anxious, but being well-prepared can help you and your child manage the day calmly and positively. By setting realistic expectations, offering emotional support, and focusing on the bigger picture, you can turn the 11+ results into a positive learning experience, no matter the outcome.
If you need help preparing for the day, feel free to call EL Bucks.
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