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11+ test day checklist for parents

Updated 2026-11-04

After months of preparation, the test day itself can feel like a big moment for the whole family. A little planning makes the day calmer and lets your child walk in feeling ready. This checklist covers the night before, the morning and the time afterwards.

A few days before

Read every letter, email and instruction from the council or school carefully. They usually tell you where to go, what time to arrive, what your child should bring and what is not allowed. If anything is unclear, contact the test centre or school in good time rather than on the morning itself.

Check the test centre address and plan your route, with a backup in case of roadworks or delays.
Find out where to park or drop off, and how early you should arrive.
Check whether your child needs an admission letter, candidate number or other paperwork.
Tell the school or council in advance about any medical needs or agreed access arrangements.
Ease off revision; the last few days are for rest, not new topics.

The night before

Keep the evening as normal as you can. A favourite meal, a little time to play or read and the usual bedtime routine send a quiet message that this is just another day. Avoid last-minute practice papers, which are more likely to unsettle a child than to help.

Pack the bag together so your child knows what is in it.
Lay out comfortable clothes in layers, as test rooms can be warm or cold.
Put the paperwork, directions and phone somewhere you will not forget them.
Set an alarm that leaves plenty of time for breakfast without rushing.
Aim for a normal bedtime; it is fine if sleep takes a little longer than usual.

What to bring

Always follow the instructions you have been sent, as each test centre has its own rules. Some provide all equipment; others ask children to bring their own. The items below are common, but check before packing.

Any admission letter or paperwork you have been asked to bring.
Two or three sharpened pencils, or a black pen if the instructions ask for one.
A rubber and a pencil sharpener, if allowed.
A clear water bottle, if allowed.
A simple watch without smart features, if allowed; many centres show the time instead.
A small snack for the break or for afterwards, if the centre permits it.
Glasses, an inhaler or any medicine your child needs, clearly labelled.

Leave phones, smart watches and anything that makes a noise at home or with you. If in doubt about any item, leave it out.

The morning

Give your child a breakfast they know and like, ideally something that will keep them going, such as toast, cereal, eggs or porridge. This is not the morning to try something new. Leave home with time to spare so that a traffic jam does not become a panic. Arriving a little early, then going for a short walk nearby, is better than arriving at the last minute.

Make sure your child has been to the toilet before going in, and remind them they can put up a hand to ask an invigilator if they need anything during the test.

Handling nerves

Feeling nervous is normal, and a little nervousness can even help a child stay alert. What matters is that the nerves do not take over. Children pick up on adults' feelings, so try to stay calm and cheerful yourself, even if your own stomach is churning.

Keep conversation light: talk about the weekend, a pet or a plan for later.
Remind them they have prepared and only need to do their best.
Try a simple breathing exercise together: breathe in for four, out for six.
Remind them that if they get stuck, they can move on and come back.
Keep the goodbye short and warm; long farewells can make worries grow.

Avoid last-minute advice or quick questions in the car. Your child already knows what they know. A hug and a smile are more useful than a final reminder about fractions.

While you wait and afterwards

Find somewhere comfortable to wait if you need to stay nearby, and make sure you arrive back at the collection point on time. When your child comes out, let them lead the conversation. Some children want to talk through every question; others want to forget about it entirely. Both are fine.

Resist the urge to quiz them on how it went or to compare notes with other parents in the car park. Children are rarely good judges of their own performance straight after a test, and second-guessing answers helps nobody. Plan something relaxing for the rest of the day, such as a trip to the park or a favourite film, to mark the end of a lot of hard work.

Whatever happens next, make sure your child knows you are proud of the effort they have made. That message matters far more than any result.

Questions parents ask

What should my child eat before the 11+?

A familiar, filling breakfast they enjoy is best. Avoid trying anything new on the morning of the test.

Can my child take a calculator or ruler?

Only bring what the test centre allows. Check the instructions you have been sent, as rules vary and some centres supply equipment.

What if my child is unwell on test day?

Contact the council or school as soon as possible. Many have arrangements for illness, but the rules and deadlines differ, so check what yours says.

Want to see what a paper set out like your child's test looks like? Every pack and handbook has a free sample. Find your test area or try the free flash cards.