Tip 1: Find the Right Study Spot
It doesn’t have to be a Pinterest-perfect home office - just a quiet space, away from noisy distractions, and definitely no screens blaring in the background. (Yes, even if they swear that having the TV on "helps them concentrate." We’ve heard that one too - don’t fall for it!)
Some soft background music might be okay - instrumentals or nature sounds can help - but anything with lyrics or TikTok jingles? No way! And they won't need their phone to help them study, unless they're using it to run the Club 11 Plus app, so make sure they don't have it next to them, where it could so easily distract them (we're all guilty of that one!).
Tip 2: Set a Start Time and a Finish Time
Children (and adults, if we're honest) focus better when there’s a clear end in sight. A 30 to 40-minute study slot, followed by a break, works wonders. They can pace themselves and know it won’t last forever. It’s a study session, not a life sentence.
Tip 3: Focus on Purpose, Not Pressure
It’s tempting to say, “It’s really important that you pass the 11 Plus!” But that kind of pressure rarely motivates. Instead, focus on the idea of doing your best - to feel proud of your effort and to give yourself the best chance. Whether they pass or not, they’ll know they gave it their all, and that’s what really counts.
Tip 4: Praise the Process, Not Just the Results
If your child sits down and studies for the full time, give them a big thumbs-up - even if they didn’t score highly on the quizzes. The habit of concentrating, trying, and sticking with it is worth celebrating.
When they finish, ask how it went:
• What did they do?
• What was tricky?
• What was easy?
• Did anything leave them totally stuck?
This tells them you're interested in how they’re learning, not just what they scored.
Tip 5: Start by Sitting with Them (Just for a Bit)
The first time they use a new study method or tool - like an online school, workbook, or app - sit with them, and talk them through it, but explain that you won’t always be there. After a session or two, step back and let them take the lead.
Tip 6: Make Sure They Know What to Study
This bit can trip up even the most organised child. Some books or online platforms include more subjects than your child actually needs, so before they dive in, check the specific 11 Plus requirements for your chosen school (you’ll usually find this information on the school's website). There’s no point in revising spatial rotation puzzles if your chosen grammar school doesn’t test non-verbal reasoning.
Tip 7: Do the Lessons Before the Quizzes
If your child is using Club 11 Plus, it can be tempting for them to jump straight to the quizzes (especially for the competitive types), but it’s really important that children do the lessons first. The quizzes make a lot more sense that way, and so does the learning.
Tip 8: Track Progress - Without Pressure
If your child is using Club 11 Plus, we send you an email after every quiz with the score, and we also keep a running record of all their quiz results, so you can check in anytime to see how they’re doing. It’s a great way to celebrate their progress, spot subjects that might need more attention, and gently nudge them to focus more on, say, English if that’s falling behind, rather than only doing the non-verbal reasoning they already love (though let’s face it—doing something you’re good at is motivating, so we won’t fight it too hard).
If they get things wrong, that’s okay! What matters is going back, learning from it, and having another go. Guessing and getting lucky doesn’t count as understanding - though there are plenty of children who seem to think it does!
Remind them: it’s not about the score (especially not at first). A low score during practice is just a stepping stone to improvement.
Tip 9: Equip Them for Success
Make sure they’ve got all the practical items they need: tablet or laptop, headphones maybe, plus a notepad and pencil. This isn’t just for doodling stickmen - being able to jot down calculations, quick notes, or cracked codes can make all the difference.
Our Final Thoughts
Helping your child develop independent study habits isn’t about letting go completely - it’s about guiding them towards confidence. At Club 11 Plus, we’re here to help with that. Our lessons are designed to be clear, supportive, and even a little bit fun (yes, really), and we keep track of progress for you, so you can praise effort, spot gaps, and gradually give your child more control.
They won’t turn into a self-motivated study ninja overnight - but with the right tools, a clear routine, and your calm encouragement, they’ll hopefully get there in the end.
And you might even get five minutes to drink a cup of tea while it’s still hot. Imagine that!
Click here to unlock your 7-day FREE trial and subscribe to Club 11 Plus.