The day has finally arrived. After months of hard work, consistent practice, and unwavering effort, the 11+ exam is here. All the preparation has been done, and the single most important thing you can do now is ensure the day itself runs as smoothly and calmly as possible.
A well-managed exam morning can make a huge difference to your child’s performance. When a child feels prepared, calm, and supported, they are in the best possible mindset to walk into the exam hall and show what they truly know. Panic over a missing pencil or a traffic jam can create unnecessary anxiety that affects concentration.
At elevenplus.com, we believe that a great exam day starts the night before with a solid plan. This definitive checklist is designed to remove the stress, eliminate the last-minute panic, and provide a clear, step-by-step guide for both parents and children.
In this definitive guide, you will find:
- A clear checklist for the night before (for both parents and kids).
- A step-by-step guide to a calm and positive exam day morning.
- The ultimate “Exam Kit” checklist of what to pack.
- Expert tips for managing the moments just before and after the test.
The 3 C’s of a Successful Exam Day: Key Takeaways
Before we dive into the details, remember the three core principles for the 24 hours around the exam. Your entire focus should be on creating:
- Calm: A stress-free environment where your child feels reassured and supported, not pressured. Your mood is contagious.
- Comfort: Familiar routines, comfortable clothes, and a favourite breakfast. Avoid any new surprises.
- Celebration: Acknowledge the huge effort your child has put in, regardless of the outcome. The journey to this day is an achievement in itself.
The Night Before: The Foundation for a Calm Morning
A successful exam day begins with a calm and organised evening.
For Parents: The Logistics Checklist
- Pack the Bag: Use our “Exam Kit” checklist below to pack your child’s bag with them. Doing it together ensures they know where everything is.
- Check the Venue Details: Reread the exam confirmation email. Double-check the address of the test centre, the arrival time, and any specific parking instructions.
- Plan Your Journey: Use a map app to check your route and estimated travel time. Add a 20-30 minute buffer to account for unexpected traffic or delays.
- Prepare the Outfit: Lay out your child’s comfortable clothes for the next day.
- Prepare a Simple Breakfast: Have a plan for a nutritious, low-sugar breakfast that you know your child enjoys.
For the Child: The Relaxation Checklist
- No Last-Minute Cramming: The work is done. Tonight is not for revision. Trust in your preparation.
- Eat a Good Dinner: Have a familiar, comforting, and nutritious evening meal.
- Relax and Unwind: Do something you enjoy that isn’t screen-related. Read a favourite book, listen to music, or play a board game with the family.
- Early to Bed: Aim for a good night’s sleep to ensure your brain is rested and ready for the next day.
The Morning of the Exam: Creating a Positive Atmosphere
Your mood as a parent will set the tone for the morning. Your primary job is to be a calm, reassuring, and positive presence.
For Parents: The Calm Checklist
- Wake Up Early: Give yourself plenty of time before your child wakes up to get ready and feel organised.
- Provide a Good Breakfast: Offer the planned breakfast. Avoid sugary cereals that can lead to a mid-morning energy crash.
- Keep Conversation Light: Talk about anything other than the exam. Chat about weekend plans or something fun you can do later.
- Leave on Time: Stick to your planned departure time. Rushing will only create stress.
For the Child: The Readiness Checklist
- Get Dressed: Put on the comfortable clothes you laid out last night.
- Eat Your Breakfast: Fuel your brain for the morning ahead.
- Stay Calm: Remember the breathing techniques you’ve practised. You’ve prepared for this, and you are ready.
The Ultimate “Exam Kit” Checklist
Pack this in a clear, transparent bag or pencil case.
- Several HB Pencils: At least 3-4, already sharpened.
- A Good Quality Eraser
- A Pencil Sharpener
- A Bottle of Water: In a clear, label-free bottle.
- A Small, Healthy Snack: Such as a banana or cereal bar for before or after the exam (check the school’s rules on bringing snacks into the hall).
- A Watch: A simple, analogue watch (not a smartwatch, which is not allowed).
- Tissues
- A Book or Comic: To read while waiting for the exam to start.
[Image: A flat lay of the “Exam Kit” items neatly arranged: pencils, eraser, sharpener, water bottle, and a watch.]
After the Exam: Celebrate the Effort
When you pick your child up, they will likely be exhausted.
- Don’t Interrogate Them: Avoid asking “How did it go?” or “Was it hard?” Let them decompress. They will talk about it when they are ready.
- Praise Their Effort: The most important thing to say is, “I am so proud of you for all your hard work and for trying your best.”
- Do Something Fun: Mark the occasion by doing something enjoyable and completely unrelated to the 11+. Go for a treat, see a film, or just relax at home. The journey to this day was a huge achievement in itself, and that deserves to be celebrated.
By following this simple checklist, you can remove the logistical stress from the 11+ exam day, allowing your child to focus all their mental energy on what matters most: showing the examiner everything they have learned.
Ready to build your child’s confidence for the big day?
➡️ Read our definitive guide: Beyond Scores: How to Build Your Child’s Confidence for the 11+.
