Preparing for a 12 Plus or 13 Plus entrance exam is about much more than revising in the weeks before the test. Successful 12 and 13 Plus preparation starts with choosing the right school, understanding the admissions process, creating a realistic study plan, and building strong subject knowledge over time.
Whether your child is applying for a grammar school late transfer or an independent school, this 12 and 13 Plus preparation checklist will help you stay organised, avoid common mistakes, and prepare with confidence.
The Ultimate 12 and 13 Plus Preparation Checklist
Every school has its own admissions requirements, exam format, and timeline, so preparing early is essential. Use this 12 Plus and 13 Plus preparation checklist to make sure your child is ready for every stage of the application process.
Understand Your Target School’s Admissions Process
Before beginning revision, take time to understand how your chosen school admits pupils. This is one of the most important steps in 12 and 13 Plus preparation, as every school follows its own admissions policy.
Research the admissions criteria
Start by reading the school’s admissions policy carefully. Check:
- Who is eligible to apply.
- Whether the school accepts late-transfer applications.
- How places are allocated if more children qualify than there are vacancies.
- Whether catchment areas or other oversubscription criteria apply.
Understanding these requirements early helps you focus your preparation on schools that are genuinely suitable for your child.
Check the entry requirements
Every school has different expectations for applicants. Look for information about:
- Eligible year groups.
- Previous school reports.
- Teacher references.
- Proof of address or residency requirements.
- Additional documents requested during the application.
Knowing exactly what is required prevents unnecessary delays later in the process.
Understand the exam format
One of the biggest mistakes parents make is preparing for the wrong type of assessment. Before your child starts revising, find out:
- Which exam board the school uses (such as GL Assessment, ISEB Common Entrance, or a school-specific paper).
- How many papers are included?
- Whether questions are multiple-choice or written.
- The length of each paper.
- Which subjects are assessed.
Knowing what to expect in the 13 Plus exam or a 12 Plus late-transfer assessment allows you to prepare much more effectively.
Check whether interviews are included
Many independent schools include an interview as part of the admissions process. Children may be asked about:
- Their favourite books.
- School subjects they enjoy.
- Hobbies and interests.
- Why do they want to join the school?
- Their future ambitions.
Practising simple conversations at home can significantly improve confidence before interview day.
Register Before the Deadline
One of the easiest mistakes to avoid is missing the application deadline. Every school sets its own timetable, so always check the admissions page well in advance.
Check registration dates
Parents often ask “How do I register my child for the 13 Plus?” The answer depends on the school. For grammar schools, registration is usually managed by the local authority or the individual school. For independent schools, applications are submitted directly through the school’s admissions office. Keep track of:
- 13 Plus registration deadlines.
- Examination dates.
- Interview dates.
- Offer dates.
- Acceptance deadlines.
If your child is applying for a grammar school late transfer, also monitor 12 Plus late transfer registration dates, as these are usually available for a limited period only.
Prepare the required documents
Many schools ask parents to submit supporting documents alongside the application. These may include:
- School reports.
- Birth certificate or passport.
- Proof of address.
- Recent academic records.
Preparing everything in advance makes registration much smoother.
Check whether references are needed
Some independent schools request references from your child’s current school or headteacher. If references are required:
- Inform the school early.
- Allow sufficient time for teachers to complete them.
- Check submission deadlines carefully.
Confirm registration fees
Many independent schools charge an application or registration fee, whereas grammar school applications are often free. Always confirm:
- Registration fee.
- Payment deadline.
- Refund policy (if applicable).
Build a Weekly Study Plan
One of the most common questions parents ask is “When should I start 13 Plus preparation?”
Ideally, children should begin 9 to 12 months before the exam, giving them enough time to improve gradually without feeling overwhelmed.
If you’re wondering how far in advance to prepare for the 13 Plus, the answer depends on your child’s current ability, but consistent preparation almost always produces better results than last-minute revision.
Create a realistic timetable
Your child’s study plan should be manageable and consistent. Aim for several short sessions each week instead of one long weekend session. Include time for:
- English
- Mathematics
- Reasoning
- Reading
- Writing
- Weekly review
Following a structured routine makes your 13 Plus preparation checklist much easier to manage.
Balance study with schoolwork
Preparation for the 12 and 13 Plus exam papers should support your child’s normal school learning. Continue completing:
- Homework.
- Classroom revision.
- Reading assignments.
- School projects.
The strongest candidates build on what they already learn in school.
Review progress every week
At the end of each week:
- Review completed work.
- Identify weaker topics.
- Adjust next week’s timetable.
- Set realistic goals.
Small improvements every week lead to significant progress over several months.
Follow the 13 Plus exam timeline
Instead of leaving revision until the final weeks, follow a gradual preparation plan. A typical 13 Plus exam timeline might include:
- 9–12 months before: Understand the exam format and build core skills.
- 6 months before: Begin regular timed practice.
- 3 months before: Complete mock papers and strengthen weaker areas.
- Final month: Focus on revision, confidence, and exam technique.
Strengthen Core Skills
Building strong foundations in key areas is essential for effective 12 and 13 Plus preparation. Focus on the following skills:
English Skills
- Reading comprehension: understanding passages, identifying key information, and explaining answers with evidence.
- Vocabulary development: learning new words and using them confidently in writing and conversation.
- Grammar and punctuation: improving sentence structure, spelling, tenses, and accuracy.
- Creative writing: practising stories, descriptive writing, essays, and written responses.
Maths Skills
- Arithmetic: improving accuracy in calculations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
- Fractions, decimals, and percentages: mastering key problem-solving concepts.
- Algebra: practising equations, sequences, and logical mathematical thinking.
- Geometry: revising shapes, angles, area, perimeter, and coordinates.
- Word problems: developing skills to identify information and apply the correct methods.
Reasoning Skills
- Verbal Reasoning: practising vocabulary, sequences, codes, and logical word-based problems.
- Non-Verbal Reasoning: developing pattern recognition, spatial awareness, and visual problem-solving.
- Timed practice: improving speed, accuracy, and confidence when answering reasoning questions.
Develop Strong Exam Technique
Knowing the subject content is only part of exam success. Good exam technique helps children perform at their best under pressure.
Manage Time Effectively
Teach your child to:
- Work at a steady pace.
- Avoid spending too long on one question.
- Leave enough time to review completed answers.
Timed practice papers are one of the best ways to improve time management.
Read Every Question Carefully
Many marks are lost because children misunderstand the question rather than the topic itself. Encourage your child to:
- Read the entire question before answering.
- Underline important words.
- Double-check what the question is asking.
Check Answers Before Finishing
If time allows, children should always:
- Review calculations.
- Correct spelling and punctuation.
- Check that every question has been answered.
- Fix simple mistakes.
Developing these habits can help secure valuable extra marks.
Complete Regular Practice Papers
12 and 13 Plus practice papers are one of the most effective ways to prepare for entrance exams because they combine subject knowledge with exam technique.
Complete Weekly Practice Papers
Aim to complete at least one full paper each week during the later stages of 12 and 13 Plus entrance test preparation. This helps children:
- Become familiar with the exam format.
- Improve concentration.
- Build confidence.
- Develop stamina for longer assessments.
Practise Under Exam Conditions
To make practice realistic:
- Set a timer.
- Work in a quiet room.
- Avoid interruptions.
- Follow the official time limits.
This helps children understand what to expect in the 13 Plus exam and reduces surprises on the day.
Learn from Mistakes
Completing practice papers is only useful if mistakes are reviewed afterwards. Discuss:
- Why was the answer incorrect?
- Which topics need more revision.
- Whether mistakes were caused by misunderstanding, rushing, or lack of knowledge.
Track Progress
Keep a simple record of:
- Practice paper scores.
- Strongest subjects.
- Areas for improvement.
- Topics to revisit.
Tracking progress helps parents see whether preparation is moving in the right direction.
Prepare for Interviews (If Required)
Some independent schools include an interview as part of the admissions process. The purpose is not to catch children out but to understand their personality, communication skills, and enthusiasm for learning.
Build Speaking Confidence
Encourage your child to:
- Speak clearly.
- Answer in complete sentences.
- Maintain eye contact.
- Explain their opinions politely.
Confidence develops naturally through regular conversation rather than memorised answers.
Encourage Reading
Interviewers often ask children about books they have recently enjoyed. Be prepared to discuss:
- Favourite authors.
- Characters.
- Storylines.
- Lessons learned from reading.
Discuss Hobbies and Interests
Children should be comfortable talking about:
- Sports.
- Music.
- Clubs.
- Creative activities.
- Achievements outside school.
Authentic answers always sound better than rehearsed responses.
Learn About the School
Before the interview, research:
- The school’s values.
- Facilities.
- Academic strengths.
- Extracurricular activities.
Understanding why they want to attend the school helps children answer questions with confidence.
Personalised Support for 12 Plus and 13 Plus Preparation
Successful 12 and 13 Plus preparation is built on early planning, consistent practice, and a balanced approach to learning. By following this 12 and 13 Plus preparation checklist, you can help your child develop the knowledge, confidence, and exam skills needed to perform at their best.
Remember that every school has different admissions requirements, so always check the latest guidance, registration deadlines, and exam format before you begin preparing. With the right support, a clear study plan, and regular practice, your child will be well prepared for the opportunities that the 12 Plus and 13 Plus entrance exams can offer.
11 Plus Tutoring offers personalised one-to-one online tuition for 12 Plus and 13 Plus exam preparation. Book a free assessment to get started.