The 11+ GL (Granada Learning) entrance exam is one of the most competitive exams in the UK education system. If your child is aiming for a selective school, you’ll want to understand exactly what they’re facing and how to support them effectively.

Understanding the 11+ GL Exam Format

The GL 11+ exam typically consists of four papers: English (comprehension and writing), Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Each paper is designed to assess different cognitive abilities and learning skills.

English Paper: Tests reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing skills. Students must understand complex texts and express ideas clearly in writing.

Maths Paper: Assesses problem-solving, numerical reasoning, and mathematical concepts covered in school, but at a more challenging level than typical primary school maths.

Verbal Reasoning: These questions test logic, vocabulary, and the ability to understand patterns in language. This section doesn’t rely heavily on what’s taught in school.

Non-Verbal Reasoning: Visual puzzles that test spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and logical thinking. Again, this is rarely taught in school, so practice is essential.

Timeline: When Should You Start Preparing?

Ideally, begin preparation about 12 weeks before the exam. However, if your child is in Year 5, starting earlier (around 6 months prior) allows for more relaxed, enjoyable learning rather than intensive cramming.

How to Support Your Child

• Encourage regular practice with past papers in timed conditions
• Help them understand their learning style and adapt teaching accordingly
• Celebrate progress, not perfection – build confidence gradually
• Ensure they get enough sleep and maintain a healthy lifestyle during preparation
• Consider working with a tutor for targeted support in weaker areas

The 11+ GL exam is designed to identify the most able students, but with structured preparation and the right support, your child can feel confident and prepared on exam day.

Choosing between AQA and OCR GCSE Computer Science can be confusing for students and parents alike. While both exam boards cover the same fundamental content, there are important differences in emphasis, assessment style, and difficulty. Here’s what you need to know.

Assessment Structure

AQA: Two written papers (50% each) plus a practical programming task (not formally assessed in the exam but teaching requirement). This means your performance is almost entirely dependent on two exam papers.

OCR: Two written papers (50% each) plus an online practical endorsement. The practical endorsement doesn’t affect your final grade but is required to receive the qualification.

Content Emphasis

AQA places greater emphasis on hardware, networks, and data representation in early topics. Theory-heavy in the first few weeks of teaching.

OCR balances hardware and software more evenly throughout the course. Slightly more practical-focused, though still theory-heavy.

Programming Language

Both boards use Python as the recommended language, but AQA gives slightly more guidance on specific Python syntax and constructs to learn, while OCR leaves this more flexible to the school.

Difficulty Level

AQA papers are often considered slightly more challenging and require deeper understanding of concepts. OCR papers tend to be slightly more straightforward in their wording, though equally rigorous.

What This Means for Your Child

If your child is strong in theory and enjoys deep conceptual understanding, AQA might be the better fit. If they prefer a balance of practical and theoretical work, OCR could be more suitable. The most important factor is quality teaching – the exam board is secondary.

Over years of tutoring GCSE Business, we’ve seen the same mistakes repeated. The good news? These mistakes are easily fixable with awareness and practice. Here are the top 10 we see most often.

Mistake #1: Not Reading the Question Fully

The Fix: Underline command words. If the question asks “evaluate” or “assess”, don’t just describe – argue and judge. These words require different depth of analysis.

Mistake #2: Answers That Are Too Generic

The Fix: Use context from the case study provided. Examiners reward students who apply theory to the specific business situation described.

Mistake #3: Not Showing Your Working in Calculations

The Fix: Write down every step. Even if the final answer is wrong, partial marks are awarded for method. Show: Formula → Substitution → Calculation → Final answer.

Mistake #4: Weak Evaluation Paragraphs

The Fix: Structure evaluations as: Point → Explanation → Significance → Alternative perspective. This demonstrates higher-order thinking that examiners are looking for.

Mistake #5: Ignoring the Mark Allocation

The Fix: More marks = more depth needed. A 2-mark question needs a brief answer; a 12-mark question needs extended analysis.

Master these fixes, and your GCSE Business grade will improve significantly. Practice is key – the more past papers you work through, the more these principles will become second nature.

One of the biggest differentiators between students who get top grades and those who struggle isn’t intelligence – it’s practice under timed conditions. Here’s why timed drills are non-negotiable for exam success.

The Science: Why Timed Practice Works

Your brain functions differently under time pressure than it does during leisurely revision. Timed practice trains your nervous system to perform under the actual exam conditions you’ll face, reducing panic and building genuine confidence.

The Strategy: How to Practice Effectively

Week 1-4: Topic-based drills. Practice 15-20 minute sections of past papers on specific topics with relaxed timing.

Week 5-8: Mixed-topic drills. Combine topics, introduce time pressure gradually. 30 minutes for mixed questions.

Week 9-12: Full mock exams. Complete past papers under strict exam timing. No breaks, no cheating on the time.

The Results

Students who practice under timed conditions consistently score 1-2 grades higher than those who only do relaxed revision. Speed and accuracy both improve – your brain learns to work quickly without sacrificing quality.

Start timed drills early, and by exam day, working under pressure will feel normal, not panic-inducing.

Panic-stricken students often ask: “How do I create a revision plan?” The answer is simpler than you think. Here’s a proven 14-day framework that’s worked for hundreds of students.

Days 1-2: Audit & Planning

List all topics for each subject. Identify weak areas honestly. Block out time for each subject based on difficulty – spend more time on weak topics.

Days 3-7: Content Review

Create summary notes or flashcards for each topic. Don’t copy textbooks – summarise in your own words. This active processing strengthens memory.

Days 8-10: Practice Questions

Start with untimed questions on topics you’re confident in. This builds momentum. Then move to timed practice on weaker areas.

Days 11-13: Mock Exams

Complete at least one full past paper under timed, exam-like conditions for each subject. Identify remaining gaps.

Day 14: Review & Rest

Light review of weak areas. Early night. You’re ready.

This 14-day plan won’t make you an expert, but it will make you significantly more prepared than winging it.

In 2025, digital literacy isn’t an optional extra skill – it’s foundational, like reading and writing were for previous generations. Here’s why parents should care.

What Is Digital Literacy?

Digital literacy goes beyond “using a computer”. It means understanding how technology works, using it safely and responsibly, and critically evaluating information online.

Why It Matters for Your Child’s Future

Nearly every career now requires some level of digital competency. Students without these skills face disadvantages in university applications and job markets. Beyond employment, digital literacy helps young people navigate an increasingly online world safely.

What Should Kids Learn?

• Basic coding and computational thinking
• Cybersecurity and online safety
• How AI works and its impact on society
• Critical evaluation of online sources
• Digital citizenship and ethics

How to Get Started

Look for age-appropriate coding courses (Python for older kids, visual programming for younger ones). Discuss online safety regularly. Encourage curiosity about how technology works.

Digital literacy is no longer a “nice to have” – it’s essential.

AI is no longer science fiction – it’s reshaping education right now. Students who understand AI will have a significant advantage in higher education and careers. Here’s what you need to know.

AI in the Classroom: Current Reality

Schools are increasingly using AI for personalized learning, automated feedback on assignments, and administrative tasks. Teachers are learning to use AI as a tool to enhance teaching, not replace it.

Why AI Literacy Matters

Students who understand AI’s capabilities, limitations, and ethical implications will be better equipped to use it responsibly. They’ll also find it easier to learn AI-related subjects at GCSE and A-Level.

Key Concepts Young People Should Understand

• What AI actually is (and isn’t)
• How machine learning works
• Bias in AI systems and ethical concerns
• Practical applications of AI in different fields
• The future of work with AI

Looking Ahead

Schools that prioritize AI literacy will better prepare students for a world where AI is integrated into virtually every industry. Start conversations about AI early – it’s no longer optional.