Top Tips for Staying Calm During the 11+ Exams

The 11+ exam can feel like a big moment for children and for parents too.
But staying calm under pressure can make all the difference to performance on the day.
At Maidstone Learning Centre, we coach our students not just on skills, but on mindset too.
Here are our top tips to help your child stay cool, confident, and focused during their 11+ exams.

1. Build Familiarity with Exam Conditions

One of the biggest sources of anxiety is the fear of the unknown.
Regular practice under timed conditions helps students:

• Feel comfortable with the exam format
• Get used to working at pace
• Reduce “surprise” on the day

Mock papers at home or with a tutor are great tools for building this familiarity.

2. Teach Simple Breathing Techniques

If nerves creep in, simple breathing exercises can help reset focus.
Teach your child to:

• Take a deep breath in for 4 seconds
• Hold it for 4 seconds
• Breathe out slowly for 6 seconds

This easy technique can calm nerves in under a minute.

3. Focus on What They Can Control

Encourage your child to focus on their effort, strategies, and mindset; not the outcome.
Remind them:

• “I can stay calm and read carefully.”
• “I can skip a tricky question and come back to it.”
• “I can do my best and that’s enough.”

Taking ownership of their actions can replace fear with empowerment.

4. Prioritise Good Sleep and Nutrition

The brain needs fuel and rest to perform at its best.
In the days leading up to the exam:

• Stick to a regular bedtime
• Eat balanced meals with slow-release energy foods (like porridge, bananas, wholegrain toast)
• Stay hydrated with water

A calm body supports a calm mind.

5. Keep Perspective

Finally, remember: the 11+ is important, but it’s not the only path to success.
Keeping a healthy perspective helps:

• Reduce pressure
• Boost resilience
• Protect long-term confidence

Children do their best when they feel supported, not stressed.

Helping Students Stay Calm and Confident

At Maidstone Learning Centre, we believe a calm mind is a powerful mind.
Our 11+ preparation focuses just as much on emotional readiness as it does on academic skills giving children the tools they need to succeed not just in exams, but beyond.

Want to learn more about how we support your child’s 11+ journey?

Contact us today to arrange a free consultation!