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Revising over the summer does not have to mean cancelled plans, strict timetables or full days spent studying. If you’re unsure whether you’re ‘doing enough’, take a breath. The truth is, getting summer revision right is less about intensity and more about balance.
What really works is a bit of structure, some short, focused sessions, and plenty of time for rest and fun. The best signs that things are going well are the simplest ones: your child is learning, yes, but they are also laughing, relaxing, and enjoying their holiday.
Here are five signs that show you’re getting the balance just right.
1. You have got exam day sorted (or know where to find the information)
Knowing when and where your child’s 11+ exam is taking place, what the format will be, and what to expect on the day can lift a huge weight off your shoulders. If you already have all the key details noted down, that's great. If not, there's no need to worry. We have done the hard work for you.
Simply search for your child’s chosen schools here to find all the information you need in one place, from exam dates to test content. It’s all in our grammar school guides!
Pictured: Scroll down on our homepage to search your target schools and discover all of the resources you need for 11+ exam prep.
2. Your child is still enjoying their summer
Summer revision does not need to come at the cost of a fun school summer holiday.
In fact, if your child is still spending time outdoors, seeing friends, and having fun, you’re doing something right. The goal is not constant work, but consistency.
In our experience supporting thousands of families through the 11+, we have found that 20 to 30 minutes a day of focused revision is enough to keep learning on track. This little and often approach helps your child build knowledge, grow in confidence, and stay engaged, all without the risk of burnout.
It is a common mistake for children to feel that they should be working all the time and experience guilt when not. This mindset is neither healthy nor sustainable. By helping your child understand that rest is not just acceptable but necessary, you can reduce anxiety and support a more balanced, effective approach to revision over the summer holidays.
3. You’re enjoying the summer break, too!
It is easy for parents to overlook their well-being during 11+ preparation. But the truth is, this journey is just as demanding for parents as it is for children. Supporting your child through revision, managing routines, and keeping emotions steady can be a lot, and it can feel draining.
That is why it is essential to carve out time for yourself. Whether it's reading a book, going for a walk, catching up with a friend, or simply sitting quietly with a cup of tea, these moments matter and are necessary when supporting your child’s 11+ preparation.
When you look after yourself, you can better support your child. Your calm presence helps create a stable, reassuring environment, showing them that exams are not something to fear, but a challenge they are ready to meet, with you by their side.
4. A plan is in place for the final stretch
Even if the exam still feels far away, having a plan for the final few weeks of summer can make a big difference. This is the ideal time to shift the focus from learning new content to applying knowledge and building confidence under timed conditions.
Mock tests are most effective later in the 11+ journey, once your child has covered the key topics and is ready to test their knowledge in an exam-like environment. With Atom’s practice papers, your child can take realistic, online mock exams as often as they need.
These papers mirror the content, format and timings of the real 11+ exams, helping your child improve their speed, accuracy and exam technique. You will also receive an instant, detailed breakdown of your child’s performance, showing exactly where they're doing well and where they might need a little extra support.
Pictured: An example Atom Learning 11+ practice paper
Start using practice papers here → Explore Atom mock tests
And here are some useful articles to read to help you know how to prepare your child for the 11+ exam format:
5. You have the right support in place
A good sign that you’re getting summer revision right? You’re not doing it all on your own.
Atom Home provides everything you need to support your child over the summer holidays, especially in the final few weeks before the 11+.
Pictured: An example exam prep plan on Atom Home, showing weekly progress in 11+ subjects: English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.
In the final weeks before exam day, revision shifts gears from building knowledge to applying it. Atom Home is designed to support this transition with:
Personalised, adaptive learning: Every question is tailored to your child’s level, helping them tackle the right challenges at the right time with no more guesswork.
Targeted topic focus: Your child can concentrate on areas where they need the most support, rather than spending time on what they already know.
Clear track page: This page allows you to track your child’s progress, see where they excel, and get recommended next steps, all in one place.
Practice across all subjects: Whether your child is working on English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning or Non-Verbal Reasoning, Atom offers high-quality content aligned with grammar and independent school exams.
Exam-day readiness: Use Atom’s unlimited mock tests to help your child build speed, accuracy and confidence under timed conditions.
In the final stretch, you want your child to feel prepared and calm, not cramming or panicking. Atom Home helps you get there, one focused session at a time.
Not using Atom yet? Start your free trial today and take the pressure out of 11+ preparation.
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