KidSmart Blog

All Articles

11+ Standardized Score Calculator: Predict Your Child's Exam Result

• Interactive Tool

Free calculator to convert raw scores to standardized scores and predict your child's grammar school chances. Get instant results.

London Grammar Schools 11+ Guide: Can You Pass Using Just an App?

• Local Guide

Complete guide to London's top grammar schools including Tiffin, QE, Latymer, and Henrietta Barnett. School-specific strategies and pass rates.

11+ Apps vs Traditional Tutoring: What Actually Works Best?

• Comparison

Compare app-based preparation with traditional tutoring. Features, costs, and real results. Discover which approach delivers the best value.

CEM vs GL Assessment: Which 11+ Exam Board is Right for Your Child?

• Exam Guide

Complete comparison of CEM and GL 11+ exams. Discover the differences, which is harder, and how to prepare for both.

Ultimate Guide to Online 11+ Mock Exams: Why Practice Tests Alone Aren't Enough

• Study Strategy

Discover why traditional mock exams fall short and how adaptive testing revolutionizes 11+ preparation.

The 5 Best 11+ Maths Workbooks for 2026: Expert Reviews & Comparison

• Resources

Comprehensive reviews of Bond, CGP, Galore Park, and more. Find the perfect workbook for your child's exam board and ability level.

11+ Tutor Costs in London & South East: Complete Price Guide 2026

• Budget Planning

What do 11+ tutors really cost? Average prices by region, hidden costs, and money-saving alternatives to expensive tutoring.

Must-Have Study Supplies for Primary School Children: Ergonomic Desks, Chairs & More

• Study Setup

Create the perfect study space. Reviews of ergonomic desks, chairs, lighting, and supplies that improve focus and academic performance.

Grammar School Open Day Checklist: What to Ask & Look For (Free Printable)

• School Selection

Essential questions to ask, red flags to watch for, and how to evaluate if a school is right for your child. Includes free printable PDF.

Grammar School Catchment Area Checker: Are You in Zone? (Free Tool)

• Interactive Tool

Free catchment area checker. Enter your postcode to see which grammar schools you're in catchment for and your realistic chances.

50 Killer Adjectives for 11+ Creative Writing (+ Free PDF Booster Pack)

• English 11+ Exam Prep

Transform your child's creative writing with 50 powerful adjectives proven to boost 11+ exam scores. Includes detailed examples, practice exercises, and a premium PDF booster pack with flashcards and quick reference cards.

100 Most Common 11+ Vocabulary Words Your Child Must Know (Free Flashcard Download)

• English 11+ Exam Prep

Master the 100 most frequently tested vocabulary words in 11+ exams. Organized by difficulty level with definitions, example sentences, and free printable flashcards. Updated for 2025 exams.

10 BODMAS Practice Worksheets for 11+ Success (Instant Download)

• Maths 11+ Exam Prep

Master BODMAS order of operations with 10 progressive worksheets featuring 150+ questions, worked solutions, and common mistake guides. Complete 5-week practice schedule included for systematic mastery.

Irregular Verbs Cheat Sheet for 11+ English (Free Printable Poster)

• English 11+ Exam Prep

Master 75 essential irregular verbs for 11+ English success. Includes printable A3 cheat sheet poster, practice exercises, and memorization tips based on pattern recognition. Perfect for grammar school exams.

How to Keep Your Child Safe Online: Tips for Secure Use of Educational Apps

• Technology

Practical tips and strategies: Keep Your Child Safe Online: Tips for Secure Use of Educational Apps.

The Power of Emotional Intelligence: Why Developing It in Children Matters

• Education

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

How to Help Your Child Develop Strong Study Skills: Tips and Strategies

• Parenting

Practical tips and strategies: Help Your Child Develop Strong Study Skills: Tips and Strategies.

The Calm Within: Exploring the Benefits of Mindfulness for Children

• Education

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

The Ultimate Guide to Online Learning: Tips and Tricks for Success

• Technology

Complete guide covering everything you need to know about online learning: tips and tricks for success.

From Fear to Confidence: How to Reduce Test Anxiety in Children

• Education

Practical tips and strategies: From Fear to Confidence: Reduce Test Anxiety in Children.

What is BODMAS?

• Maths

Clear explanation and examples to help your child master this important concept.

New To 11+: A Quick Guide to 11 Plus for Parents

• 11 Plus Exam

Expert guidance on new to 11+ - a quick guide to 11 plus for parents. Proven strategies for grammar school success.

Crafting a Compelling Narrative: Tips for Writing a Good Story

• English

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

The Cream of the Crop: Top 20 Best Grammar Schools in the UK

• 11 Plus Exam

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

A useful guide to irregular verbs: What makes a verb irregular?

• Education

Complete guide covering everything you need to know about irregular verbs: what makes a verb irregular?.

11+ Exam Prep: How to Help Your Child Succeed Without Tuition

• 11 Plus Exam

Expert guidance on 11+ exam prep - how to help your child succeed without tuition. Proven strategies for grammar school success.

15 Exciting Story Ideas to Jumpstart Your Writing Journey

• English

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Mastering the Art of Show Don't Tell: 8 Expert Tips to Take Your Writing to the Next Level

• English

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Unleashing Creativity: A Guide to Teaching Year 4 Students the Art of Creative Writing

• English

Complete guide covering everything you need to know about teaching year 4 students the art of creative writing.

Exploring Assonance: Definition and Examples

• 11 Plus Exam

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

An Essential Guide to GCSE Descriptive Writing

• English

Complete guide covering everything you need to know about gcse descriptive writing.

Unlocking Success: Tips to Boost Your 11+ Confidence Quickly

• 11 Plus Exam

Expert guidance on unlocking success - tips to boost your 11+ confidence quickly. Proven strategies for grammar school success.

Breaking Bad: How to Avoid Common 11+ Exam Habits That Sabotage Your Success

• 11 Plus Exam

Expert guidance on breaking bad - how to avoid common 11+ exam habits that sabotage your success. Proven strategies for grammar school success.

Pen to Paper: 6 Tips for Improving Your Child's Handwriting

• English

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Mastering the 11 Plus: A Detailed Study Plan for Online Preparation

• Technology

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

11 Plus Preparation Online: A Comprehensive Guide to Ace the Exam!

• 11 Plus Exam

Complete guide covering everything you need to know about ace the exam!.

Mastering the 11 Plus: Your Guide to Successful Preparation at Home

• Education

Complete guide covering everything you need to know about successful preparation at home.

The Fascinating World of Cube Numbers: Properties, Patterns, and Practical Applications

• Maths

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Understanding the Cosine Rule and Its Applications

• Technology

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Unlocking the Vocabulary Challenge: Understanding the Difficulty Level of the 11 Plus Exam's Vocabulary Section

• 11 Plus Exam

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

10 Effective Ways to Improve Your Vocabulary: Learn New Words with These Simple Techniques

• English

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Unlock Your Vocabulary Potential: 10 Fun and Effective Ways to Learn New Words

• English

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

What is theme? Definition and Examples of theme

• 11 Plus Exam

Clear explanation and examples to help your child master this important concept.

Examples of Synecdoche

• 11 Plus Exam

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Aylesbury High School

• Study Skills

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Paradox Defined with Examples

• 11 Plus Exam

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

What is Consonance? with Examples

• 11 Plus Exam

Clear explanation and examples to help your child master this important concept.

Show, Don't Tell: The Secret to Capturing Attention with Show and Tell Examples

• 11 Plus Exam

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

What is Assonance? With Examples

• 11 Plus Exam

Clear explanation and examples to help your child master this important concept.

Imagery Types To Evoke The Senses With Examples

• 11 Plus Exam

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

A list of Poetic Devices Defined and Examples of What They Do in Poems

• 11 Plus Exam

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

The Ultimate A-Z Guide to Rhetorical Devices & Figures of Speech

• Education

Complete guide covering everything you need to know about rhetorical devices & figures of speech.

What is plot? The 6 elements of plot and how to use them

• Education

Practical tips and strategies: What is plot? The 6 elements of plot and how to use them.

Oxymorons - A Writers Secret Weapon Explained

• Education

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Onomatopoeia Definition and Examples - Sound Words

• 11 Plus Exam

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

4 Different Styles of Writing Explained

• English

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Examples of Figurative Language: Guide to 12 Common Types

• 11 Plus Exam

Complete guide covering everything you need to know about 12 common types.

Allusion Defined: 25+ Allusion Examples from Literature & Life

• 11 Plus Exam

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Symbols in Literature: Definition and Examples of Symbolism

• 11 Plus Exam

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

A Simple Guide To Personification With Examples

• 11 Plus Exam

Complete guide covering everything you need to know about personification with examples.

What are Context Clues?

• Education

Clear explanation and examples to help your child master this important concept.

CEM 11 Plus: A Parents Guide To Understanding CEM

• Parenting

Complete guide covering everything you need to know about understanding cem.

Redbridge grammar schools

• 11 Plus Exam

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Is an independent school a private school?

• Study Skills

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

How to help kids from forgetting topics they learn: retention techniques

• Education

Practical tips and strategies: help kids from forgetting topics they learn: retention techniques.

Why flashcards don't work with vocabulary building? and what's better than flashcards?

• English

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

KS1 Year 2 SATs and KS2 Year 6 SATS Tests: A complete guide to parents in the UK

• Parenting

Complete guide covering everything you need to know about parents in the uk.

Kendrick Grammar School

• 11 Plus Exam

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Haberdashers' Adams grammar school

• 11 Plus Exam

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Latymer Upper School

• Study Skills

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Sevenoaks grammar schools

• 11 Plus Exam

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Types of schools in the UK - A Quick Peek At The Schooling System

• Study Skills

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

The Latymer school

• Study Skills

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Kingston grammar school

• 11 Plus Exam

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

The 11 Plus Exam Information of Kent Grammar Schools

• 11 Plus Exam

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Verbal Reasoning: How to prepare for 11 plus exam

• 11 Plus Exam

Practical tips and strategies: Verbal Reasoning: prepare for 11 plus exam.

Consortium of Grammar Schools in Birmingham - 11 Plus Exam Information

• 11 Plus Exam

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Slough Grammar Schools 11 Plus Exam Information

• 11 Plus Exam

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

A consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE) 11 Plus exam information

• 11 Plus Exam

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Aylesbury grammar school

• 11 Plus Exam

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Henrietta Barnett School

• Study Skills

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Shoeburyness high school

• Study Skills

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Chelmsford county high school

• Study Skills

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

St. Thomas More High School

• Study Skills

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Cursive Alphabet

• Education

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Cursive Words

• Education

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

St. Bernards High School for Girls

• Study Skills

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Westcliff High School for Boys

• Study Skills

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Southend High School for Boys

• Study Skills

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Colchester County High School for Girls

• Study Skills

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Southend High School for Girls

• Study Skills

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Colchester Royal Grammar School

• 11 Plus Exam

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

What is 11 plus? - A complete guide for parents

• Parenting

Complete guide covering everything you need to know about this topic.

King Edward VI Grammar School

• 11 Plus Exam

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Ilford County High School For Boys (ICHS)

• Study Skills

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Mastering Grammar: Understanding Auxiliary Verbs with Examples

• 11 Plus Exam

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Strong Verbs - A Guide To Using Powerful Verbs

• Education

Complete guide covering everything you need to know about using powerful verbs.

50+ Dynamic and Effective Verbs to Enhance Your Writing

• English

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Woodford County High School For Girls (WCHS)

• Study Skills

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Royal Grammar School - RGS Newcastle upon Tyne

• 11 Plus Exam

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Non-Verbal Reasoning: Tips for preparation and success

• Education

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Introduction to Standardised Scores

• Education

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

A comprehensive guide to 11 plus exam formats and how to prepare

• 11 Plus Exam

Practical tips and strategies: A comprehensive guide to 11 plus exam formats and how to prepare.

A Comprehensive List of Grammar Schools and Consortiums by GL / CEM / CSSE / SET / ISEB

• 11 Plus Exam

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Reading girls school

• English

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

5 ways to write vivid descriptions to engage your readers

• Education

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Kings School Chester

• Study Skills

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

A Definitive List of London Grammar Schools for the 11+

• 11 Plus Exam

Expert guidance on a definitive list of london grammar schools for the 11+. Proven strategies for grammar school success.

Bond 11 plus

• Education

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Reading Boys' school

• English

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Piacademy Review - best features, pricing, and alternatives

• Education

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

MGS past papers (Manchester Grammar School past papers)

• 11 Plus Exam

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

6 Best Sutton Grammar Schools

• 11 Plus Exam

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Westcliff high school for girls

• Study Skills

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

13 Best 11 Plus Forum s You Can Join Today

• Education

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

How to write in cursive and improve handwriting?

• English

Practical tips and strategies: write in cursive and improve handwriting?.

127 Excellent Friendship Words to Describe Your Friends

• Education

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

What are pronouns? - A powerful tutorial for better Grammar

• English

Clear explanation and examples to help your child master this important concept.

How to workout ratios? Explanation, examples and practice worksheet

• 11 Plus Exam

Practical tips and strategies: workout ratios? Explanation, examples and practice worksheet.

Powerful writing with precise language and visual imagery

• English

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

50 excellent adjectives starting with j

• Education

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

50 excellent adjectives beginning with b

• Education

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

5 effective ways to improve your creative writing

• English

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

50 excellent adjectives that start with n

• Education

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Roman Numerals for KS2

• Education

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

50 excellent adjectives that start with m

• Education

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Square numbers - definition, properties and examples

• 11 Plus Exam

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Contractions in grammar

• English

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Adjectives to describe a person

• Education

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

How to calculate percentage?

• Education

Practical tips and strategies: calculate percentage?.

50 Excellent adjectives beginning with 'e'

• Education

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Adjectives that start with 'a'

• Education

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Better Creative Writing - with the 10 most effective rhetorical devices

• English

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

7 Plus Exam Guide for Parents

• 11 Plus Exam

Complete guide covering everything you need to know about this topic.

Why you should ask your child to read “Harry Potter” books? - Vocabulary Enrichment

• English

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

7 Comprehension Strategies That Will Make You a Powerful Reader

• Education

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

50 Books for Enriching 11+ Vocabulary

• 11 Plus Exam

Expert guidance on 50 books for enriching 11+ vocabulary. Proven strategies for grammar school success.

Figurative Language and 8 Most Common Uses in Creative Writing

• English

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Better Creative Writing - 10 Most Common Literary Devices

• English

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Adjectives beginning with r

• Education

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

What's an adjective?

• Education

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Adjectives with s

• Education

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Mean, Median, Mode

• Education

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Understanding map scale & measurements

• Education

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Homeschooling Survival Guide

• Study Skills

Complete guide covering everything you need to know about this topic.

11 plus schools in Essex and exam preparation guide

• 11 Plus Exam

Complete guide covering everything you need to know about this topic.

What is a Venn Diagram and When to Use It?

• Education

Clear explanation and examples to help your child master this important concept.

How To Choose The Best 11+ Tutor

• 11 Plus Exam

Expert guidance on how to choose the best 11+ tutor. Proven strategies for grammar school success.

What You Need to Know about the 11 Plus Maths Exam

• 11 Plus Exam

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

What’s the difference between the GL and CEM Assessments?

• Education

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

How to Choose the Right Primary School for Your Child

• Study Skills

Practical tips and strategies: Choose the Right Primary School for Your Child.

An Introduction to Spelling for Kids

• Education

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

The Top 6 English Grammar Apps for Kids 4-11

• English

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Homeschooling Vs Public School: The Pros and Cons of a Home Education

• Study Skills

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Learning through Interactive apps: 10 benefits to Visual and Kinesthetic Learners

• Technology

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

A Comprehensive List of Excellent Adjectives for Kids

• Education

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

3 Techniques for effective 11 Plus Preparation

• Education

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Top 5 benefits of laying the 11+ foundation as early as year 3

• 11 Plus Exam

Expert guidance on top 5 benefits of laying the 11+ foundation as early as year 3. Proven strategies for grammar school success.

Why your child loves reading but hates writing?

• English

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Kumon, Khan Academy and KidSmart - how to compare?

• Education

Practical tips and strategies: Kumon, Khan Academy and KidSmart - how to compare?.

Gamification for learning - we found the formula

"The benefits of gamification is not a new concept. Gamification as a strategy is used in many other industries, including education, to improve engagement but at KidSmart we are focusing on how best to use gamification in the learning process to maximise it's benefits"\nBaljeet Dogra, Founder of KidSmart

Is subvocalisation impeding your child's reading speed?

• English

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Read 30 Books in 30 Days..drum roll

• Education

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.

Chewing gum can improve your child's reading speed

• English

Expert insights and practical advice for parents and educators.