In the state sector, English schools must follow the National Curriculum, adapted as necessary. However, independent schools are free to do as they like.

The schools are free to set their own grade boundaries so a grade C at one school does not necessarily equate to a grade C at another.

Some loosely follow the National Curriculum, even taking SATs but with no obligation to report results; most keep mum - as we explain...

Many schools assess or even examine youngsters on entry but do little else until Common Entrance (CE) at either 11+ or 13+. CE tests youngsters in the core subjects with a range of other subjects, including Latin and Greek , on offer. Papers are offered at different levels to suit the ability of the child. These are marked and graded by a child’s proposed senior school. The schools are free to set their own grade boundaries so a grade C at one school does not necessarily equate to a grade C at another. Children do not fail CE but many schools set minimum CE admission requirements with those requesting 60 per cent or above usually considered academically selective. The most able children may be invited to sit for a scholarship at their school of choice, rather than sit CE. For many schools this takes the form of common scholarship rather than papers written by the school.

The CE curriculum generally results in a better spread and depth of knowledge than the National Curriculum – mostly because of the freedoms inherent within it – but preparation for whatever test is to be sat becomes focused and can become ferocious for the last two years.

Learning to learn

Sometimes children have the knowledge but lack the ability to apply themselves to study. If this sounds like your child we thoroughly recommend Elizabeth Holtom's book - Study Skills . This highly readable guide, aimed at children aged 10-13, teaches children how their brain works, helps increase their capacity to retain information and so helps with exam success. There are brain warm-ups, learning maps, memory tricks, box and bubble flow-charts as well as plenty of advice and help on making notes, understanding instructions and answering questions fully. It helps get the best from your memory and offers motivational advice - ideal for teens (and possibly their parents) too!

Galore Park an independent publisher have a range of books designed for Common Entrance syllabus - including the sciences , geography and French plus verbal and non-verbal reasoning . You can order past papers for CE and Common Academic Scholarship exams from Galore Park too.

11+ English: A Parent's Toolkit Katherine Hamlyn's excellent book provides the answers to your 11 plus English problems. Suitable for use with SATS and at 13+ and beyond too!

Understanding the eleven plus (11+)

Help with 11+ English - the basics

Eleven plus maths

The exploding curriculum An in-...