Schofield & Sims

Handwriting is a movement skill. That means consistent practice across the week is more effective than the occasional longer lesson, and it means the order in which skills are taught really matters.

WriteWell is built around that principle, with four cumulative stages taking pupils from letter formation all the way through to fluency and personal style. Find out more in our new FAQ blog:

WriteWell: what school leaders ask us most Considering WriteWell for your school? We answer the questions primary school leaders ask us most about the programme, from structure to assessment.

In a mixed-age class, you can't give every group your attention at once. The key is making sure that when one group is working independently, they're doing something purposeful, not just keeping busy.

Our new blog looks at how to make that work in practice, including why core skills like mental maths and handwriting need a consistent, structured approach regardless of what else is on the timetable:

Teaching mixed age classes: a practical guide for primary schools Teaching mixed age classes brings real challenges around differentiation, curriculum coverage and time. This practical guide for small primary schools sets out strategies that work, including structured resources to support independent practice in maths and handwriting.

Thinking about WriteWell for your school? We've put together answers to the questions we hear most from primary teachers and school leaders, covering how the programme is structured, what teaching sessions look like, and how assessment works across the stages. 👉

WriteWell: what school leaders ask us most Considering WriteWell for your school? We answer the questions primary school leaders ask us most about the programme, from structure to assessment.

Teaching a mixed-age class in a small school brings real challenges: managing differentiation, time and curriculum coverage across year groups.

Our latest blog sets out practical strategies for small primary schools, including how to build independent practice into your routine so every group keeps moving forward. 👉

Teaching mixed age classes: a practical guide for primary schools Teaching mixed age classes brings real challenges around differentiation, curriculum coverage and time. This practical guide for small primary schools sets out strategies that work, including structured resources to support independent practice in maths and handwriting.

11+ preparation looks different for every family.

Some children thrive with a structured routine from an early stage. Others do better with shorter, more frequent practice closer to the exam. Some work best independently; others need a tutor to keep them on track.

There is no single formula, and what works for one child often does not work for another.

If you have been through the 11+ process, what made the biggest difference for your child? And if you are just starting out, what is the question you most want answered?

One of the first decisions parents face when preparing for the 11+ is whether to hire a tutor, take charge of preparation at home, or combine the two.

There is no single right answer. A lot depends on your child's learning style, your own availability, and the specific demands of the exam at the school you are applying to.

What is worth knowing is that the subjects covered, particularly Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, are not part of the standard primary curriculum. Most children need structured, regular exposure to these question types well in advance of the exam, however that preparation is organised.

We explored the pros and cons of each approach in a recent blog post, if it is useful:
https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0tVKd20

How did you approach 11+ preparation, or how are you planning to? Tutor, home learning, or a mix of both?

Tutor vs. home learning: how to prepare for the 11+: Schofield and Sims Tutor vs. home learning: how to prepare for the 11+ : Schofield And Sims - Buy educational workbooks, dictionaries, posters, reading books, homework books, school books, textbooks and more.

For tutors supporting children through the 11+, one question comes up regularly: how much should parents be doing at home between sessions?

The answer matters more than it might seem. A child who only practises during tutor sessions is unlikely to build the fluency and confidence the exam requires. But parents working independently, without the structure a tutor provides, can struggle to know what to focus on or how to pace preparation.

The hybrid approach, tutor-led sessions combined with structured practice at home, tends to produce the best outcomes. The tutor sets the direction; home practice reinforces and embeds it.

If your clients are asking how to support their child between sessions, our blog covers the different preparation approaches and where each works best:
https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0tVHqM0

What does home practice typically look like for the children you work with? We'd be interested to hear how tutors are approaching it.

Most parents ask the same thing about the 11+: when do we actually start?

Much of the exam covers Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning — subjects most children won't encounter in the classroom. Leaving it until the final term creates unnecessary pressure. Starting around a year out allows for steady preparation rather than a last-minute sprint.

We've put together a short guide to help you understand what the 11+ involves and how to pace preparation.

Read: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0tVwYS0

Are you currently in the research phase, or have you already started regular practice? Tell us in the comments.

Our short guide to understanding the 11+ exam: Schofield and Sims Our short guide to understanding the 11+ exam : Schofield And Sims - Buy educational workbooks, dictionaries, posters, reading books, homework books, school books, textbooks and more.

The weeks before SATs can feel more daunting for children than the tests themselves. A calm, steady home environment makes more difference than most parents realise.

A few things that genuinely help:

📌 Keep the routine normal. Regular bedtimes, proper meals and time away from revision matter as much as the revision itself.
📌 Talk about it, but don't dwell on it. Acknowledge that SATs exist without making them the only topic of conversation at home.
📌 Remind them what the tests are not. SATs measure where a school is, not how clever your child is. Many children find this genuinely reassuring to hear.
📌 Watch for the signs. Trouble sleeping, irritability or loss of appetite can all be signs of test anxiety. If you notice these, a quiet conversation will do more good than extra revision.

The children who tend to do best in SATs week are those who feel supported at home, not pressured.

Have you found anything that helps your child stay calm before exams? Share it in the comments below 👇

The summer term feeling. 🌞 New exercise books. Displays refreshed. Children coming through the door with a little more energy than they left with.

The summer term has its own particular quality. The days are longer, the light is better, and there is still enough road ahead to feel optimistic about what the class can achieve before July.

It is one of the reasons teaching is worth it.