Puts you as parent in control

Our son took to KSOL after a couple of weeks encouragement and 'hand-holding' to gain confidence - I'm sure some kids are scared off in the early weeks - it's worth persevering - after that it became part of his routine. We found small treats helped to reinforce the Gold, Silver and Bronze awards each week - a Lego figure for a Gold - nothing OTT.

We liked the fact that the dashboard allowed us to see overall progress and that all previous incorrect answers were available to review. I could even check his progress on the way home from work, so I knew how he had done when I came in the house and he knew it was important to us. I'd then sit with him and go through explaining the incorrect answers.

Following up closer to the 11+ with a couple of mock practice exams at the test centre in Aylesbury helped him get used to exam conditions, practice his timings and review techniques. The fact he passed them also gave him confidence. Using KSOL put us in control of knowing how he was progressing - he also had some group tutoring, but we never really knew exactly how he was doing, just that he was 'doing well'. We also supported him with practice papers at home for variety which is also important.

Using KSOL also allowed us to continue right up to the Exams through the summer holidays by just keeping the routine. Overall we were very pleased with the outcome - our son's first choice Grammar School. Now, we're ourselves up for our twins turn next year - and KSOL is firmly central to the plan...