How Do You Balance Accuracy and Pace for Chigwell School's 11+?

A child can know how to solve a question and still feel rushed by it. The answer is not always more timed papers. First make the method accurate and repeatable; then add pace in small, observable steps. That way, speed grows from familiarity rather than panic.

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Read the current timetable and format carefully

These details were checked on 14 October 2026. Use Chigwell School's official pages again before relying on a deadline or assessment detail.

For September 2027 Year 7 entry, Chigwell School lists a 5pm application deadline on Wednesday 25 November 2026, with most meetings on 14 and 28 November.[4]

The school lists the 11+ entrance examination for Saturday 9 January 2027 and says results will be sent on Monday 15 February 2027.[4]

Chigwell says the September 2027 online assessment has a 70-minute first part covering English, Maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning, followed by a 35-minute creative-comprehension and problem-solving part.[5]

The school also lists a 30-minute creative-writing task after the two online parts.[5]

That published structure can help families understand the day. It does not mean a child should begin by completing a long sequence under full timing.

Find the point where accuracy changes

Start with a short untimed English or Maths task. Ask your child to mark any question where they felt unsure, even if the final answer was correct. Then look at the working together.

In English, check whether the answer uses evidence from the text, whether a paragraph has a clear order and whether punctuation helps the reader. In Maths, look for accurate calculation, a sensible choice of operation and working that can be checked. Choose one step to improve rather than correcting everything at once.

When your child can use the method on a fresh example, repeat it on another day. Reliable accuracy across more than one session is a better signal for adding pace than one unusually high score.

Introduce pace without hiding the method

Use a small group of familiar question types and agree a generous time window. Keep a clock visible if that feels comfortable, but do not give a running commentary. Afterwards, compare the timed attempt with the untimed work.

Ask:

Did the method stay the same?

Did reading become less careful?

Was time lost on one question that could have been left and revisited?

Did handwriting or working become hard to follow?

If the method disappeared, shorten the set or remove the timer. If accuracy held, try a slightly more varied set next time. Change one condition at a time so you can tell what helped.

Make room for writing and explanation

The published process includes creative comprehension, problem solving and a creative-writing task.[5] English preparation can therefore include reading closely, discussing possible meanings, planning before writing and editing a short piece for clarity. Maths sessions can include explaining why a method works, not only producing an answer.

Keep these activities natural. Ask your child to explain one choice, compare two methods or improve one sentence. You do not need to turn every conversation into an interview rehearsal. The goal is to help ideas become easier to express.

Decide the next step from what you saw

After each session, write one short observation and one next action. “Rushed the last line” might lead to a checking routine. “Could not choose an operation” might lead to untimed work on interpreting word problems. This keeps the plan responsive without treating practice results as a forecast of admission.

For the school overview and latest official admissions information, visit the Chigwell School guide. For a calm next step, try a live English lesson or live Maths lesson, then practise one skill accurately before adding any pressure to go faster.

Sources

[4] Entry Points - Chigwell School

[5] New Entrance Examination Process - Chigwell School