This is the perfect time to ease into preparation without pressure. Many pupils are finishing Year 7, and a light summer programme can help reinforce core knowledge before the busier terms begin.
What to focus on:
- Revise key content from Year 7 (especially in Maths, English and Science)
- Build reading stamina with age-appropriate fiction and nonfiction
- Begin light vocabulary and grammar revision in Latin, French or Spanish
- Practise structured writing and creative writing prompts
- Introduce past CE papers (untimed) to familiarise your child with the format
Tutors can also help to diagnose any gaps in knowledge and set a foundation for the year ahead.
Autumn 2025: Start Structuring Revision
What to focus on:
- Map the syllabus for each subject and create a revision plan
- Start weekly or bi-weekly tuition focused on building confidence in weaker areas
- Practise timed comprehension and Maths questions under gentle time pressure
- Work on historical and geographical essay technique (where relevant)
- Schedule mock interviews for scholarship candidates
- Begin using revision tools like Atom or Bond books as a supplement—not a crutch
Spring 2026: Build Stamina and Depth
By spring, pupils should be working through past papers with increasing independence. This is also when schools may begin offering scholarship interviews and preliminary exams.
What to focus on:
- Regular past paper practice under timed conditions
- Topic-by-topic revision for core subjects: English, Maths and Science
- Vocabulary-building for languages, including oral work if needed
- Work on advanced questions for scholarship candidates (e.g. literary analysis, problem-solving, logic puzzles)
- Schedule a mock exam or two to simulate the real exam setting
- Continue interview prep with a focus on confidence, current affairs, and general discussion
Tutors will now be moving from teaching content to refining technique and accuracy.
Summer Term 2026: Final Exams and Interviews
Most Common Entrance and scholarship exams take place in May or June of Year 8. This is the culmination of months of preparation.
What to focus on:
- Stay calm and focused: no need to cram if revision has been consistent
- Review tricky topics with your tutor or use flashcards for key terms
- Practise full papers in realistic exam conditions, including timed essay writing
- Go over interview feedback and polish responses for last-minute assessments
- Maintain routines -sleep, meals, and breaks are just as important as revision
By this point, your child should feel confident, familiar with the format, and proud of the hard work they’ve put in.
Final Thoughts
Every child’s journey through 13+ is unique. Some need more time with essay structure, others flourish when challenged with scholarship-style Maths. What matters most is pacing things well, staying calm, and building genuine skills—not just rehearsed answers.
At Trinity, our role is to guide families through the whole process. We offer tailored tuition, mock interviews, and expert advice for entry to top schools such as Eton, St Paul’s, Westminster, Harrow, and Wycombe Abbey.
📞 Book a complimentary consultation to discuss your child’s 13+ journey and the best steps to take this term.