For working mums, balancing the demands of a career, family life, and preparing a child for the 11 Plus exam can feel like walking a tightrope. When your evenings start after an afterschool club pick-up or after collecting your child from a childminder, it’s natural to feel pressed for time. Add to that the fatigue your child might already be carrying after a full day at school, and the preparation process can quickly become stressful for everyone.
But here’s the good news: with thoughtful planning, focused strategies, and a supportive approach, your child can prepare for the 11 Plus exam successfully—without burning out. Let’s dive into actionable strategies tailored specifically for busy mums.
Unique Time Challenges for Busy Working Mums

Time Constraints and Limited Availability After School
For many working mums, the after-school window is short and often filled with competing priorities—dinner, homework, bath time, and bedtime routines. This leaves limited space for focused study sessions.
The key here is intentional time-blocking. Identify small windows of focused time rather than attempting long, drawn-out study sessions after an already busy day.
Managing a Tired Child After Afterschool Clubs Or Other Childcare
By the time children return from afterschool clubs or time at the childminder, they’re often mentally and physically drained. Pushing them into intensive study at this stage can lead to frustration and reduced productivity.
Instead, focus on light revision activities, such as quick quizzes or flashcards, while allowing time to decompress.
Creating an Effective Study Plan With The Limited Time You Have
Prioritising Quality Over Quantity in Study Sessions
Short, focused study sessions of 20-30 minutes can be more effective than long hours of tired revision. Focus on high-yield areas such as key exam topics or subjects where your child needs extra support.
Maximising Short Study Windows Effectively
Make every minute count. Use tools like timed study apps or structured revision plans to keep sessions efficient. Incorporate activities like verbal reasoning puzzles during car rides or quick maths problems during dinner prep.
Emotional Wellbeing for Both Parent and Child
Recognising and Addressing Signs of Burnout
Signs of burnout in children may include difficulty focusing, irritability, or reluctance to study. For mums, it might look like feeling overwhelmed or irritable.
Schedule rest days and prioritise downtime for both of you. Some families like to have one evening off and use the weekend to catch up on those missed couple of hours; others like to have a break on one of the days at the weekend. Try different approaches and see what works best for you.
Building Emotional Resilience in Your Child
Make space for open conversations about their feelings. Remind them that their worth isn’t tied to the results of one exam. Positive affirmations and small rewards can go a long way.
Practical Study Techniques For Families With Limited Time

Using Focused 20-Minute Study Bursts
Adopt the Pomodoro Technique—20 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break. This keeps children engaged without overwhelming them.
Leveraging Digital Tools and Resources for Flexibility
Use online platforms for interactive practice tests or revision games. These can be done on tablets or during commutes.
Balancing Work, Family, and Study Support
Establishing a Consistent After-School Routine
Create a predictable after-school schedule that includes short revision slots, family time, and rest. The consistency helps reduce resistance.
Delegating Tasks to Free Up Time
If possible, involve older siblings or family members to assist with practice questions or reading exercises.
Use an 11 Plus Exam Tutor To Break Up The Monotony
The 11 Plus exam is probably the most competitive exam your child will likely sit in their life. so, it makes sense to use an expert to make sure the busyness of life doesn’t interfere with the work that your child needs to get through to be at the right standard to pass these exams.

This is where Geek School Tutoring (www.geekschool.co.uk) can help. Owned by Mothers Who Work’s very own founder and editor, Joycellyn Akuffo, this 10-year-old 11 Plus specialist tuition provider has helped hundreds of children get into their dream grammar and independent school.
Whatever you do, make it consistent Every little helps in the lead up to these life-changing exams.