The Morning Of: A Parent's Guide to Surviving Test Day (May 2026) — Selective online test papers & screen-based prep

The Logistics Arrival: Get there 30 minutes early. The traffic around test centres (often high schools or racecourses) is chaotic. If you are late, you add huge stress to your child. The "Jacket" Rule: Test halls can be freezing or boiling. Dress your child in layers (T-shirt + Jumper). If they are too hot/cold, they lose focus. Bathroom: Make them go before they enter the room. They lose time if they go during the test.

Brain Food Breakfast: Slow-release energy. Porridge, eggs, or wholemeal toast. Avoid sugary cereal (they will crash after 1 hour). Snack: They get a break. Pack a banana or muesli bar. Avoid Red Bull or massive chocolate bars—sugar spikes lead to brain fog.

The Final Pep Talk Don't say: "You have to get 100%." Do say: "Just do your best. If a question is too hard, flag it and move on. I'm proud of you no matter what."