The questions parents ask us most before getting started. If yours isn't here, get in touch.
Which year group is Exam Beacon designed for?
Exam Beacon is built for children preparing for the 11+, mainly Year 4 and Year 5 in the lead-up to entry exams, and Year 6 for late starts or later assessment dates. Younger children can use it for foundation work, but the cohort it's designed around is Year 4 onwards.
Who is the beta for?
At launch we support the GL, Quest and ISEB Stage 1 and 2 exams. You can find the full list of target schools on our Schools page. If your target school isn't there yet, don't worry, we're adding more this autumn.
Is there a free trial, and what's included?
Yes. You can sign up without a credit card and try Exam Beacon before committing to anything: your child does the full diagnostic and their first practice session, completely free.
When can I start?
Right away. Sign up, complete the free diagnostic, and your child's personalised plan is ready as soon as it's done.
What does the initial diagnostic measure?
The diagnostic is a short assessment that works through the main subjects and question types (English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning) to map where your child is confident and where the gaps are. The result is a personalised plan that focuses sessions on the gaps first. It takes approximately 45 minutes and your child can spread it over more than one sitting.
How is Exam Beacon different from practice papers?
Exam Beacon takes the proven practice that's earned Exam Papers Plus the trust of over 100,000 families and enhances it with a personalised learning plan. The plan finds your child's gaps, tests their stamina with mini-mocks timed to your target school's exam, and gets them exam ready.
Does Exam Beacon include mock exams, not just practice?
Yes. Once the algorithm decides your learner is ready, end-to-end mock exams for your target school are delivered either on the platform or as a PDF download.
What's my role as a parent?
Most of the day-to-day work happens between your learner and the platform. The parent dashboard gives you a clear view of progress, sessions completed, and the areas being worked on, with no marking required. A weekly summary email is available if you'd prefer one check-in over logging in.
Do I need to know my target school?
Ideally yes, because the personalised plan is built around the subjects and question types your target school sets. If you're still deciding, pick our default school to get started, which uses a balanced mix from across the major exam boards, and switch later from the parent dashboard.
Can I prepare for more than one school at the same time?
Yes. You set one target school as your child's main focus, then add as many stretch and safety schools alongside it as you like. You can switch between them from the parent dashboard whenever you want, and the plan adjusts to whichever school is active.
Can I change my target school?
Yes, from the parent dashboard at any time. The plan adjusts automatically to the new school's exam board, subject mix, and question types, and your child's progress carries over.
What's included in the free trial?
The full diagnostic across all four subjects (Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning), with a detailed report for each, plus one full practice session and access to Beacon, our study partner. No credit card needed.
How does the Core plan work?
£49/month, billed monthly. Includes 5 full adaptive sessions per week, mini mocks, a parent dashboard with progress reports, and up to 6 parent-scheduled full mock exam papers.
What does "from £79" mean for the ToExam plan?
One-off payment for unlimited access, from sign-up right through to your child's final exam. The exact price depends on when they start and their target school's exam date.
Can I switch plans later?
Yes. You can upgrade or downgrade at any time from your account settings.
Can I cancel any time?
Yes. Cancel from your account settings whenever you like. Your access continues until the end of your billing cycle.
Do you offer sibling or family discounts?
Not yet, but we're exploring options for families with more than one child preparing for the 11+. If it's something you'd value, drop us a note at support@exambeacon.com and we'll keep you posted.
What payment methods do you accept?
All major debit and credit cards. Apple Pay and Google Pay coming soon.
What's your refund policy?
Please see our full terms and conditions page for more information on our refund policy.
Is there a contract or minimum term?
No minimum contract term, our Core plan runs month to month and our ToExam plan is dynamic priced against the date of the exam and can be cancelled. Please see our full terms and conditions page for more information.
Will it work on my child's tablet?
Yes. Exam Beacon runs in the browser on iPad, Android tablets, laptops, and desktops. Mobile phones aren't supported by design, because the AI tutor and online grading need a larger screen to work properly.
Is my child's data safe?
Yes. We treat children's data with the care UK GDPR requires, use your child's responses only to build and improve their personalised plan, and never sell data to third parties. You can request a copy of your child's data or delete the account at any time from the parent dashboard.
Thinking of joining, or want to know how Exam Beacon works? We're happy to help.
Already using Exam Beacon? Get in touch any time and we'll reply promptly.
