Despite only being back at school for a few weeks, children across the county begin taking the 11-plus from today - four months earlier than in previous years.

The decision was announced in May after Kent County Council asked the Government to bring the date forward from January so families would know the results before applying for secondary school places.

The majority of pupils will be 10 when the sit the exam.

How have you helped prepare your child for the test? Let us know in the comments section at the bottom of this page.

The new date has come under fire, with opponents claiming it will make it harder for non-selective schools to meet challenging government targets.

Martin Frey of Kent campaign group STEP (Stop The Eleven Plus) said: "I am desperately sad. This is a disaster for Kent because it will strengthen the county's grammar schools and therefore weaken the rest, which seems to be utter madness.

"This will simply encourage more parents to enter their child for the 11-plus and grammars will pick from a larger cohort and will be even more successful at creaming off the most able pupils."

But when the change was announced, KCC cabinet member for education operations, resources and skills, Cllr Mark Dance (Con) said: "The change of date means parents can use their choices wisely and not have to gamble on a grammar or comprehensive place.

"The tests are standardised against a national sample and results will take account of the child’s age at the time of testing."

Sleep, don't swot...and keep calm!

Here are some handy preparation tips from independent education adviser Peter Read:

• Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep before both days of tests, and doesn’t stay up late doing last-minute practice;

• Don’t offer 'bribes' for passing – your child won’t do any better because of them;

• Do whatever you can to reduce the pressure on your child – don’t fuss on the morning of the tests.

~ More advice on Mr Read's website >>>