Knowing whether a child is ready for an upcoming test can be difficult, particularly when parents hear “I’ve studied” without knowing what that preparation involved. Rather than focusing only on hours spent studying, parents can look for practical signs of readiness.

A prepared student should generally know what topics the test covers and understand which areas still need work. Ask your child to explain a concept in their own words rather than simply asking whether they understand it. If they can explain the idea clearly, that can provide useful insight into their understanding.

Practice questions can also reveal gaps. Encourage your child to attempt questions without immediately checking the answers. Reviewing mistakes afterwards can show whether errors come from misunderstanding, rushing or simply forgetting information.

Confidence is another useful consideration, but it should not be the only measure. Some students feel nervous even when prepared, while others may feel confident without having tested their knowledge.

Parents can also check whether their child has a manageable plan for the remaining study time. If several topics are unfinished, prioritise the areas needing the most attention rather than attempting everything equally.

The aim is to identify what needs attention before test day, not create additional pressure.