How to Prioritise 11+ Vocabulary Words Your Child Must Learn First
Yes. In 11+ Vocab Quest, parents, tutors, and children can choose which 11+ vocabulary words to learn first. Using the Add to Learning Queue feature, you can prioritise specific words from the full vocabulary library, and the app will bring those words into your child's learning journey before introducing additional new vocabulary.
More importantly, this feature reflects an important principle of effective 11+ preparation: not all vocabulary gaps matter equally.
Why being able to prioritise vocabulary matters
A structured vocabulary programme is essential for long-term success in the 11+ exam. However, as the exam gets closer, targeted practice often becomes just as important as broad coverage.
A mock paper might reveal ten words your child struggled with. A school spelling list may arrive on Monday. A tutor might recommend revisiting a handful of specific words before the next lesson.
In situations like these, continuing through a fixed sequence of new vocabulary is not always the fastest way to improve. Targeted revision helps children close known gaps quickly and build confidence where it matters most.
For example, if a mock exam reveals difficulties with words such as "meticulous", "reluctant", and "elated", spending the next week revisiting those exact words is usually more effective than introducing ten unrelated new words.
The Learning Queue was designed for exactly this purpose. It allows parents, tutors, and children to direct the learning process while still benefiting from structured practice and long-term retention techniques.
Why word order matters as the 11+ exam gets closer
11+ vocabulary preparation can feel overwhelming. There are more than 1,800 words in a complete programme, and as the exam approaches, every week counts.
Broad vocabulary learning builds long-term knowledge, but targeted practice helps close specific gaps quickly. When you can focus on the words that matter most right now, preparation feels purposeful rather than random.
This is especially valuable when:
A mock paper highlights weak vocabulary areas
School sends home weekly vocabulary or spelling lists
Tutors assign specific words between sessions
Your child repeatedly struggles with particular vocabulary
The exam is only weeks away and revision needs to become more focused
What is the Learning Queue?
The Learning Queue is your personal priority list inside 11+ Vocab Quest. Any word from the full vocabulary can be added from My Words. Think of it as a "learn these first" list that you build over time.
Key points parents ask about most often:
There is no limit on how many words you can queue. Queue as many words from our vocab library as you want.
Words in the learning queue are prioritised ahead of new vocabulary.
The app still handles spaced review and struggling words - your queue slots in at the right moment in the learning flow.
How the app uses your chosen words
When your child practises and builds word sets, the app follows a smart order. It looks after words that need urgent attention, then brings in your priorities, then introduces fresh vocabulary:
Words your child struggled with in their previous word set
Words due for spaced review
Words in your Learning Queue (your choices)
New words the app would otherwise introduce next
You are not turning off the science of spaced repetition. You are steering it. The app still highlights gaps and schedules review - your queue tells it which new or focus words to surface next.
Five situations where families use the Learning Queue
After a mock paper. Add every vocabulary word your child got wrong or was unsure about. Those words will appear in practice before random new ones.
School spelling and vocabulary lists. Queue this week's school words so they are practised in context with synonyms, antonyms, and fill-in-the-blank questions - not just rote spelling.
Tutor homework between sessions. A tutor can note ten focus words; a parent queues them in My Words in two minutes. The child practises them before the next lesson.
Child-led choices. Some children engage more when they pick words that interest them or that they find tricky. Let them browse and queue a handful each week.
The final weeks before the exam. Narrow focus to high-impact gaps rather than trying to cover everything at once. Twenty to thirty well-chosen words often beats a hundred rushed ones.
Step-by-step: add words to your Learning Queue
Log in to 11+ Vocab Quest and open My Words.
Search for a word or browse the full vocabulary list.
Tap Add to learning queue on any word you want to prioritise.
Your child continues their normal practice. Queued words surface in word selection before new vocabulary.
Open the Learning queue filter tab in My Words to review everything you have queued.
When to use the Learning Queue vs letting the app lead
You do not need to queue every word. Many families use a mix:
Use the Learning Queue when: the exam is within a few months, you have a specific list (mock paper, school, tutor), or you want to close a known gap quickly.
Let the app suggest words when: you are in Year 4 or early Year 5 building a broad foundation, your child is progressing steadily, and there is no urgent external word list to target.
Hybrid preparation is normal and effective. The Learning Queue is there for the weeks when specificity matters most.
Tips for parents and tutors working together
After a tutoring session, queue the agreed focus words the same day.
Review the Learning queue tab weekly.
Aim for 20-30 active priority words rather than hundreds - focused beats overwhelming.
Pair queued words with short daily practice. Ten focused minutes most days adds up.
For a broader preparation plan, see our guide on how to prepare your child for 11+ vocabulary.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose which 11+ vocabulary words my child learns first?
Yes. Use the Learning Queue in My Words to add any word from the full 1,800+ vocabulary. The app prioritises those words in the learning flow.
What is a learning queue for 11+ vocabulary?
A learning queue is a priority list of words you want your child to practise before the app introduces other new vocabulary. In 11+ Vocab Quest it is called the Learning Queue and is managed from My Words.
Can I add words from a mock paper or school spelling list?
Yes. Search for each word in My Words and tap Add to learning queue. You can queue words from mock papers, school homework, tutor lists, or any source.
How many words can I add to the Learning Queue?
There is no cap. In practice, most families find 20-30 well-chosen focus words at a time works best, especially in the weeks before the exam.
Does the app still suggest words if I use the Learning Queue?
Yes. The app continues to schedule review, surface struggling words, and introduce new vocabulary. Your queue tells it which words to prioritise when those slots open up in the flow.
Is the Learning Queue only for last-minute revision?
No. It is especially valuable near the exam, but families use it throughout preparation - whenever there is a specific set of words worth targeting, from school lists in Year 5 to tutor homework at any stage.
You choose. The app brings them first.
11+ vocabulary preparation works best when it is structured and personal. The Learning Queue gives you that control: pick the words, let the app handle practice, review, and rounds.
Open My Words to queue your first words, or start a free trial to explore the full vocabulary. For more on why vocabulary matters for grammar school entrance, read why vocabulary is the foundation of 11+ success. Questions? See our 11+ vocabulary FAQs.