1. Understanding the 11+ Exam Preparation
What is the 11 Plus?
The 11 Plus (written as 11+) is an entrance exam taken by children who are usually 10 or 11 years old — typically in Year 6. Schools use it to identify students who are suited to a grammar school education.
The exam tests a child’s ability in four main areas: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Not every school tests all four subjects — it depends on which exam board the school uses.
Key Fact: The 11+ is not a pass/fail exam in the traditional sense. Each school sets its own cut-off score, and places are offered to the highest-scoring applicants.
CEM vs. GL Assessment: Key Differences
There are two main exam boards that produce the 11+: CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring) and GL Assessment. Understanding which one your target school uses is very important, because they test children in different ways.
| Feature | CEM | GL Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Adaptive — varies each year | Fixed format papers |
| Subjects | English, Maths, VR and NVR mixed | Separate subject papers |
| Multiple Choice | Yes (mainly) | Yes and written answers |
| Prep Strategy | Broad vocabulary and speed | Topic-by-topic practice |
| Common Regions | Birmingham, Kent, Yorkshire | Essex, Bucks, London |
Pro Tip: Always check with your target school or local education authority to confirm which exam board they use. This will shape your entire preparation strategy.
2. The Core Subjects Covered in 11+
The 11+ covers four key subject areas. Here is what each one involves and why it matters:
English and Creative Writing
English is a core part of the 11+. It usually covers:
- Reading Comprehension: Your child will read a passage and answer questions. They need to understand meaning, identify key points, and explain the author’s purpose.
- Grammar and Punctuation: Questions test knowledge of sentence structure, verb tenses, punctuation marks, and spelling.
- Creative Writing (in some schools): Children may write a short story or descriptive piece. Clear expression and good vocabulary matter here.
Top Tip: Encourage your child to read books, newspapers, and magazines daily. A strong reading habit naturally builds vocabulary and comprehension skills.
Mathematics
The Maths section tests what your child has learnt up to Year 6, but at a faster pace than school. Key topics include:
- Arithmetic: Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division — including mental maths under time pressure.
- Fractions, Decimals and Percentages: Converting between them and solving problems.
- Problem Solving: Multi-step word problems that require logical thinking.
- Geometry and Measurement: Area, perimeter, angles, and coordinates.
- Data Handling: Reading charts, tables, and graphs.
Important: Speed is crucial in the Maths section. Children should practise under timed conditions from early on to build confidence.
Verbal Reasoning
Verbal Reasoning tests how well a child can understand and work with words and language patterns. It is not a typical school subject, so many children need specific practice. Common question types include:
- Finding words with similar or opposite meanings.
- Completing sentences with a missing word.
- Spotting letter or word codes and patterns.
- Identifying the odd one out in a group of words.
The best way to improve Verbal Reasoning is to build a strong vocabulary through reading and targeted practice papers.
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR) tests a child’s ability to think logically using shapes, patterns, and diagrams — without words. It includes:
- Identifying the next shape in a sequence.
- Finding the shape that does not belong.
- Mirror images, rotations, and reflections.
- 3D shape problems.
Good News: Non-Verbal Reasoning can be significantly improved with practice. Many children see big gains once they learn to recognise common patterns.
3. When to Start 11+ Preparation?
One of the most common questions parents ask is: when should we start? The honest answer is — the earlier, the better. But it is never too late to begin.
Year 4 — Building the Foundation
If you start in Year 4 (age 8-9), you have plenty of time to build skills gradually without putting too much pressure on your child. Focus on:
- Reading regularly to build vocabulary and comprehension.
- Strengthening core Maths skills — times tables, fractions, mental arithmetic.
- Introducing Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning gently through puzzles and logic games.
- Making learning enjoyable — at this stage, consistency matters more than intensity.
Year 5 — Intensive Preparation
Year 5 is when most families ramp up their preparation seriously. By now, your child should have a solid foundation and be ready for:
- Working through past papers and practice questions for all four subjects.
- Sitting timed mock exams to build speed and exam confidence.
- Identifying weak areas and spending extra time on them.
- Exploring tuition options if needed.
Late Starters — Do Not Panic
If you are reading this in Year 6 and the exam is just months away, you can still make great progress. Here is a focused strategy for late starters:
- Do a diagnostic mock exam first to identify where your child currently stands.
- Focus on the highest-impact areas — typically Maths and Verbal Reasoning.
- Use structured practice papers daily — even 20-30 minutes a day makes a big difference.
- Consider an intensive one-to-one tutoring programme.
- Manage stress — a calm, supported child performs better in exams.
4. How to Create an Effective Study Plan
A good study plan keeps preparation steady, balanced, and manageable. Here is how to build one that works for your family:
Daily Routine Tips
- Keep sessions short and focused: 30-45 minutes per day is far better than 3 hours at the weekend.
- Study at the same time each day to build a habit.
- Always balance 11+ prep with normal school homework and downtime.
- After every session, do a quick review of what went well and what needs more work.
Here is a sample weekly study schedule:
| Day | Activity | Duration | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | English Reading | 30 min | Comprehension |
| Tuesday | Maths Practice | 30 min | Arithmetic and Fractions |
| Wednesday | Verbal Reasoning | 25 min | Vocabulary and Patterns |
| Thursday | Non-Verbal Reasoning | 25 min | Logic and Shapes |
| Friday | Mixed Practice Paper | 45 min | Speed and Accuracy |
| Weekend | Review and Rest | 1 hour total | Weak Areas |
Recommended Resources
- Practice Papers: CGP Books and Bond Assessment Papers are widely recommended.
- Online Platforms: Atom Learning and EdPlace offer excellent digital practice tests.
- Apps: Maths and spelling apps used for 10-15 minutes daily are a great supplement.
- School Support: Talk to your child’s teacher — they can suggest areas to focus on.
5. The Role of 11+ Mock Exams
Mock exams are one of the most valuable tools in 11+ preparation. They are practice versions of the real exam, done under realistic conditions.
Why Mock Exams Matter
- They remove the fear of the unknown — your child knows exactly what to expect on exam day.
- They build time management skills and exam stamina.
- They identify gaps in knowledge before it is too late to fix them.
- They boost confidence when your child sees their scores improving over time.
Recommended: Aim for at least 3-5 full mock exams before the actual 11+ test. Space them out so your child has time to improve between each one.
How to Analyse Mock Exam Results
- Go through every wrong answer together and understand why it was wrong.
- Track scores over time using a simple spreadsheet or chart.
- Look for patterns — is your child always running out of time? Struggling with a specific topic?
- Use the results to adjust your study plan and focus on weak areas.
6. Choosing the Right Tuition: One-to-One vs. Group
Many families consider getting a tutor to support their child’s 11+ preparation. Here is a simple comparison to help you decide:
| Feature | One-to-One Tuition | Group Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Personalisation | Fully tailored to your child | General curriculum for all |
| Cost | Higher (approx. £30-£80/hr) | Lower (approx. £10-£25/hr) |
| Pace | Set by your child | Set by the group |
| Social Learning | Limited | Children learn together |
| Feedback | Immediate and detailed | General feedback |
| Best For | Children needing targeted help | Motivated self-starters |
The right choice depends on your child’s learning style, your budget, and how much time you have before the exam. Many families use a mix of both — group tuition for structure, with occasional one-to-one sessions to target weak spots.
7. FAQs About the 11 Plus Exam
Q: What is a passing score for the 11+?
A: There is no single universal pass mark. Each school sets its own cut-off score, which changes every year depending on how many children sit the exam and how many places are available. As a general guide, scoring in the top 10-20% gives a strong chance of selection.
Q: How many schools can I apply to?
A: You can typically apply to multiple schools, but rules vary by local authority. Most areas allow you to list several grammar schools on your application form. It is always worth applying to more than one school to increase your child’s chances.
Q: Can my child retake the 11+ if they do not get the score they need?
A: In most areas, the 11+ can only be taken once per year. However, some schools hold secondary rounds or late assessments. Check with each school individually for their specific retake policy.
Q: Do grammar schools and independent schools use the same 11+ exam?
A: Not always. Grammar schools typically use either CEM or GL Assessment. Independent schools often set their own entrance exams, which may be similar to the 11+ but are tailored to their specific expectations.
Q: What happens if my child does not pass the 11+?
A: Not passing the 11+ does not define your child’s future. Many outstanding secondary schools do not use selective admissions. Your child can still thrive academically at a non-selective school — and some families choose to appeal a decision or explore independent school options.
Q: Is tutoring necessary to pass the 11+?
A: Tutoring is not strictly necessary, but it does help — especially for Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, which are not typically taught in primary school. Many children prepare successfully with practice papers and parental support at home. The key is consistent, structured practice.
Final Thoughts
The 11+ exam is a significant milestone, but it does not have to be a stressful one. With the right preparation, a consistent routine, and plenty of encouragement, your child can walk into the exam room feeling confident and ready.
Start early, practise regularly, and remember — your support as a parent is the most important factor of all.