11+ Preparation: A Complete Guide for Parents
What Is the 11+?
The 11+ is a selective entrance examination used by grammar schools and some independent schools to assess children, typically at age 10–11 (Year 5 to Year 6). It is used to determine suitability for selective secondary education.
The content varies significantly by region and school — some use the GL Assessment, others CEM, and some schools set their own papers. Always confirm which test your target school uses.
What Is Tested?
Most 11+ exams assess some combination of:
- Verbal Reasoning — word patterns, analogies, coded sequences
- Non-Verbal Reasoning — spatial and pattern recognition
- English — reading comprehension, creative writing, grammar
- Mathematics — primary curriculum maths, often to an extended level
Some schools also include creative writing, interview, or science components.
When to Start Preparing
Most educational consultants suggest beginning structured preparation 12–18 months before the exam — typically the start of Year 5 for a Year 6 exam. Starting earlier gives more time for relaxed, enjoyable learning. Starting later requires more intensive effort.
How to Prepare
- Familiarise with format first — obtain sample papers from the relevant test provider and do low-stakes practice to build familiarity
- Identify weak areas — a diagnostic assessment reveals where to focus
- Practice regularly and in short sessions — 20–30 minutes daily is more effective than weekend cramming
- Timed practice — 11+ papers are time-pressured; practice under real conditions
The Role of a Tutor
A specialist 11+ tutor knows the specific paper format, common question types, and exam technique strategies for the target school. They can also support the child emotionally during what can be a pressured process.
Managing the Pressure
Be mindful of how the preparation affects your child. Excessive pressure damages confidence and wellbeing. Keep the process as enjoyable as possible, celebrate effort rather than results, and maintain perspective — a grammar school is one option, not the only path to a successful future.