11+ Exam Preparation
Grammar schools are renowned for their superior GCSE and A Level results. Admission is highly selective, determined by academic ability via the Eleven Plus (11+) examination framework.
The Selection Process Explained
The 11+ exam is taken in the first term of Year 6 in primary school, with the results determining whether a child is admitted to their chosen school. The core purpose of this selection process is to establish the child’s fundamental ability to cope with the demanding academic schedule of the grammar school system.
The exam papers will be based on all of the core modules below and usually involve sitting between 2 and 4 separate examinations.
Why Early Action Matters:
The number of students applying for grammar schools increases every year, making the demand for available places intensely competitive.
We strongly encourage parents to start preparing their child at least a year in advance. This ensures they have the exam practice in place to improve target areas and walk into the examination hall fully prepared.
The Four 11+ Subject Domains
Verbal Reasoning
This involves the child thinking about words and text and solving problems or sequences. It requires the pupil to have a good grasp of English grammar and a wide vocabulary.
Non-Verbal Reasoning
This involves the child thinking about pictures and diagrams, and solving problems based on these items. It also places explicit demands on the child’s mathematical capabilities.
Mathematics
Used to test advanced numerical fluency. Where math papers are administered, you can expect the benchmark standards to be exceptionally high, stretching beyond normal primary school boundaries.
English
Focuses on comprehension, advanced reading skills and analytical literacy. Designed to ensure your child can comfortably interpret complex texts and respond with standard-setting grammatical accuracy.
How We Build Examination Success
We formally start preparing structural lessons for 11+ exams from Year 5. However, parents can introduce their children to basic principles even earlier, taking advantage of foundational study options.
Our specialized tutors possess extensive experience guiding students through regional exam formats. We are fully committed to teaching pupils precisely how to tackle complex questions by fundamentally mastering the target criteria. Over the decades, we have accumulated a vast bank of mock materials, resource frameworks and historic past papers to give your child an unmatched advantage.