11+ Excellence

Unlock Your Child’s Potential for Grammar School Success

Master the 11+ Exam with Expert Preparation

What is the 11 Plus Exam?

The 11 plus is a selective entrance examination used by grammar schools and selective independent schools to identify academic ability and potential. Taken towards the end of Year 5 or beginning of Year 6, this exam can open doors to exceptional educational opportunities for your child.

While comprehensive schools became the norm in the 1970s, the 11+ continues to be the gateway to academic excellence in regions with grammar schools. It’s not just a test—it’s an opportunity for your child to access education that matches their abilities and aspirations.

45-60

Minutes per paper

4

Key Subject Tested

1000+

Grammar School places annually

Did you know?

With proper preparation, students can significantly improve their 11+ scores and increase their chances of securing a place at their preferred school.

What Does the 11+ Exam Cover?

The 11+ exam typically focuses on four core areas designed to assess both learned knowledge and innate ability:

Why Reasoning Matters

Verbal and non-verbal reasoning are not typically taught in standard school curricula, which means most children need specialized preparation to excel in these sections. These tests evaluate:

Verbal Reasoning

  • Vocabulary skills
  • Logical thinking
  • Problem-solving with words
  • Pattern recognition in language

Non-Verbal Reasoning

  • Spatial awareness
  • Pattern recognition
  • Logical deduction
  • Abstract thinking
Success Tip

Early and consistent practice with reasoning questions is the key to 11+ success. Our program introduces these concepts gradually, building confidence and skills over time.

Exam Formats

The 11+ exam comes in two different formats, depending on your region and the specific requirements of the schools you’re applying to:

Standard Format

  • Children write answers directly on the test paper
  • Requires strong written presentation skills
  • More common in some regions
  • Emphasizes showing working out in maths

Multiple-Choice Format

  • Answers marked in a separate answer booklet
  • Requires careful bubbling of answers
  • Used by many grammar schools
  • Needs strategic answering techniques

Important:

Check with your target schools to understand which format they use. Our preparation program covers both formats to ensure your child is fully prepared regardless of the exam style.

Understanding Exam Boards

The 11+ exam varies by region, with different exam boards and testing approaches. The main provider is GL Assessment, but some schools create their own tests or use a combination of resources.

GL Assessment Regions

GL Assessment develops and administers 11+ exams in many grammar school regions including:

Buckinghamshire, Kent, Lancashire, Cumbria, North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Shropshire, Warwickshire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Hertfordshire, and more.

 Regional Variations

Some areas have specific test variations. For example:

  • Kent Test: Includes English, maths, verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and a writing exercise
  • Essex: Uses a combination of GL Assessment and school’s own tests
  • London: Mix of GL Assessment and school-specific tests

Essential:

Always check with your target schools for their specific exam requirements as these can change from year to year.

Effective Preparation Strategies

Success in the 11+ requires more than just academic ability—it demands strategy, practice, and confidence-building.

Timed Practice

Build speed and accuracy with timed exercises that mirror actual exam conditions

Reasoning Development

Specialized training for verbal and non-verbal reasoning sections

Progress Tracking

Regular assessments to identify strengths and target areas for improvement

Exam Technique

Learn time management and question-approach strategies

 When to Start Preparing

While intensive preparation typically begins in Year 5, building foundational skills earlier can significantly reduce stress and improve outcomes. We recommend:

  • Year 4: Introduction to reasoning concepts, vocabulary building
  • Year 5: Structured program covering all exam elements
  • Year 6: Final refinement and mock exam practice

Begin Your 11+ Journey Today

Get in touch to learn how our tailored preparation program can help your child succeed in the 11+ exam.

11 plus exam students

Exam Timeline

Typically taken in September of Year 6, with registration deadlines often in June/July

Success Rates

Our students are 3x more likely to gain entry to their first-choice grammar school

Expert Tutors

Learn from 11+ specialists with proven track records of success

Comprehensive Resources

Access to thousands of practice questions, mock tests, and revision materials

Free Assessment

Book a free initial assessment to identify your child’s strengths and areas for development.

Flexible Learning

1-on-1 online learning to suit your family

 Why Choose Us?
  • Personalized learning plans
  • Small group and 1:1 options
  • Regular progress reports
  • Proven teaching methods
  • Flexible scheduling
Scroll to Top