What do I need to know about the 11+ exam
The 11+ exam, often called the "11-plus," is an entrance assessment typically undertaken at the start of Year 6, commonly in September. This exam assesses a student's aptitude for academic study and is the basis for possible acceptance into a grammar school.
Timeline for the 11+ exam
April/May: Grammar schools open registration in April or May and set a deadline around June or July for the 11+ exam.
September: For most grammar schools, the 11+ exam will occur during the first two weeks of September.
October: For most grammar schools, 11+ results are posted in mid-October (passing doesn't automatically mean your child will have a place).
March: School allocations are confirmed.
September: New intake begins at grammar schools.
What is a Grammar School?
A grammar school is a secondary school that emphasises academic achievement and selects students based on their performance in entrance exams. Historically, grammar schools provided a strong education in traditional academic subjects such as English, mathematics, science, and languages.
Grammar schools are state-funded institutions, meaning they do not charge tuition fees. They are part of the state education system and are open to students regardless of their background. Of the more than 3000 state-funded secondary schools in the UK, approximately 164 are grammar schools, collectively educating nearly 170,000 students.
What is a selective school?
A selective school is a type of secondary school that admits students based on academic ability or other criteria rather than simply by geographic location. These schools typically use entrance examinations, such as the 11+ exam, to assess students' aptitude for admission. Selective schools aim to provide a high-quality education to academically gifted or talented students.
Unlike grammar schools, which are state-funded schools that traditionally select students based solely on academic ability, academically selective comprehensive schools may have additional admission criteria but still prioritise academic achievement.
When should my child start revising for the 11+?
The best time to start preparing your child for the 11+ exam depends on their current attainment levels and experience, but many students start in Years 5 and 6.
Year 4 or 5: Begin researching the 11+ exam and the requirements of the schools your child is interested in attending. Understand the exam format, the subjects tested, and any specific skills or knowledge areas your child needs to develop. Talk to teachers and tutors to gauge their strengths and weaknesses.
Year 5: Start introducing your child to sample questions and materials for the 11+ exam. Start with informal practice sessions to gauge their level of readiness and identify areas for improvement. Focus on building foundational skills in English, mathematics, verbal reasoning, and nonverbal reasoning. This can be a good stage to start working with a tutor.
Year 6: As your child enters Year 6, have a more structured study plan that includes regular practice exam sessions and targeted revision. Use practice papers, past exam papers, and online resources to simulate exam conditions and familiarise your child with the questions they may encounter.
In the months leading up to the exam, intensify your child's preparation with focused revision sessions. Allocate more time to areas where your child needs improvement and ensure your child feels confident and well-prepared. Review exam techniques, strategies, and tips to help them manage stress and perform their best on the exam day.
How can I help my child with the 11+ exam?
You can help prepare your child for the 11+ in various ways, such as the series of Bond 11+ books and CEM past papers.
Familiarise yourself with the format and content of the 11+ exam specific to your region or school. Understand which subjects, such as English, mathematics, and verbal and nonverbal reasoning, will be tested.
Prepare well before the exam date to allow sufficient time for practice and revision. Starting early can help alleviate stress and ensure comprehensive coverage of all relevant topics.
Incorporate regular practice sessions into your child's routine, focusing on each subject area tested in the exam. Use practice papers, past exam papers, and online resources to simulate exam conditions and familiarise your child with the questions they may encounter.
Teach your child exam techniques, such as time management, reading questions carefully, and answering questions strategically. Practice timed exercises to help your child become comfortable with the pace of the exam and improve their efficiency.
Foster your child's love for reading and writing by encouraging them to read widely across different genres and practice writing. Strong literacy skills are essential for success in the English component of the 11+ exam.
Identify your child's strengths and weaknesses in each subject area and tailor their preparation accordingly. Allocate more time and resources to places where they need improvement while reinforcing areas of strength.
Do we need a tutor for the 11+ exam?
A good 11+ tutor will assess your child's current levels, prepare children for the exam's demands, and build confidence and exam technique.
Another reason to hire a tutor is if your child's school doesn't offer assistance with 11-plus preparation. Whether your child needs help with the verbal reasoning, English, maths, or non-verbal reasoning aspects of 11-plus revision, a private tutor can work with them and offer advice about good revision techniques and exam techniques.