A Parent's Guide
What the 11+ involves, when it happens, how to prepare at home, and how we support children from Year 4 through to the exam in Year 6.
What is the 11+?
The 11+ is the entrance assessment children sit in Year 6, aged 10–11, for a place at a selective secondary school from Year 7. “11+” is used for two quite different routes, and many families apply for both.
What is tested
Reading comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar. Some schools also set a creative or persuasive writing task.
Arithmetic and problem solving based on the primary curriculum, often stretching to Year 6 content and multi-step reasoning.
Problem solving with words and letters: codes, analogies, hidden words, synonyms and antonyms. A wide vocabulary helps enormously.
Spotting patterns, sequences, rotations and reflections in shapes and diagrams, with no words involved.
Not every school tests all four areas, and the mix depends on the test used. We always start by looking at the specific schools you are considering, then plan lessons around exactly what they assess.
Key dates
Wide, regular reading, a growing vocabulary, fluent times tables and confident mental maths. This is the most valuable time to start, with no exam pressure.
Introduce verbal and non-verbal reasoning question types, strengthen comprehension and writing, and secure any maths topics that are not yet solid.
Grammar school test registration usually closes in June or early July. Timed practice papers begin, building speed, accuracy and confidence.
Most grammar school tests take place in September or early October, with results in mid to late October, before secondary school applications close on 31 October.
The ISEB Common Pre-Test, school entrance papers and interviews. Many independent schools issue offers in the spring.
State secondary school offers, including grammar schools, are released.
Dates vary by region and by school, so always check each school’s admissions page. We are happy to help you plan around the schools on your list.
Preparing at home
How we help
We support children from Year 4 through to the exam in the Autumn Term of Year 6. Every programme is bespoke, built around your child, their current level and the schools you are aiming for.
Reading for meaning, vocabulary, spelling and grammar, and secure number skills, giving your child a strong base long before exam practice begins.
Targeted teaching across English, maths and verbal and non-verbal reasoning, then timed practice to build speed, accuracy and confidence.
Focused revision, practice papers with detailed feedback, and interview practice for independent and boarding schools.
Lessons can be booked singly or as a six-hour bespoke block, and you will receive feedback immediately after each lesson so you always know how your child is progressing. See fees and times for your country.
Reading lists
Wide reading is the single best preparation for the English and verbal reasoning papers. These lists mix modern favourites with classics to build rich vocabulary and confident comprehension. Every child is different, so choose books that match your child’s reading level and interests.
Top tip: reading together still matters at this age. Read aloud to your child, take turns, and pause to discuss interesting words. Children’s newspapers such as The Week Junior and First News are also excellent for vocabulary and general knowledge.
Get started
Message us to introduce yourself and your child. Tell us which schools you are considering, and we will plan the next steps together.
Families in mainland China: add us on WeChat
Exton British Academy