Tips for Preparing for the 11 Plus

Hearing ‘11 Plus’ can feel like the start of a stressful journey. If you want a simple, clear starting point that cuts through the noise, this guide is for you.

The 11 Plus is an entrance exam some secondary schools, like grammar schools, use to select students. It isn't a final verdict on your child’s intelligence, but a measure of specific skills built on four pillars: Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning (VR), and Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR). Success is less about genius and more about consistent practice, as these are all learnable skills.

Decoding the "Big Four": Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning

While Maths and English are familiar, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning can be confusing. They are less about what your child already knows and more about how they think.

Verbal Reasoning (VR) is essentially a word-based logic puzzle. It tests a child’s ability to solve problems using language, like finding the odd word out in a list (e.g., dog, cat, table, hamster) or cracking simple letter-based codes. It’s more about spotting patterns than having a massive vocabulary.

Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR) is a visual puzzle using shapes, patterns, and symbols. A typical task involves looking at a sequence of shapes and figuring out which one comes next. Think of it as 'spot the difference' or a code-breaking game using pictures, where techniques focus on rotation, reflection, and sequence.

Your Crucial First Step: Finding Your Area's Exam Board

Not all 11 Plus exams are the same. Different regions use tests from different providers, primarily GL Assessment or CEM. Knowing which one your child will sit is vital because the question styles and test structures vary significantly. This information dictates which revision books to buy and how to focus your preparation.

Your Action Plan:

1. Make a list of the grammar schools you are considering.

2. Visit the ‘Admissions’ section on each school’s website to find the provider’s name.

Once you have this, you can be confident you’re on the right track.

When to Start Preparing: A Timeline for Year 4 and Year 5

Deciding when to start preparing is a major source of anxiety, but the answer is gentler than you might think. For most families, Year 4 isn’t about formal revision. Instead, think of it as building a strong foundation without pressure. This phase is about strengthening core Maths and English skills and, most importantly, encouraging a love of reading. A child who reads widely for pleasure is naturally building the vocabulary and comprehension skills essential for the exam.

As your child moves into Year 5, the focus can shift towards a more structured plan. This doesn't mean hours of study. The most effective strategy is a "little and often" approach—think 15-20 minute sessions, a few times a week. This method is far more effective than last-minute cramming, as it builds knowledge steadily and prevents burnout.

How to Build Key Skills Without Constant Battles

Building core skills doesn’t have to mean endless worksheets. The single most powerful tool for building vocabulary is encouraging your child to read widely and for pleasure. Reading fiction, non-fiction, and even comics naturally exposes them to new words in context, which is more effective than memorising lists.

To develop the logic skills needed for the exam, turn to play. Many family games are secretly brilliant for 11 Plus preparation because they make thinking fun. Low-pressure activities make a huge difference:

• Reading a new book series together.

• Playing board games like Scrabble or Cluedo.

• Using kid-friendly crossword or Sudoku puzzle books.

Even core Maths topics can be woven into your day. Ask your child to help with baking (fractions), calculate discounts while shopping (percentages), or figure out journey times. These small habits reduce pressure and make preparation feel like a natural part of life.

The Most Important Tip: Managing Nerves and Keeping Perspective

Beyond any practice paper, your calm attitude is your most powerful tool. Children absorb our anxieties, so by staying relaxed, you create a safe space for them to learn without fear. Your calm is their anchor.

To reinforce this, praise their effort over their scores. Celebrating their resilience when they tackle a tricky problem builds a durable confidence that high marks alone cannot. This shifts their focus from "Am I smart enough?" to "I am a capable learner."

Ultimately, this journey is about finding the right secondary school where your child will thrive. The 11 Plus is one path, not the only one. Keeping this perspective helps everyone remember the true goal.

Your 3-Step Action Plan for a Confident Start

You now have a clear direction to turn uncertainty into manageable steps. To turn this knowledge into immediate action, focus on these simple tasks:

Your First Three Steps:

1. Find Your Exam Board: Check the websites of your target schools.

2. Read Widely: Make reading a fun, daily family habit.

3. Keep it Calm: Remember that your child will follow your emotional lead.

This process is an opportunity to build your child's confidence and find the right school for them. A positive, supportive journey is the most powerful revision plan you can create.