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Is your child preparing for the 11+?
We provide online, 1:1 tuition for children in years 4, 5 and 6 to fully prepare them for the entrance exams.
What is 11+ ?
Unlike the standard SAT’s which every Primary aged child will sit, the 11+ is an optional examination taken by students in the UK at the age of 11, typically in their final year of primary school. It is used as a tool for selecting students for entry into private or grammar schools, which are state-funded schools that place a strong emphasis on academic achievement. The test typically includes a mix of English, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, and Mathematics.
Parents should be aware that the 11+ is not mandatory and not all schools use it as a selection criteria. Some schools and private establishments have their own entrance exams, sometimes with the requirement of an additional interview as part of the process. It is important to check with your local schools and find out the requirements for admission and what exam board they are using.
There are 2 main exam boards; GL Assessments and CEM; it's recommended that parents should be familiar with the format of the test and the types of questions that will be asked, so that they can help their child prepare.
It is also important for parents to understand that the 11+ is a high-stakes exam and the results can have a significant impact on a child's educational future. Therefore, it is recommended that parents provide their child with support and help them prepare appropriately. The preparation required for the 11+ is not generally something that a state primary school will provide your child with as part of the normal curriculum.
Finally, it is important for parents to remember that the 11+ is just one factor in determining a child's academic success, and that a child's potential can be developed in many different ways, regardless of the outcome of the exam.
If I pass the 11+ will I be guaranteed a place at my chosen school?
Competition for grammar schools is high because there are always more students applying than there are openings, often up to 10 students per available place. When a school solely accepts applicants based on their 11+ scores, the applicants with the best scores are given admission.
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Should my child sit the 11+ Exam?
It is entirely up to you to choose whether or not you want your child to apply to a grammar or private school. The 11+ test is not a requirement for all students unlike the SAT’s for students in England or the Personalised Assessments for reading and numeracy in Wales. If this is something you are considering, check with the local council and schools for the most applicable and up to date information for your particular choices
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What Sets CEM and GL Examinations Apart?
Although the English, Math, Verbal, and Non-Verbal Reasoning are all covered in the CEM and GL Assessment exams, there are a few significant differences. Parents should be aware of the exam your child will be taking so that their study strategy can be adjusted.
GL Exams GL Assessments are divided into 4 areas. (English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning).
Questions are selected from the GL question pools, so consistent practise helps kids become accustomed to the kinds of
questions they will encounter.
There are 21 different verbal reasoning skills that can be tested on GL tests, significantly more than on CEM exams. However, the vocabulary requirements for CEM exams are far more extensive.
CEM Tests Unlike the GL Assessments, the exam papers for CEM do not divide subjects into different papers. Typically, one
paper evaluates verbal thinking and English proficiency, and the other evaluates math and non-verbal reasoning.
Standard or multiple choice questions are used and the answers are recorded in a separate answer book. KS2 National Curriculum content is also much more closely aligned with CEM exams than it is with GL Assessment tests.
When should I start preparing my child for the 11+?
Some students begin preparation as early as Year 3, ideally, your child's preparation in subject knowledge and skills should be
starting in at least Year 4.
The 11+ is an exam targeted at finding the top achieving students, so children who are more academically prepared will typically perform better on 11+ tests.
How can I help my child prepare for the 11+ examination?
Building core skills for 11+ exams can help a child improve their performance and increase their chances of success. Here are a few ways to help build core skills for 11+ exams.
1. Hire a tutor: A private tutor can provide one-on-one instruction and personalized attention to help your child improve in areas where they may be struggling. Tutors can aid pupils in becoming accustomed to working under pressure. Knowing
that your child is receiving the necessary knowledge and additional assistance thanks to this additional support gives you
peace of mind.
2. Practice, practice, practice. The more a child practices, the more comfortable they will become with the format and types of questions on the 11+ exam. There are lot's of 11+ practice materials available, to help your child become familiar with the format of the test and the types of questions that will be asked (ensure you have contacted the school and confirmed which test they will be taking).
3. Encourage regular study and practice time management: Encourage your child to set aside dedicated time each day to study and practice.
4. Enhance verbal reasoning skills: The 11+ exam includes verbal reasoning questions, so students should practice their critical thinking, logic, and problem-solving skills.
5. Improve non-verbal reasoning skills: The 11+ exam includes non-verbal reasoning questions, so students should practice their visual and spatial reasoning skills.
6. Provide a positive environment: Create a positive and supportive environment for your child by limiting distractions and providing a quiet, comfortable space for them to study.
7. Set realistic goals: It's important to set realistic goals for your child and not to put too much pressure on them.
8. Practice tests: You can use practice tests to help your child become familiar with the format of the test, the types of questions that will be asked, and the time constraints.
9. A wide and varied vocabulary is very important so reading a range of different texts will not only improve vocabulary but also comprehension. Using varied vocabulary in day to day life will also impact greatly on their ability to recognise and use more challenging and complex words in context.
10. Keep in mind that other factors are important as well: Remember that the 11+ is just one factor in determining a child's academic success, and that a child's potential can be developed in many different ways, regardless of the outcome of the exam.
What happens after the Exam?
Your child will typically be given with a "standardised score" of their 11+ results in October.
Given that it takes into account the fact that some students are almost a year younger than others when they take the
test, this is seen as the most equitable way to show the results. You typically have until the end of October to submit your secondary school applications once you receive the results. Places in secondary schools are typically assigned on March 1 or the first working day that follows. We advise getting in touch with the schools you're applying to or your local council to ensure you have the most up to date information regarding their 11+ procedures.
Can my child retake the 11+ if they fail?
No, in the course of an academic year, there are no "retakes." For many institutions the 11+ is the only possibility. Although some schools offer 12+ and 13+ exams, similar to the 11+, but administered in Years 7 and 8. They are perfect for middle school students, mid-year transfer students, or students who are wishing to enter a selective school in year 7.
How much homework should my child be doing preparing for the 11+?
The amount of homework a child should be doing for 11+ preparation can vary depending on the child's individual needs and abilities. However, as a general guideline, it is recommended that children spend between 1-2 hours per day on 11+ preparation. This time can be split between studying and practicing, with the majority of the time being spent on practice.
It's important to note that the key is consistency, preparing for the 11+ is not a sprint but a marathon, so it's better to have a regular schedule than to try and cram everything in at the last moment. Additionally, it's important to consider the child's overall schedule and make sure they are getting enough sleep and have time for other activities such as sports, hobbies, and spending time with friends and family. It's also important to keep in mind that the 11+ is just one factor in determining a child's academic success and potential, and that there are many other paths to success. It's better to find a balance that works for your child and their needs, rather than pushing them too hard.
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One Final Point:
Remind your child (and yourself) to stay calm, the 11+ is just one factor in determining your child's academic success and potential, and that there are many other paths to success.
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