What Is the 11+ Exam?
The 11+ (or Eleven Plus) is a selective entrance examination taken by students in Year 5 or the beginning of Year 6, typically at age 10 or 11. It's used by grammar schools and some independent schools across England and Northern Ireland to identify students who would benefit from a more academically rigorous education.
Despite being over 70 years old, the 11+ remains one of the most competitive exams in the UK education system. In popular grammar school areas, acceptance rates can be as low as 10–15%, meaning thorough preparation is essential — not optional.
The exam format varies depending on your region, but most tests assess four core areas: Mathematics, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Understanding the specific format your child will face is the first step to effective preparation.
GL Assessment vs CEM: Understanding the Two Main Formats
The two main 11+ exam providers are GL Assessment and CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring, run by Durham University). Knowing which one your target school uses is critical, as they differ significantly in style and content.
GL Assessment
GL exams typically have separate papers for each subject area: Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. The format is generally more predictable, with standardised question types that can be practised using widely available preparation materials. GL papers tend to be multiple-choice, making time management a key skill.
CEM Exams
CEM exams are intentionally less predictable. They often combine multiple subjects within a single paper and include a wider variety of question types. CEM exams are designed to be harder to prepare for specifically, placing greater emphasis on natural ability and broad vocabulary. However, this doesn't mean preparation is pointless — it simply means the preparation strategy needs to be different, focusing on building underlying skills rather than drilling specific question types.
When to Start 11+ Preparation
This is the question every parent asks, and the honest answer is: it depends on your child. However, most 11+ specialists recommend beginning structured preparation 12–18 months before the exam, which typically means starting in Year 4 (around age 8–9).
Year 4 (12–18 months before): Introduce the exam format gently. Focus on building strong foundations in Maths and English. Begin introducing Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning through puzzle books and games. At this stage, preparation should feel light and enjoyable — not pressured.
Year 5 (6–12 months before): Ramp up preparation with regular practice sessions. Work through topic-specific workbooks. Start timed practice papers. Identify and target weaker areas. If you haven't already, this is the time to consider working with a specialist 11+ tutor.
Summer before the exam (final 2–3 months): Focus on exam technique, timed practice under realistic conditions, and building confidence. This is not the time to learn new material — it's the time to refine, consolidate, and practise.
“Starting too late creates stress and gaps. Starting too early risks burnout. The sweet spot for most children is 12–18 months of gradually building preparation.”
The 4 Components of the 11+
Mathematics
The 11+ Maths paper tests the full Key Stage 2 curriculum and often goes slightly beyond it. Students need to be confident with arithmetic, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, algebra basics, geometry, and data handling. Speed is critical — questions aren't necessarily difficult individually, but the time pressure means students must be fluent with core skills.
Top tip: Focus on mental arithmetic speed. Students who can quickly calculate without reaching for written methods have a significant time advantage. Practise times tables until they're automatic, and work on estimation skills to quickly check answers.
English
English in the 11+ typically involves reading comprehension and sometimes a creative or persuasive writing task. Comprehension passages are often drawn from classic literature and can be challenging in vocabulary and themes. Students need to be able to identify meaning, infer the author's intentions, analyse language choices, and answer questions precisely and concisely.
Top tip: The single best preparation for 11+ English is reading — widely and often. Encourage your child to read books above their current comfort level. Discuss what they've read. Ask them to explain characters' motivations and the author's choices. Build vocabulary actively by looking up unfamiliar words together.
Verbal Reasoning (VR)
Verbal Reasoning tests the ability to think about and manipulate words and language. Question types include finding synonyms and antonyms, completing word sequences, cracking codes, and solving word problems. VR is heavily vocabulary-dependent, and the breadth of vocabulary tested often goes well beyond what children encounter in everyday life.
Top tip: Build vocabulary systematically. Learn a few new words each day. Play word games like Scrabble and Boggle. Use vocabulary flashcards. The more words your child knows, the more VR question types they'll find accessible.
Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR)
Non-Verbal Reasoning tests spatial awareness and the ability to identify patterns, sequences, and relationships between shapes and figures. It's often considered the most “coachable” component of the 11+, as students who initially struggle with NVR can improve dramatically with practice.
Top tip: Regular, focused practice is key. Start with simple pattern recognition exercises and gradually increase difficulty. Teach your child to verbalise what they see (“the shape rotates 90 degrees each time”) — putting the logic into words helps reinforce understanding.
Creating a Preparation Timeline
A realistic, structured timeline prevents last-minute panic and ensures balanced preparation across all four components. Here's a suggested framework:
- 18 months before: Assess your child's current level. Begin light familiarisation with VR and NVR. Encourage reading for pleasure. Strengthen Maths fundamentals.
- 12 months before: Begin regular (2–3 times per week) practice sessions of 30–45 minutes. Work through topic-based workbooks. Consider engaging a specialist tutor.
- 6 months before: Introduce timed practice papers. Focus on weaker areas. Build exam technique — time management, question selection, checking answers.
- 3 months before: Full timed mock exams under realistic conditions. Review and learn from mistakes. Fine-tune speed and accuracy.
- Final month: Light revision only. Focus on confidence and wellbeing. Avoid introducing new material. Ensure your child is well-rested and positive.
Practice Resources
There is no shortage of 11+ preparation materials available. Here are the most widely recommended:
- Bond 11+: Comprehensive workbooks covering all four subject areas, with graded difficulty levels.
- CGP 11+ Practice Papers: Realistic practice papers with detailed answer explanations.
- GL Assessment Familiarisation Materials: Official materials from the exam provider — essential if your child is sitting a GL exam.
- Atom Learning / Elevate Tuition: Online platforms offering adaptive practice and progress tracking.
- Past papers from target schools: Some schools release past papers. Always check the school's website.
Exam Day Tips
All the preparation in the world means little if your child falls apart on exam day. Here's how to set them up for success:
- Practise the routine. Do a trial run of the journey to the exam venue. Know exactly where to go and how long it takes.
- Get a good night's sleep. Avoid late-night cramming. Rest is more valuable than last-minute revision.
- Eat a proper breakfast. Complex carbohydrates (porridge, wholemeal toast) provide sustained energy. Avoid sugary cereals that cause energy crashes.
- Bring the essentials. Pencils, a rubber, a sharpener, and any required documentation. Check in advance what's allowed.
- Stay positive. Your child will pick up on your anxiety. Keep the morning calm, encouraging, and low-pressure. Remind them that one exam doesn't define them.
- Read questions carefully. Remind your child to read each question fully before answering. Many marks are lost through misreading, not misunderstanding.
- Don't dwell on difficult questions. If they're stuck, move on and come back later. Time spent stuck on one question could cost marks on three easier ones.
How Tutoring Helps With 11+ Preparation
While self-study with workbooks can take students a long way, working with a specialist 11+ tutor offers significant advantages. An experienced tutor knows the specific exam formats, common question patterns, and the standard required. They can diagnose your child's strengths and weaknesses precisely, create a targeted preparation plan, and build the exam technique and confidence that make the difference on the day.
At Wissam Tutoring, our 11+ specialists have helped hundreds of students secure grammar school places. We offer personalised preparation plans, regular mock exams, and ongoing support for parents throughout the process. Whether your child needs intensive support or just a final polish, we have the expertise to help them reach their potential.