How to prepare for the 11-plus exam
Preparation for the 11-plus exams doesn't need to be stressful or hard. The key is to give your child enough time to study and understand what the exam is and how to help your child study for it.
Whether you're wondering what the 11-plus is, need a tutor or can do it alone, we break down the best strategies to master the subjects (maths, English, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning) and build exam confidence. Here's what you need to know.
What is the 11-plus exam?
The 11-plus exam is a selective entrance exam used by grammar schools and some independent schools to assess a child's suitability for entry into Year 7.
Distinct from comprehensive secondary schools, which take students of all abilities, selective and grammar schools are state-funded but select pupils based on high academic ability, as measured through an entrance exam, such as the 11-plus.
What you need to know:
1. This exam is taken by children in their final year of primary school who choose to register for it.
2. Registration takes place as early as April or May, the year before secondary school entry. So, if your child is entering year 7 in 2026, registration for the 11-plus is now open.
3. The 11-plus exam covers subjects like English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
4. Grammar schools and selective independents then select their pupils based on their performance in the 11-plus exam.
5. Many pupils take the 11-plus exams and pass, but due to the limited number of places available, only about half succeed in securing a place at a grammar school.
What does the 11-plus exam contain?
English - this tests comprehension, grammar, and creative writing.
Maths - Core maths from Key Stage 2 (Year 5/6) level, but with greater complexity and problem-solving demands.
Verbal Reasoning (VR) - This tests a student's understanding and analysis of written information. It assesses skills by focusing on problem-solving with words, codes, and patterns.
Nonverbal reasoning (NVR) - This is the most unfamiliar part of the exam. It assesses a student's ability to solve visual and spatial problems, which test logic, pattern recognition, and abstract thinking. Multiple-choice questions are the most common format for NVR.
What's the pass rate for the 11-plus?
The 11-plus pass rate varies, but a general estimate is around 80%. What's important to know is that there isn't a single, fixed pass mark.
Pass scores vary based on the school, local authority, and the specific exam format. The level of competition for certain schools also influences the pass mark.
This is why getting into a selective school isn't easy. It depends on the number of places apportioned to each school. Local authorities confirm their decisions in February, before the start of the new term in September, so there is time to appeal a decision.
How do I know if my child is right for the 11-plus exam?
Your first port of call is to talk to your child and their teacher. Is your child willing to put in the extra work for the 11-plus? Do they want to go to a grammar school? Does your child's teacher feel they have the ability?
Ultimately, you are best placed to know your child and their academic abilities. If you are unsure, you can always get them to work with an 11-plus tutor who can gauge their level and ability. Working through some of the resources at the end of this post can also give you an idea of the amount of work needed and your child's current level.
Will my child's primary school help with the 11-plus?
Many state schools don't cover the 11-plus. If your child's school doesn't offer assistance with preparation, consider hiring an 11-plus tutor to help your child.
Whether your child needs assistance with verbal reasoning, English, maths, or non-verbal reasoning aspects of 11+ revision, a private tutor can work with them and offer advice on good revision and exam techniques.
Do I need a tutor for the 11-plus?
The lack of standardisation in the papers and the fact that many schools do not offer specialised tuition can make preparing for the 11+ a stressful experience, and a tutor can help and direct your child's preparation with focused revision sessions.
They can also be helpful as they:
1. Know what's expected in the papers.
2. Can give your child an insight into ways of dealing with exam and revision stress.
3.They can offer bespoke help with verbal and non-verbal reasoning, which your child may not have done before.
4. Will help your child to know what they need to do to be ready.
5. Construct a revision plan.
6. Help your child learn to work under timed conditions in examination conditions, something they may not have done before.
How can I help my child at home with the 11-plus?
If you don't feel you need the help of a tutor, you can help prepare your child for the 11+ in various ways:
1. Familiarise yourself with the format and content of the 11+ exam specific to your region or school.
2. Understand which subjects, such as English, maths, and verbal and nonverbal reasoning, will be tested.
3. Prepare well before the exam date to allow sufficient time for practice and revision. Starting early in Year 5 can help alleviate stress and ensure comprehensive coverage of all relevant topics.
4. Incorporate regular practice sessions into your child's routine, focusing on each subject area tested in the exam.
5. Use practice papers, past exams, and online resources to simulate exam conditions and familiarise your child with the questions they may encounter.
6. Teach your child exam techniques, such as time management, reading questions carefully, and answering questions strategically.
7. Practice timed exercises to help your child become comfortable with the pace of the exam and improve their efficiency.
8. 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.
11-plus exam resources
11PlusGuide: This site offers exam papers and resources, Independent school information, and preparation guides for every 11+ test subject. Plus a free eleven-plus exams forum
Atom Learning: A free trial is available. This site offers exam preparation and caters to every selective school entrance test in the country. Search for your school for more information and resources.
Bond 11+ study guides and CGP 11+ GL Non-Verbal Reasoning Practice Book & Assessment Tests are some of the best 11-plus guides to use at home.
Further reading
What you need to know about the 11+