How to Prepare Your Child for Their 11 Plus Exams

Many parents begin hearing about the 11 Plus when their children are still in primary school, and it can quickly raise a lot of questions. Grammar school admissions often involve entrance exams, application deadlines, and preparation that may not be covered in the normal school curriculum. If this is your first time navigating the process of applying to secondary school, it can feel a little overwhelming. However, once you understand how the 11 Plus works and how preparation usually takes place, supporting your child becomes much easier.

How does the 11 Plus work?

The 11 Plus is an entrance exam used by grammar schools to help decide which students are offered places in Year 7. Children normally take the exam during Year 6, although many families begin preparation earlier. Most 11 Plus tests assess maths and English, alongside verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. While maths and English are taught in school, reasoning questions often require extra practice because they are not always part of the national curriculum.

What are 11 Plus consortiums?

Some grammar schools operate independently and set their own entrance exams. Others work together as part of a consortium. A consortium is simply a group of schools that share the same test. This means your child may only need to sit one exam to apply to multiple grammar schools within that group.

If my child passes, are they guaranteed entry?

No, passing the 11 Plus does not always guarantee a place at a grammar school. The exam is often only the first stage of the admissions process. Schools may also consider factors such as catchment area, distance from the school, or whether siblings already attend the school. Because grammar schools are often oversubscribed, more children may pass the exam than there are available places.

How can I help my child revise for the 11 Plus?

Many parents support their child by working through revision topics together at home, or through 11 Plus tuition. This often involves practising maths problems, developing reading comprehension skills, and learning how to approach reasoning questions. Practice papers are particularly helpful because they allow children to become familiar with the structure of the exam and the pace required to complete it.

Are all 11 Plus tests the same?

No. The format of the 11 Plus can vary between schools and regions. Some exams place more emphasis on maths and English, while others include a larger number of reasoning questions. This is why it is important to check the format used by the specific schools you are applying to before beginning revision.

Can I buy school-specific revision materials?

Yes. Many online providers offer revision materials designed for particular schools or consortiums. School-specific resources can help ensure that your child practises the most relevant topics for their exam. At Functional Skills Maths Level 2, we recommend parents access an 11 Plus essentials pack which combines revision guides with practice exam papers to support preparation.

When should we start preparing?

Although the exam takes place in Year 6, many families begin revising the 11 Plus in Year 4 or Year 5. Starting early allows children to work through topics gradually and practise different question styles before sitting the real exam.

Can we revise 11 Plus maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning for free?

Yes, many websites provide free revision resources and example questions. These can be useful for exploring different topics. However, they are often presented as separate pieces of information rather than a structured course like those found in full revision guides.

How do I know if my child should be working towards the 11 Plus?

Many parents consider the 11 Plus if their child is working at a higher than average academic level and is interested in attending a grammar school. Speaking with your child’s teacher can also help you understand whether the exam may be a suitable option.

Which schools require the 11 Plus?

The 11 Plus is mainly used by grammar schools across England. Not all areas have schools for the 11 Plus, so whether the exam is relevant to your child will depend on where you live.

What school should my child go to?

Choosing a secondary school should involve several considerations. Visiting open days, thinking about travel time, and understanding the culture of the school can all help you make a decision. It is also important that your child feels comfortable and positive about the school they may attend.

Will my school have dedicated resources?

Not all primary schools provide dedicated 11 Plus preparation resources. Some schools focus entirely on the national curriculum. For this reason, many parents look for external materials like an 11 Plus bundle that match the grammar school entrance exam format.

Conclusion

The 11 Plus process can seem complicated at first, but understanding how the exam works and starting preparation early can make a big difference. With the right information and suitable revision materials, parents can help their children approach the exam with confidence. If your child is anxious about the process, you can find tips for coping with exam stress online.

Written by

Pass Functional Skills Team

We help thousands of students each year with revision, courses and online exams.