Students in the UK recognize the importance of the 11+ exam, a key milestone in their academic journey. This test plays a crucial role in determining admission to grammar schools and other selective institutions, making it essential for parents, teachers, and students to fully understand its significance.
This guide will cover everything about the 11+ exam, including its purpose, the examining boards, test components, its impact on a child’s future, and the benefits of professional tutoring. Many parents search for “11+ tutors near me” and struggle to find the right support. No need to worry—we’re here to help you find expert tutors who can guide your child to success!
In the UK, the 11+ exam is an entrance test for grammar and independent schools. It is taken by students in Year 6, typically aged 10 to 11, during their final year of primary school. This exam assesses a student’s reasoning abilities and academic skills, playing a key role in their educational journey. The test is usually conducted in September, before students officially enter Year 6, and evaluates areas such as non-verbal reasoning, verbal reasoning, numerical ability, and English.
Each year, around 100,000 students take the 11+ exam, competing for approximately 15,000 places in selective schools. While 80% of students pass, achieving the required score does not guarantee admission. Selection also depends on factors such as interview performance, proximity to the school, and the final 11+ score. Students who receive 11+ tuition and practice with mock exams tend to perform better, significantly improving their chances of securing a place in a selective school.
The 11+ exam is administered by several exam boards, including GL Assessment, CEM, and the Independent Schools Examinations Board (ISEB). Each board has its own unique approach, format, and testing methods. Additionally, some schools may customize the exam to meet their specific admission requirements. Understanding which exam board is used by the schools you are considering is crucial for effective preparation. This allows students to tailor their study plans and focus on the relevant test format to maximize their chances of success.
Preparing for the 11+ exam can be a challenging process for both children and parents. Some families opt for tutors or preparation classes to ensure their child is well-prepared, while others prefer self-study using workbooks, online resources, and sample tests to familiarize themselves with the exam format. Many parents also search for "11+ tutors near me" to find expert guidance and support, helping their child build confidence and improve their chances of success.
For parents searching for an “online 11+ tutor near you,” The Tutors Center makes finding the right tutor simple and stress-free. The process begins with an evaluation of the student’s strengths and challenges, followed by a personalized learning plan tailored to their needs.
To ensure the perfect fit, we also offer a free trial lesson before registration, giving students and parents confidence in their tutoring experience.
Type of Test: GL Assessment is one of the largest providers of the 11+ exam, covering verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, mathematics, and English.
Regions Used: Commonly used in grammar schools across Kent, Buckinghamshire, and Lincolnshire.
Test Structure: GL tests are content-based, designed to reflect curriculum knowledge. They are primarily multiple-choice, with a strong emphasis on pattern recognition and practice from past papers.
Focus: These tests evaluate a student’s understanding of key subjects within the curriculum, ensuring a thorough assessment of their academic abilities.
Operated by: The University of Cambridge.
Type of Test: CEM exams focus on ability-based assessments, covering verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, arithmetic reasoning, and comprehension.
Focus: Unlike GL assessments, CEM minimizes reliance on practice, making the tests less predictable and harder to coach for. The goal is to evaluate a student’s ability to apply skills and adapt knowledge in different scenarios.
Test Structure: CEM tests include a mix of multiple-choice and written responses, with a randomized question order and topic variation, making them less predictable.
Goal: These exams are designed to reduce student familiarity with previous test formats and assess real-world problem-solving skills rather than rote learning.
Type of Test: Primarily used by independent schools rather than state grammar schools. The ISEB 11+ Common Entrance Exam assesses a child’s readiness for private academic institutions.
Subjects: Typically includes English, mathematics, and science, though some schools may require additional subjects like history, geography, or Latin.
Focus: While not a standard 11+ test, it serves a similar purpose in evaluating students seeking admission to independent schools. The test may assess both curriculum-based knowledge and reasoning skills, depending on the school’s specific requirements.
Test Structure: Unlike the multiple-choice format of GL assessments, ISEB exams are written tests. The structure and subjects can vary based on the specific school’s admission criteria.
GL Assessment: Content-focused and heavily based on curriculum learning, with predictable patterns.
CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring): Designed to be unpredictable, focusing on aptitude and reasoning while minimizing the impact of coaching.
ISEB (Independent Schools Examinations Board): Used primarily by independent schools, covering a broader range of subjects, making it different from both GL and CEM tests.
The total test duration is typically around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on how many papers are used (Verbal + Non-Verbal + Maths + English). Sometimes, tests are split over two days, with different papers on each day.
Each paper is generally between 45 minutes to 1 hour in duration.
The 11+ exam is designed to assess students’ knowledge and comprehension of English and Mathematics. Additionally, the verbal and non-verbal reasoning sections evaluate a student’s logical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Verbal reasoning primarily focuses on numerical operations and language-based problem-solving, whereas non-verbal reasoning assesses spatial awareness through patterns, shapes, and diagrams. It is important to note that the subjects and format of the exam can vary depending on the school and exam board.
Some institutions only include verbal and non-verbal reasoning in their assessments, while others incorporate all four sections, sometimes even adding extra components like a science section.
Although the specific content of the 11+ test differs across exam centers and boards, certain common themes and topics are typically covered.
Mathematics is one of the components of the 11+ test with which a child’s numerical and mathematical skills can be assessed. Topics which in questions may be included are arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and problem solving among others. The math section also tests arithmetic literacy as well as problem-solving skills with user-friendly mathematical problems.
Since the 11+ test is a highly competitive exam that plays a crucial role in a child’s educational future, many parents hire tutors to aid in preparation. A skilled tutor tailors lessons to match a child’s learning style, providing targeted support in challenging areas and boosting confidence.
An online 11+ tutor, specializing in exam preparation, conducts mock tests and is well-versed in the test format, content, and strategies. They offer expert guidance on tackling specific challenges, structuring study schedules, and improving performance. By providing personalized feedback, they help students identify strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to refine their skills effectively.
Another crucial facet is the practice and it has to be carried out consistently to generate the right results on the 11 plus exam by eleven plus online tuition. It is also possible for teachers to provide practice papers, questions, and exercises that are specific to the exam board and the test format. By practicing repeatedly, students become familiar with the types of questions they will be asked as well as develop their speed and efficiency.
The 11-plus exam can be very stressful to many students. A tutor can increase a child’s confidence by praising them, encouraging them, as well as providing them criticism when necessary. It may then assist Coursework revision kids to reduce some of the anxiety they have towards the test and tackle the test in a positive manner.
Quick Links
Information
