A Parent’s Guide to Understanding the 11+ Exam Format

For years now, the 11+ Plus has been a gateway into grammar schools. Do you have a child who’s about to take this big milestone?  By doing so, you’ll also know what it is and what its structure and expectations are and that could make all the difference for you and your child. The most essential information you need to know is here.

What Is the 11+ Exam?

The 11+ Plus is an exam with subjects that will take you to grammar schools and selective secondaries in England. Tested as an aptitude test for children in Year 5 – or in early Year 6 – it gives a child’s ability and reading level. Though the format differs by region and school, the aim remains the same. We search for students who will excel in a rigorous academic setting.

Key Components of the 11+ Plus Exam

The 11+ Plus will usually comprise of the following subjects:

English

• Focus Areas: Communication, grammar, vocabulary and creative writing.
• Tips: You should encourage reading diversified texts, do some grammatical exercises and write essays to sharpen your language skills.

Mathematics

• Focus Areas: Arithmetic, fractions, percentages, algebra and problem-solving.
• Tips: Constant practice involving a combination of straightforward operations and word problems will serve best.

Verbal Reasoning

• Focus Areas: Logic puzzles, pattern recognition and vocabulary.
• Tips: Make your child familiar with the types of questions by using past papers and reasoning exercises.

Non-Verbal Reasoning

• Focus Areas: Shapes, patterns, spatial awareness and sequences.

Tips: Use visual puzzles and online tools to make their problem-solving skills strong.

Exam Formats and Boards

Different places or schools of course also employ various exam boards. Two of the most commonly used include:

• CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring): characterised by short, pressure-timed tests that assess all aspects of English, maths and reasoning.
• GL (Granada Learning): Provides distinct papers for English, mathematics, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.

Some schools may use bespoke tests, so always check the specific requirements of your chosen schools.

What to Expect on Exam Day?

The 11+ exam usually lasts between 1–3 hours and consists of one or multiple papers. Most tests are in a multiple-choice format, but written sections may also be required, especially for English. Make sure that your child is there in good time, carries all the necessary materials to the exam, such as pencils, erasers and the exam slip and leaves none of those behind. The child will stay focused and confident if they have a good night’s sleep and a light breakfast.

How to Prepare Effectively

• Start Early: Prepare at least 9–12 months before.
• Prepare a Schedule: Set aside time for all subjects, including practice and breaks in between.
• Use Practice Papers: It makes them familiar with the pattern and question types in the examination.
• Professional Help: Workshops, tuition, or online sources could be used to find expert assistance.

Conclusion

Get started with understanding the format of the 11+ plus examination to help your child become a master of this momentous occasion. Familiarising yourself with the subjects and even which boards take them, as well as preparation techniques, can make a systematic and confident approach to your child’s learning possible. Avidator’s World of Fractions Workshop is another resource that can get an edge over one of the hardest topics in the 11+ Maths syllabus fraction of your child. Begin early, stay constant and give them what they need to succeed. Visit Avidator’s website today and make their preparation journey a winning one!