11+ exams almost always include English, Maths and Reasoning. Sometimes, although rarely, they also include Science or another skills-based subject such as Critical Thinking. School-specific entrance exam information is usually available on the website, and a tutor will often have further ‘insider’ knowledge built up from previous preparation with students.

English exams often include short and long answer comprehension, and creative writing which asks the student to continue the story. Maths exams will be based on the Year 5 National Curriculum, with some extension questions designed to stretch and challenge the strongest students. Reasoning questions could be a mix of verbal, non-verbal and spatial questions, and are usually, but not always, multiple choice.

For the most popular schools, there can be a two-stage process, with an interview day for those who have been successful in the initial examinations. It is worth knowing that some schools now choose their academic scholars purely from their performance in the 11+ exams, so it is worth putting extra effort in if a scholarship is being considered.

There are a few options to ensure your child feels confident and prepared for their 11+ exams. The exam usually (although not always) takes place in January of Year 6, so it is a good idea to start preparation around one year before, in the Spring Term of Year 5. For the most competitive schools, some parents will start preparation in Year 4, or even in Year 3.

Successful preparation for the 11+ exams can be done at home using practice papers, regular reading aloud and problem solving together.

There are also specific 11+ practice papers available from Owl Tutors, written by tutors with experience of the actual exams. Beware of 11+ books available to buy online and in bookshops, as these are almost always designed for the state sector, particularly when it comes to the English and Maths sections.

Some independent schools do use computer-based assessment, with multiple choice answers, but check carefully before buying books and resources you might not actually need!

An Owl Tutor will be incredibly helpful, as they can work one to one with your child and learn their individual needs to target specific gaps or issues.

Please ask your tutor for a personalised reading list, which they will be happy to provide based on your child’s interests and hobbies. Online tutoring has been shown to be very successful at this age, and children are generally very happy to work interactively with a dynamic tutor on a screen for up to an hour. Please do get in touch if we can help!

Around 160 schools in England are state ‘grammar schools’ which mean they have a selective entry and test point at Year 7. If you live in an area with state grammar schools (36 counties) you may be interested in your child applying for a place at one of these, in which case they will have to sit an exam in the September of Year 6, for entry into Year 7. The exams vary but are standardised and often delivered by companies, so practice papers are readily available both online and on paper. Your child’s current school should be able to tell you how likely a move to a grammar school is, and what level of preparation may be needed. It is worth thinking about this when your child is at the start of Year 5, as there are strict deadlines for applications.

11+ exams for state grammar schools include English, Maths and Reasoning. There are three different types of Reasoning questions: Verbal, Non-Verbal and Spatial. You will need to check the specific requirements for the school or county you are thinking of applying to. Often these exams are multiple choice but taken on paper, meaning they can be taken at schools without access to IT equipment, but then marked by a computer.

There are a few options to ensure your child feels confident and prepared for their 11+ exam at a state grammar school. The exam takes place in the September of Year 6 so it is a good idea to start preparation around one year before, at the start of Year 5. Successful preparation for the 11+ exams can be done at home using practice papers, regular reading aloud and problem solving together. An Owl Tutor will also be incredibly helpful, as they can work one to one with your child and learn their individual needs to target specific gaps or issues. Please do get in touch if we can help!