If you have a student who is interested in taking the 11+ exam (sometimes referred to as a transfer test), you may be wondering what the exam is all about and how to best prepare your child for it. In this blog, we will provide a brief but detailed overview of the 11+ exam along with some tips for helping you and your child or student to prepare.

What is the 11+ exam?

The 11+ exam is an entrance exam taken by some students in the UK in Year 6 (aged 11), to determine their suitability for admission into selective schools. These schools may be grammar schools or independent schools that use the exam as part of their admissions process. The exam itself varies depending on the school or region but will consist of some combination of verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, English and mathematics. 

English and maths broadly follow the KS2 National Curriculum, but verbal and non-verbal reasoning are not school-based subjects. English assesses a student's reading comprehension, grammar and writing skills whilst mathematics assesses a student's numeracy and problem-solving skills.

Verbal reasoning assesses a student's ability to think logically with verbal and numerical problems and to understand and manipulate language. Non-verbal reasoning assesses a student's ability to think spatially and to recognise patterns and relationships. 

The 11+ exam can be a highly competitive process that sees many students vying for a limited number of places in these selective schools. It is important to note that success in the exam does not guarantee admission to a particular school - factors, such as academic performance in school and extracurricular activities may also be taken into consideration by schools during their admissions process.

The exams tend to take place in September on Year 6, although some schools hold their exams in January so you should always check with each school. 

Not all schools in the UK require students to take the 11+ exam, and there are many excellent non-selective schools that provide a high-quality education. Parents should carefully research the schools in their area and consider their child's individual needs and abilities before deciding whether to pursue the 11+ exam.

How to prepare for the 11+ exam

As the 11+ is not covered in state school, you will need to prepare it privately, by yourself or with a tutor. Many Independent Schools prepare their students for the 11 + (which is why they are also called “Prep-Schools”), but the selection is so competitive that many parents still seek extra 11+ tuition for their child or children.

We suggest that, at least one year before your student will sit the exam, you:

1. Research the exam: Before you start preparing your child for the 11+ exam, it's important to research the exam format of the schools that you are interested in. This will help you determine what your child needs to focus on and how much time you need to allocate for preparation.

2. Use practice materials: There are many practice materials available for the 11+ exam, including books, online resources and practice papers. These can be a useful tool for familiarising your student with the exam format and for identifying areas where they need more help.

3. Work with a tutor: If you feel that your child would benefit from more structured preparation, consider working with a tutor who specialises in 11+ preparation. A tutor can provide tailored support and guidance to help your child reach their full potential.

4. Create a study schedule: To ensure that your child is adequately prepared for the exam, it's important to create a consistent study schedule that covers all the necessary material. This should include regular practice tests and revision sessions.

5. Encourage a healthy lifestyle: Encourage your child to get plenty of rest, exercise and a balanced diet. This will help them to concentrate better during their studies and perform better on the day of the exam. For more of our top revision tips that can help with this, check out our other blog.

The 11+ exam can be a challenging but rewarding experience for students. By researching and following our top tips, you can help your child prepare effectively and maximise their chances of success! If you’re interested in finding out more about how we can support your student in preparing for the 11+ head to our Contact Us page and speak to one of our Academic Advisors today!