The 11+ exams, as the name suggests, test 10-11-year-old students in their last year of primary school to gain admission to various secondary schools, including independent and grammar schools, in England and Northern Ireland
11+ is highly competitive. According to a survey, only 1 in every 6 students pass the 11+ exam .
The 11+ exam is an important milestone for many kids as it determines their admission into grammar and independent schools. At the same time, it is a stressful time for parents when they think whether their child will be able to pass the exam or not.
As a parent, it is okay to feel stressed because of the responsibility falling on your shoulders. This parents guide will offer you all the required knowledge and assistance to walk you through your child’s 11+ exams.
What is a Grammar School?
The modern concept of Grammar school dates back to the Education Act passed in 1944 in which secondary education at the age of 14 was free.
Grammar schools are state-funded secondary schools.
Grammar schools in the UK select their students through examination at the age of 11 known as the “11+ exam”. Various Grammar schools can also offer admission in Year 8 and Year 9 through exams like 12+ and 13+.
The name suggests that 10-11-year-old students take the exam in their last year of primary school to gain admission to various secondary schools, including independent and grammar schools, in England and Northern Ireland.
11+ is highly competitive. According to a survey, only 1 in every 6 students pass the 11+ exam .
The 11+ exam is an important milestone for many kids as it determines their admission into grammar and independent schools. At the same time, it is a stressful time for parents when they think whether their child will be able to pass the exam or not.
As a parent, it is okay to feel stressed because of the responsibility falling on your shoulders. This parents guide will offer you all the required knowledge and assistance to walk you through your child’s 11+ exams.
What is a Grammar School?
The modern concept of Grammar school dates back to the Education Act passed in 1944 in which secondary education at the age of 14 was free.
Grammar schools are state-funded secondary schools.
Grammar schools in the UK select their students through examination at the age of 11 known as the “11+ exam”. Various Grammar schools can also offer admission in Year 8 and Year 9 through exams like 12+ and 13+.
There are 3,452 state secondary schools. These schools are funded by the government and are free for students to attend. Out of the 3,452 state secondary schools, 163 are grammar schools. .
Grammar schools are significantly distinct from normal state schools. Grammar schools have a selective and competitive curriculum that focuses on preparing a child for higher education.
State vs Grammar vs Independent Schools
There is a big difference between state, grammar, and independent schools,
State Secondary Schools:
State Secondary Schools or comprehensive schools that do not require any admission test like the “11+ exam” for the selection process. These are also government-funded schools but the selection criteria is based on a student’s proximity and location. These schools follow the national curriculum.
Grammar schools:
These schools are also state schools but require a more technical process for selection and very few students make it to grammar schools. They require 11+ exams for the admission process.
Private schools:
These are independently run schools and charge fees for attending. Unlike, Grammar or Comprehensive schools, they are not bound to follow the national curriculum . They may require an admission process too , sometimes “ 11+ exam” and do offer scholarships to students with high academic record .
Time to Start Preparation for 11+ Exams
Every child is different depending upon the level of performance in studies . Few students might take one year to grasp the whole syllabus, other might require two, some might have to resort to tutoring.
Start preparing early, ideally at least a year or two before your child reaches Year 5 or Year 4 of primary school. This gives the child enough time to understand the material and practice extensively.
However, it is also not to say that preparation should be started as early as possible for instance, in year 3 or year 2 of primary school a kid is just getting ready. This parents guide is for those who start preparing their kid in year 3 or 2 ruin their child’s academic journey because at that time one should only focus on acquiring the basics to build a foundation for the exams.
Find Out Information About Schools
Research the grammar and independent schools you’re interested in. This is because each school has a unique test pattern and specific criteria for admission. Understand their admission criteria, test formats, and what they are looking for in a candidate. Few schools also take interviews. Once you are done researching, prepare the trajectory for your child’s preparation.
Track Important Dates
Keep a calendar of all important dates related to the 11+ exams and admissions.
Registration for Exams: Registration for most schools in the UK starts in May or April and with a deadline set in June or July.
Test Dates: The 11+ exams will start in September. The majority of schools will conduct their 11+ exams in the first two weeks of September.
Results: The results will be announced in the middle of October. A few schools might also interview the test. An interview plays an important role in a student selection process.
Talk to Teachers
Discuss with your child’s teachers to understand their strengths and weaknesses. Teachers can provide valuable insights into areas that need improvement because they understand you in a better way.
Considering the discussion, you should devise a plan that targets the weak areas as well as improves the other parts.
Understanding the Pattern of the 11+ Exam
The paper pattern might vary depending on the school your child is applying to.
There are mainly two testing boards that conduct the 11+ exam; GL Assessment and The Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring. These organizations can design customized 11+ exams for each school. Therefore it is necessary to study the pattern of the school your child is applying for.
Generally, the 11+ exam has 4 sections, each testing a student’s ability to understand and solve problems. The test pattern consists of multiple choice questions with an English section consisting of a creative writing section.
The general format of 11+ plus exams consists of :
Math: The Math section focuses on arithmetic, problem-solving, and mathematical reasoning.
English Section: The English section evaluates reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills. This section also includes creative writing tasks to assess composition skills.
Verbal Reasoning : Verbal Reasoning tests a student’s ability to understand and process language-based information. This section includes questions on logic, problem-solving, and pattern recognition.
Non-Verbal Reasoning : Non-verbal reasoning evaluates spatial awareness and logical thinking through visual information. Students solve problems involving shapes, patterns, and sequences.
Can Your Child Pass 11+ Without Tutoring?
Your child can pass 11+ exams without tutoring but tutoring increases better understanding on the components of exam and hence increases your chances of passing 11+ exam .
There is no harm in employing a tutor because they are professional and understand how to better train your child.
How to Help Your Child in 11+ Exams ?
1.Start Early : Begin preparation well in advance to avoid hustle in covering the syllabus. Early preparation allows for a steady and thorough understanding of the material.
2.Create a Schedule : A structured schedule helps in organizing study time effectively. Ensure the schedule is realistic and includes breaks to prevent burnout.
3.Constantly Motivate Your Child : Encouragement is crucial. Regularly remind your child of their strengths and the progress they are making. Reward children as they progress.
4.Ensure Consistency : Consistency in studying is more effective than cramming. Regular practice builds confidence and reinforces learning.
5.Keep a Balance: While preparation is important, it’s equally vital to ensure your child isn’t overworked. A balanced approach prevents burnout and keeps the learning process enjoyable.
6.Avoid Creating a Stressful Environment: A calm and supportive home environment is essential. Stress levels can negatively impact your child’s performance.
7.Practice on Mock Papers : Practice papers are a great way to identify and work on weaknesses. Encourage your child to learn from their mistakes and keep improving.
8.Reward Your Child :Celebrate small victories along the way. Rewards can be a great motivator and help your child stay focused and positive.
Preparing for the 11+ exams is a journey that requires dedication, support, and understanding from a parent side . With helping your kid through the right resources and best mentoring , you can make this journey way easy .
Find Your Tutor has a dedicated pool Tutors who specialize in 11+ exams . We provide the proper mentoring and support your keed needs . Tutoring will immensely make your child’s way to a Grammar School easier. Sign Up for a free Trial Class now.
There are 3,452 state secondary schools. These schools are funded by the government and are free for students to attend. Out of the 3,452 state secondary schools, 163 are grammar schools. .
Grammar schools are significantly distinct from normal state schools. Grammar schools have a selective and competitive curriculum that focuses on preparing a child for higher education.
State vs Grammar vs Independent Schools
There is a big difference between state, grammar, and independent schools,
State Secondary Schools:
State Secondary Schools or comprehensive schools that do not require any admission test like the “11+ exam” for the selection process. These are also government-funded schools but the selection criteria is based on a student’s proximity and location. These schools follow the national curriculum.
Grammar schools:
These schools are also state schools but require a more technical process for selection and very few students make it to grammar schools. They require 11+ exams for the admission process.
Private schools:
These are independently run schools and charge fees for attending. Unlike, Grammar or Comprehensive schools, they are not bound to follow the national curriculum . They may require an admission process too , sometimes “ 11+ exam” and do offer scholarships to students with high academic record .
Time to Start Preparation for 11+ Exams
Every child is different depending upon the level of performance in studies . Few students might take one year to grasp the whole syllabus, other might require two, some might have to resort to tutoring.
It’s important to get started with the preparation early, ideally at least a year or two before when a kid is in year 5 of primary school or year 4 of primary school. This gives the child enough time to understand the material and practice extensively.
However, don’t start preparation as early as Year 3 or Year 2 of primary school, when a child is still just getting ready. This parents guide is for those who start preparing their kid in year 3 or 2 ruin their child’s academic journey because at that time one should only focus on acquiring the basics to build a foundation for the exams.
Find Out Information About Schools
Research the grammar and independent schools you’re interested in. This is because each school has a unique test pattern and specific criteria for admission. Understand their admission criteria, test formats, and what they are looking for in a candidate. Few schools also take interviews. Once you are done researching, prepare the trajectory for your child’s preparation.
Track Important Dates
Keep a calendar of all important dates related to the 11+ exams and admissions.
Registration for Exams: Registration for most schools in the UK starts in May or April and with a deadline set in June or July.
Test Dates: The 11+ exams will start in September. The majority of schools will conduct their 11+ exams in the first two weeks of September.
Results: The results will be announced in the middle of October. A few schools might also interview the test. An interview plays an important role in a student selection process.
Talk to Teachers
Discuss with your child’s teachers to understand their strengths and weaknesses. Teachers can provide valuable insights into areas that need improvement because they understand you in a better way.
Considering the discussion, you should devise a plan that targets the weak areas as well as improves the other parts.
Understanding the Pattern of the 11+ Exam
The paper pattern might vary depending on the school your child is applying to.
There are mainly two testing boards that conduct the 11+ exam; GL Assessment and The Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring. These organizations can design customized 11+ exams for each school. Therefore it is necessary to study the pattern of the school your child is applying for.
Generally, the 11+ exam has 4 sections, each testing a student’s ability to understand and solve problems. The test pattern consists of multiple choice questions with an English section consisting of a creative writing section.
The general format of 11+ plus exams consists of :
Math: The Math section focuses on arithmetic, problem-solving, and mathematical reasoning.
English Section: The English section evaluates reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills. This section also includes creative writing tasks to assess composition skills.
Verbal Reasoning : Verbal Reasoning tests a student’s ability to understand and process language-based information. This section includes questions on logic, problem-solving, and pattern recognition.
Non-Verbal Reasoning : Non-verbal reasoning evaluates spatial awareness and logical thinking through visual information. Students solve problems involving shapes, patterns, and sequences.
Can Your Child Pass 11+ Without Tutoring?
Your child can pass 11+ exams without tutoring but tutoring increases better understanding on the components of exam and hence increases your chances of passing 11+ exam .
There is no harm in employing a tutor because they are professional and understand how to better train your child.
How to Help Your Child in 11+ Exams ?
1.Start Early : Begin preparation well in advance to avoid hustle in covering the syllabus. Early preparation allows for a steady and thorough understanding of the material.
2.Create a Schedule : A structured schedule helps in organizing study time effectively. Ensure the schedule is realistic and includes breaks to prevent burnout.
3.Constantly Motivate Your Child : Encouragement is crucial. Regularly remind your child of their strengths and the progress they are making. Reward children as they progress.
4.Ensure Consistency : Consistency in studying is more effective than cramming. Regular practice builds confidence and reinforces learning.
5.Keep a Balance: While preparation is important, it’s equally vital to ensure your child isn’t overworked. A balanced approach prevents burnout and keeps the learning process enjoyable.
6.Avoid Creating a Stressful Environment: A calm and supportive home environment is essential. Stress levels can negatively impact your child’s performance.
7.Practice on Mock Papers : Practice papers are a great way to identify and work on weaknesses. Encourage your child to learn from their mistakes and keep improving.
8.Reward Your Child :Celebrate small victories along the way. Rewards can be a great motivator and help your child stay focused and positive.
Preparing for the 11+ exams is a journey that requires dedication, support, and understanding from a parent side . With helping your kid through the right resources and best mentoring , you can make this journey way easy .
Find Your Tutor has a dedicated pool Tutors who specialize in 11+ exams . We provide the proper mentoring and support your keed needs . Tutoring will immensely make your child’s way to a Grammar School easier. Sign Up for a free Trial Class now.
