- 15 Oct, 2025
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How to Help Your Child Succeed at the 11 Plus: A Complete Parent’s Guide
Preparing for the 11 Plus exam can feel like a big step for both children and parents. Whether your goal is entry to a grammar school or an independent school scholarship, success depends not on endless drilling but on strategy, consistency, and confidence.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know from what the exam covers to how to support your child effectively at home.
What Is the 11 Plus Exam?
The 11 Plus (11+) is a selective entrance exam taken by students in Year 6 (aged 10–11) for admission into grammar schools or selective independent schools across the UK.
While exact formats vary by region and school, most tests assess four key areas:
1. English / Verbal Reasoning – Vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, and logical thinking with words.
2.Maths / Non-Verbal Reasoning – Problem-solving, pattern recognition, and reasoning with shapes and numbers.
3. Reading comprehension – Understanding, interpreting, and inferring meaning from passages.
4. Writing (sometimes) – Short creative or persuasive writing tasks.
1. Start Early — But Keep It Balanced
The best preparation begins with building strong foundations rather than rushing into test papers too soon.
Years 4–5: Focus on strengthening maths, reading comprehension, and vocabulary.
Early Year 5: Introduce light 11 Plus-style questions and puzzles once or twice a week.
Later Year 5: Begin timed practice papers and review weaker areas.
Tip: Early exposure reduces pressure in Year 6 and makes learning feel natural, not stressful.
2. Understand the Exam Format
Different exam boards and schools use different papers — mainly GL Assessment and CEM (Centre for Evaluation & Monitoring).
GL Assessment: More predictable, topic-based questions (vocabulary, maths, spatial reasoning).
CEM: Designed to test broader thinking skills with less reliance on rote learning.
Check which test your target school uses so you can tailor practice resources.
3. Build Strong Core Skills
11 Plus success isn’t about memorising tricks, it’s about mastering underlying skills. Here’s what to focus on:
English
– Read a variety of texts — classics, modern fiction, and non-fiction.
– Discuss meaning, tone, and vocabulary after reading.
– Practice comprehension, spelling, and grammar daily.
Maths
– Secure fluency in times tables, fractions, percentages, and mental maths.
– Practice solving word problems — not just sums.
– Learn to check work carefully under time pressure.
Verbal Reasoning
– Play word games (Scrabble, Boggle, crosswords).
– Build vocabulary lists and practice synonyms/antonyms.
– Use logic puzzles to build pattern recognition.
Non-Verbal Reasoning
– Practice recognising shapes, rotations, and patterns.
– Encourage spatial awareness through puzzles and building activities (e.g., LEGO, tangrams).
4. Set Up a Realistic Study Schedule
Consistency beats cramming. Create a manageable weekly plan:
Pro tip: Use a wall planner so your child can track progress visually. Celebrate small wins weekly.
5. Use the Right Resources
Practice books: CGP, Bond, and GL Assessment have great step-by-step series.
Online platforms: Atom Learning, BOFA, and 11 Plus Lifeline offer adaptive practice.
Past papers: Ask your target school for sample papers or visit their website.
Apps & games: Spelling Shed, Times Tables Rock Stars, Wordscapes — great for building skills playfully.
6. Focus on Exam Technique
Once the content is secure, train your child in test strategy:
Time management: Practice finishing under timed conditions.
Skipping & returning: Teach them to move on when stuck.
Checking work: Leave a few minutes to review.
Confidence: Remind them that one tricky question doesn’t define the outcome.
Goal: Develop calm, focused test habits — not perfection.
7. Keep Motivation High
Avoid burnout by making study enjoyable and rewarding.
– Mix in puzzles, educational games, and rewards.
– Alternate between hard and easy sessions.
– Praise effort and improvement not just high scores.
“You’re getting faster at these now — all that practice is paying off!”
Positive reinforcement builds resilience far better than pressure.
8. Practice Under Exam Conditions
About 6–8 weeks before the test, introduce mock exams at home:
– Same timing and format as the real test.
– Quiet, minimal distractions.
– Full review afterward: What went well? What needs more work?
Doing this gradually reduces nerves and builds real confidence for the big day.
9. Support Their Wellbeing
Remember — confidence, rest, and routine matter as much as preparation.
Sleep: 9–11 hours a night for 10–11-year-olds.
Nutrition: Balanced meals with brain-boosting foods (fish, nuts, fruits, veggies).
Exercise: Daily movement keeps the brain active and reduces anxiety.
Downtime: Make time for hobbies, play, and relaxation.
10. On Test Day — Stay Calm
– Have breakfast and arrive early.
– Encourage calm breathing if nerves rise.
– Offer reassurance, not pressure:
“Do your best — that’s all we ask.”
Afterwards, celebrate their effort regardless of results. The experience itself builds valuable academic and emotional skills.
Helping your child succeed in the 11 Plus isn’t about overloading them — it’s about creating a structured, positive, and supportive environment where learning becomes part of daily life.
Start early, keep practice consistent, and build confidence one step at a time. The result? A prepared, motivated child who walks into the exam with a smile and belief in their ability.
Empower your child’s learning journey with EduSeed — expert-led training for MAP Growth and NAPLAN success.
