How to Prepare Your Child for Their 11 Plus Exams

Many parents start to think about the 11 Plus when their child reaches the later years of primary school. If you are considering grammar school entry, the process can feel confusing at first. The 11 Plus is often the first formal exam your child will take, and there are a lot of details to understand, from application deadlines to exam formats and revision materials. It is completely normal to feel unsure about where to begin. The good news is that with the right information and preparation, the process of applying to secondary school becomes much easier to manage. Below we answer some of the most common questions parents ask when they start thinking about the 11 Plus.

How does the 11 Plus work?

The 11 Plus is an entrance exam used by many grammar schools to help decide which students are offered places in Year 7. Children usually sit the exam in Year 6, although preparation often begins earlier. Most 11 Plus tests assess a combination of subjects such as maths and English, along with verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Maths and English are covered in the national curriculum, but reasoning topics often require extra preparation because they are not usually taught in school. The exact structure of the exam depends on the school or group of schools you are applying to. Some schools set their own test, while others share a standardised exam across several schools in the same area.

What are 11 Plus consortiums?

In some areas, grammar schools work together as part of a consortium. A consortium is simply a group of schools that use the same entrance test.

This can make the process easier for families because your child may only need to sit one exam to apply for several schools within the same group. The results are then shared between those schools as part of the admissions process. However, the details of the test, the application process, and the final admissions decisions are still managed by the individual schools.

If my child passes, are they guaranteed entry?

No. Passing the 11 Plus does not always guarantee a place at a grammar school. In many cases, the 11 Plus is only the first stage of the admissions process. After the exam, schools may also consider other factors such as catchment area, distance from the school, and whether the applicant already has siblings attending the school. Because grammar schools are often oversubscribed, it is possible for more children to pass the exam than there are available places.

How can I help my child revise for the 11 Plus?

There are several ways you can support your child as they prepare for the exam. Many families start by working through revision guides and practice questions together at home.

11 Plus practice papers are particularly useful because they help children become familiar with the style of questions and the timing of the exam. Completing mock-style tests at home can also improve exam technique and help children feel more confident on the day. Some parents also choose to work with a tutor if their child needs extra support with certain topics.

Are all 11 Plus tests the same?

No, 11 Plus exams are not the same everywhere. Each school or consortium decides which subjects to include and how the exam will be structured. Some tests focus heavily on maths and English, while others include verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning as well. Because of these differences, it is important to find out the format used by the specific schools you are applying to before starting revision.

Can I buy school-specific revision materials?

Yes. Many online providers offer revision resources that are tailored to specific schools or consortiums, such as this full preparation kit for the 11 Plus. School-specific materials can be particularly helpful because they focus only on the content that your child is likely to encounter in their actual exam. This saves time and avoids spending money on revision guides that cover topics that will not appear in the test.

When should we start preparing?

Although the exam itself takes place in Year 6, many families begin preparation earlier, often in Year 4 or Year 5. Starting earlier allows your child to work through the material gradually rather than feeling rushed. It also gives them time to practise exam techniques and become comfortable with the types of questions they will see. Preparing steadily over time is usually more effective and less stressful than trying to revise everything at the last minute.

Can we revise 11 Plus maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning for free?

Yes, there are many free revision resources available online. These often include topic explanations, sample questions, and practice papers that cover common areas tested in the 11 Plus. However, free resources are usually provided as individual topics rather than a structured course. Paid revision guides or 11 Plus essentials packs are often organised as a complete programme of study, which can make it easier for children to work through the material step by step.

How do I know if my child should be working towards the 11 Plus?

The 11 Plus is designed for children who are aiming to attend a grammar school. Many families consider the exam if their child is working at a higher than average academic level and is comfortable with challenging schoolwork. It is also important that the child is interested in attending a grammar school and feels motivated to prepare for the exam. At A Star Equivalency, we know that speaking with your child’s teacher can sometimes help you decide whether the 11 Plus might be a suitable option.

Which schools require the 11 Plus?

The 11 Plus is mainly used by grammar schools across England. These schools select students based on academic ability, and the entrance test is usually the first stage of the selection process. Not all areas have grammar schools, so the availability of the 11 Plus depends on where you live.

What school should my child go to?

Choosing a secondary school is an important decision and should involve more than just exam results. It is a good idea to visit schools in your area, attend open days, and think about factors such as travel time, the school environment, and the culture of the school. Your child should also feel comfortable and positive about the school they attend.

Every child thrives in a different environment, so finding the right fit is just as important as academic performance.

Will my school have dedicated resources?

Not all primary schools provide dedicated preparation resources for the 11 Plus. Some schools focus entirely on the national curriculum and may not offer specific support for grammar school entrance exams. This is why many families look for external revision materials. Providers such as Pass 11 Plus offer revision guides and practice papers designed specifically for grammar schools across England, helping parents find materials that match the exam format for their chosen school.

Conclusion

Preparing for the 11 Plus can seem daunting at first, especially if this is your first experience with the grammar school admissions process. By understanding how the exams work, finding the right revision materials, and starting preparation early, you can help your child approach the exam with confidence.

The most important thing is to stay informed and keep the experience positive for your child. With the right support and preparation, the 11 Plus journey can be a rewarding step towards finding the secondary school that suits them best.

Written by

A Star Equivalency Team

We help thousands of students each year with revision, courses and online exams.