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The 11+ (11 Plus) Guide for Parents | What You Need To Know

11+

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Introduction

 

As a parent, venturing into the 11 Plus journey for the first time can present its challenges. If your child is currently undergoing preparation for this rigorous test, it is natural to have concerns regarding various aspects, including academic preparedness. You may worry about whether your child has acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to perform well in the exam, and whether there are gaps in your child’s understanding of certain subjects or topics.

 

The 11+ exam is known for its competitive nature and the pressure it places on students. Hence, it’s perfectly natural to worry about how your child will handle the stress and expectations associated with the assessment. As the 11+ exam usually covers multiple subjects and has a strict time limit, you may also be concerned about whether your child can effectively manage their time during the test and complete all the required questions.

 

As a parent, it is natural to have concerns regarding your child’s familiarity with the question formats, strategies and techniques specific to the 11+ exam. Additionally, finding the right balance between exam preparation and your child’s overall well-being can be challenging. It is important to navigate this process without subjecting your child to excessive stress or overwhelming study demands.

 

Selecting the ideal grammar school for your child can be a daunting process. With a myriad of options to choose from and a multitude of factors to consider, it is completely natural to experience a sense of uncertainty when trying to determine the best school for your child’s educational journey.

 

Last but certainly not least, you may have concerns regarding the potential impact of the 11+ exam on your child’s self-esteem and confidence, especially in terms of how your child will handle the results and any potential setbacks.

 

This comprehensive 11+ guide serves as your gateway to understanding the details of the test, as well as its history and background. By exploring its foundations, you will gain valuable insights into the purpose and significance of this assessment, helping you learn how to effectively prepare your child for success on exam day.

 

What is the 11 Plus?

 

The 11 Plus exam underpins the selection process for grammar schools in specific areas of the UK. Designed to identify the most academically proficient students, this test sets a high standard, therefore not all children will pass. However, for those who do succeed, attending a grammar school can prove to be immensely rewarding, offering a stimulating academic environment and enhanced educational opportunities.

 

The Eleven Plus exam is typically taken by students in Year 6, usually around the age of 10 or 11. This assessment serves as a crucial milestone in a student’s academic path, marking the transition from primary education to the next stage of their educational journey. By acing the 11 Plus, students gain access to the academic rigour and forward-looking curriculum offered by prestigious grammar schools.

 

Understanding the significance of the 11 Plus exam, this comprehensive guide aims to address all your questions and provide valuable insights into the exam’s structure, content and preparation strategies. By equipping yourself with the knowledge and understanding necessary for this unique assessment, you can confidently guide your child towards their educational aspirations.

 

A History of the Eleven Plus

 

Black and white photograph of a classroom

The 11+ system was used nationwide until 1976 but is still used in many counties today

 

The exam was introduced to the UK in 1944 by the Butler Education Act as a way of testing for grammar school entry. Students who were successful in passing the exam would be placed in a Grammar School, and those who were unsuccessful attended a Secondary Modern School or a Technical School.

 

There are currently 164 Grammar Schools in England and Northern Ireland. Grammar School students consistently perform well in secondary school league tables and places are therefore highly sought after by parents.

 

Grammar schools are found in different regions across the UK, including:

 

Kent

Sutton

Slough

Bexley

Essex

Wirral

Torbay

Trafford

Medway

Birmingham

Lincolnshire

West Midlands

Buckinghamshire

Gloucestershire

South West Herts

 

📈 By clicking on the links above, you will get access to valuable information regarding the academic results of all the member schools within the relevant consortia. These crucial indicators offer valuable insights into their performance, enabling you to make well-informed decisions about your child’s grammar school education.

 

Preparing Your Child for the 11+ Exam

 

There’s no set rule about when you should start preparing your child for the exam. However, because most schools don’t offer any preparation, parents typically begin around 12-18 months before the test date. Those that decide to enlist the help of an 11 Plus tutor often begin preparation earlier.

 

Effective 11+ exam preparation should include: 

 

a) Studying little and often: It is recommended to adopt a ‘little and often’ approach to studying, as children have lower concentration levels compared to adults, so regular, short lessons are more effective than infrequent long sessions.

 

b) Establishing a study schedule: Create a study schedule with your child and allocate specific areas to focus on during each lesson. This may include the Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, English and Maths sections of the exam.

 

c) Utilising various resources: In addition to this 11 Plus guide, we offer a wide range of materials to aid your child’s preparation, including full practice tests, guides and subject and topic specific workbooks. A combination of different resources is often the most successful approach, preventing monotony and boredom.

 

By following these guidelines, you can significantly enhance your child’s readiness for the 11 Plus exam and create a structured and engaging study routine. For more information on exam preparation, check out our post on how to help your child revise for exams.

 

The Eleven Plus Exam Format

 

details about the 11+ exam

The 11 Plus exam format varies across counties

 

Although the format of the Eleven Plus exam varies in every county, the exam can test Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning (including Spatial Reasoning sections). 

 

The Reasoning paper will assess your child’s ability to think logically, make deductions and solve problems. It typically includes questions that require critical thinking, Spatial Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning skills.

 

The English and Maths papers will evaluate your child’s proficiency in language and numerical skills. English sections could assess their comprehension, vocabulary, grammar and spelling skills, while the Mathematics sections will test their knowledge of both foundational and advanced mathematical concepts.

 

If there is a written exercise, it will assess your child’s ability to express themselves effectively in written form. It may require them to write an essay, a descriptive passage, or respond to a specific prompt. This component will evaluate their writing skills, creativity, organisation, coherence and the ability to convey ideas and arguments clearly.

 

Up-To-Date 11 Plus Practice Exam Papers

 

One effective approach to familiarise your child with the structure of the 11 Plus exam is to use practice exam papers. These not only help your child become familiar with the types of questions they will encounter, but also assist in developing crucial time management skills. 

 

Gradually working towards completing practice papers within the given time limit is key, and it is often beneficial to approach them in small, manageable chunks. This method allows your child to build their skills and confidence over time.

 

To support your child’s preparation, Exam Papers Plus offers a wide range of 11 Plus practice papers covering every subject. These are specifically designed to align with the content and structure of the exam, providing valuable practice and exposure to various question types. By utilising practice papers, you can enhance your child’s readiness for the assessment and help them become more comfortable with its format and time constraints.

 

Using the above link, you can search for the specific school you are targeting and find a tailored list of recommendations covering everything your child needs to know.

 

Besides practice papers, here at Exam Papers Plus we also provide:

 

📹 11+ Courses

Our courses are offered year-round, gradually increasing in difficulty as the exams draw near. These play a vital role in assessing your child’s progress, providing valuable insights into their required skill level, knowledge gaps and expected performance.

 

📝 11+ Mock Exams

Mock exams serve as invaluable practice and preparation tools for students ahead of their 11 Plus, as they replicate the format, structure and conditions of the actual assessment. By participating in mock exams, your child can familiarise themselves with the exam environment, manage their time effectively and become more comfortable with the types of questions they will encounter on the big day.

 

💡 11+ Masterclasses

Taught by accomplished educators renowned for their achievements, our Masterclasses offer a cost-effective alternative to hiring a tutor. These sessions deliver precise, systematic techniques and comprehensive topic explanations, empowering students to grasp each concept effortlessly.

 

✏️ 11+ Writing Marking Service

As a parent, it can be tricky to judge the quality of your child’s writing and to help them improve. Our Writing Marking Service presents a solution for this problem by providing writing tasks for your child to attempt. Once complete, you send them back to us to be marked by our expert team.

 

Private Tutoring for the 11 Plus Exam

 

Many parents choose to hire an Eleven Plus tutor to assist with exam preparation. Because many schools don’t prepare children for the test, the demand for tuition at 11 Plus level is very high. In some cases, parents book tutors a year in advance of when they’ll need them.

 

Private tutoring does offer many advantages, including having someone on board who understands how the 11 Plus works in your local area. This local knowledge can be invaluable in making sure that your child is prepared for the relevant topics.

 

At Exam Papers Plus, we specialise in preparing pupils for the 11 Plus exam. We provide tuition by the hour as well as offering intensive and residential projects. We also provide bespoke home-schooling programmes. If you would like us to find you a tutor who specialises in competitive entrance exam preparation, please get in touch.

 

The Benefits of Passing the Eleven Plus

 

Passing the 11+ exam can open many doors in a student’s academic career

 

According to recent GCSE results, grammar school students perform better than pupils from other state schools around the UK. There are also indications that grammar school pupils make greater progress from KS3 to KS4 than other pupils.

 

Furthermore, pupils who attend grammar schools are surrounded by academic and ambitious peers, which can have significant long-term effects in terms of friendships and career opportunities.

 

Here are some other benefits of passing the 11+:

 

  • Enhanced educational opportunities: Attending a grammar school or a selective institution can provide access to advanced academic programs, specialised resources and rigorous curricula that foster intellectual growth and challenge students to reach their full potential.

 

  • Quality teaching and support: Grammar schools usually have a reputation for offering excellent teaching standards and a supportive learning environment. Students can benefit from expert teachers, small class sizes and additional educational resources.

 

  • Well-rounded education: Grammar schools offer a comprehensive curriculum, including not only core subjects but also a range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, drama, orchestra and various cultural opportunities. This promotes the development of a well-rounded skill set and a balanced education.

 

  • Increased future opportunities: The academic achievements and reputation associated with attending a grammar school can open up further educational and career opportunities in the future. It may provide your child with a competitive advantage when applying for university or entering the job market.

 

We hope you’ve found our 11 Plus guide for parents useful. We understand the significance of this crucial exam in your child’s educational journey and the importance of equipping you with the necessary knowledge and insights to support your child effectively. 

 

We encourage you to explore the various sections and utilise the information provided to navigate this process with confidence and understanding. Should you require additional assistance, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

 

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