What is the 11+ Exam?
The 11+ exam was established in 1944 as part of a tripartite education system. In those days the test was compulsary and those pupils who passed the examination would go on to study at a grammar school. Today, the 11 plus is a voluntary selective test for a specific set of schools (known as grammar schools or selective schools). Competition for places is fierce, therefore many parents employ a tutor to give their child an advantage in the exam.
What does the exam involve?
The exam is usually a combination of the following tests
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non Verbal Reasoning
- Maths
- English
The exact combination or number of tests varies from one LEA (Local Education Authority) to another. Be sure to find out whether the format of the exam is multiple-choice or standard. Your LEA will be able to provide you with these details.
Does my child need tuition?
This depends on you and your child. Because competition for grammar school places is so fierce your child will more than likely need some form of tuition to reach the required standard. If you have a good working relationship with your child and are prepared to dedicate time to understand the questions yourself, you may not find a private tutor necessary. There are many useful 11 plus resources available online:
- Method and Technique videos
- Free 11 Plus Practice Papers
- 11 Plus Games to build core skills required for the exams. A useful way to make preparation fun for the whole family.
Although frowned upon by some schools, many students receive private tuition either in group classes or on a one-to-one basis. A good tutor can be invaluable as they can quickly evaluate your child's strengths and weaknesses. In addition to this, some children respond better to a non-family member.