What is the 11+?
Recently, I was asked about the 11+ and what parents can do to help prepare their children for the 11+ examinations.
The 11+ is a selective entrance exam generally taken at the beginning of Year 6 in primary or prep school. It forms part of the admission process for Year 7 at the UK’s grammar schools.
Registration
Registration for the exams usually begins in April or May of the previous academic year with a deadline of 30th June. Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances so be sure to apply as soon as the application process opens.
The tests are usually made up of:
English
Maths
Verbal Reasoning
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Where should you start?
It is critical that you know how the admission process for grammar schools works in your area.
Here are three steps you need to take to be fully informed:
Find out what the admission rules are for your preferred schools to check if you will have any chance of gaining a place.
Admission rules change from year to year so do not check them three years before your child is due to take the test.
Find out about the testing process, what they consist of and when they take place.
Apply in good time.
Ask questions if you are unsure.
Tips:
Be prepared and familiarise yourself with the examination and school entry process.
Approach your child’s teacher and ask about their areas of development and act on it.
Daily reading and comprehension are essential.
Start building higher-level vocabulary with your child and encourage them to use it regularly and in context.
Provide your child with practise papers on a regular basis – if they get some wrong, go through those questions and explain how to solve them.
Practise spelling – there are websites you can access to find sets of spelling lists.
Maths – Practise KS2 maths with your child. This includes recall of multiplication facts, quick methods to answer two-three step questions. Reasoning questions will also feature. Therefore, it is important to practise answering word problems that involve more than one or two steps.
Buy books from WH Smith, Amazon or Waterstones – they offer opportunities to practise.
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