The 11+ can feel intimidating, as it’s often the first major exam a child will ever take. The key to success is giving your child a well-rounded education, which will prepare them for the exam’s focus on overall ability.

The English and Mathematics sections of the 11+ are based on the Key Stage 2 National Curriculum. This means that, in theory, your child should already have covered all the material in school and shouldn’t need extensive preparation in these areas.

However, most entrance exams also include Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, which are not typically taught in state primary schools. While these subjects are based on logic and problem-solving, most children benefit from some familiarity with them before the exam.

Developing Reasoning Skills

To help your child with these sections, you can:

• Encourage them to read a variety of books, especially those that challenge them.
• Discuss their interests and current events to expand their vocabulary and critical thinking.
• Make sure they understand synonyms and antonyms by asking them to provide multiple examples of each.

In the year leading up to the exam, your child should practice with sample questions to understand the format and apply what they know.

Master Time Management

A crucial skill for the 11+ is time management. Children at this age aren’t used to the pressure of completing a test under strict time limits. To help them get comfortable with this, have them practice with mock exam papers under timed conditions. This will help them build confidence and learn to work efficiently.