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The 11+ exam is an entrance examination used in some parts of the UK to select students for admission into grammar schools and other selective secondary schools. Typically taken in Year 6, when students are around 10 or 11 years old, the exam assesses a child’s academic ability in subjects such as: English; Maths; Verbal reasoning; Non-verbal reasoning.
The format and content can vary depending on the region or school, and the results are used to determine whether a student qualifies for a place at a grammar or selective independent school. Preparation often includes practice papers, tutoring, and development of core skills.
In the 11+ exam, children are tested on a range of skills designed to assess their academic potential and readiness for selective secondary education. The specific subjects usually include:
English – Comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sometimes creative writing.
Maths – Arithmetic, problem-solving, number operations, and reasoning skills based on the Key Stage 2 curriculum.
Verbal Reasoning – The ability to understand and reason using words, including logic, vocabulary, and identifying patterns in language.
Non-Verbal Reasoning – The ability to interpret and solve problems using visual information, such as shapes, patterns, and sequences.
Some schools may also include:
Creative Writing – To assess imagination, structure, and language use.
Cognitive Ability Tests (CATs) – Measuring overall reasoning and thinking skills.
Not all schools test every subject, so it's important to check the exact requirements of the specific school or region.
Ideally, students should begin preparing for the 11+ exam at least 12 to 18 months in advance, typically around Year 4 or the beginning of Year 5. This allows enough time to build core skills gradually and reduce pressure closer to the exam.
However, the exact timing depends on the child’s confidence, ability, and familiarity with the subjects tested. A structured and consistent approach over time, rather than last-minute cramming, tends to produce the best results.
However, the exact timing depends on the child’s confidence, ability, and familiarity with the subjects tested. A structured and consistent approach over time, rather than last-minute cramming, tends to produce the best results.
That said, it's never too late to begin. Even a focused preparation in Year 5 can make a difference if the student receives targeted support and practices regularly.
No, it is not necessary for a child to have a tutor to understand and complete ilm prep papers. The papers are specifically designed to be clear, accessible, and student-friendly, with guided explanations, mark schemes, and step-by-step answers included. This means children can work through the material independently or with minimal support from a parent or teacher.
Some families choose to use a tutor for added structure or to target specific weaknesses. However, ilm prep resources are crafted to equip students with the skills and confidence to improve on their own, regardless of whether they have a tutor.
While the school curriculum provides a solid foundation, it often doesn't cover the full scope or style of the 11+ exam. The 11+ assesses a combination of skills, such as Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, and advanced comprehension or problem-solving, that are not always taught explicitly in school.
In many cases, the format, timing, and question types are unfamiliar to students who have only studied through the regular curriculum. That's why targeted 11+ preparation, like ilm's prep papers, helps bridge this gap. These resources introduce exam-style questions and techniques so that students can approach the test with confidence, accuracy, and speed.
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