Comprehensive 11 Plus exam preparation covering all subjects and exam formats. Our structured approach with expert tutors maximises your child’s chances of success in grammar and independent school entrance examinations. With over 10 years of experience and hundreds of successful placements, we understand what it takes to excel in these competitive assessments.
Understanding the 11 Plus Examination
The 11 Plus examination is used by grammar schools and many independent schools to assess children’s academic potential. While the specific format varies between regions and individual schools, most 11 Plus exams cover four key areas:
English
Comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, and creative writing skills.
Mathematics
Arithmetic, problem-solving, and mathematical reasoning beyond the standard curriculum.
Verbal Reasoning
Logical thinking with words, vocabulary application, and pattern recognition.
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and logical deduction through visual problems.
11 Plus Exam Format
Different exam boards and schools use varying formats for the 11 Plus examination:
| Exam Board/Type | Format | Common in |
|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Multiple choice, separate subject papers | Berkshire, Birmingham, Buckinghamshire, Kent, Lincolnshire, Warwickshire and many independent schools. |
| ISEB Common Pre-Test | Online adaptive test | Many independent schools. |
| School-Specific | Varies by institution | Individual independent schools. |
| CEM Adaptive | Online adaptive test | Many independent schools. |
Our 11 Plus Preparation Approach
At Geek School Tutoring, we take a comprehensive, structured approach to 11 Plus preparation:
1. Initial Assessment
We begin with a thorough assessment of your child’s current abilities across all relevant subjects. This allows us to identify strengths and areas for development, creating a personalised preparation plan.
2. Targeted Skill Development
Based on the assessment results, we focus on developing the specific skills needed for success in each subject area. This includes both curriculum knowledge and exam techniques.
3. Regular Practice
Consistent practice with authentic exam-style questions builds familiarity and confidence. We provide structured homework and in-session practice to reinforce learning.
4. Mock Examinations
Regular mock tests under timed conditions help your child develop exam stamina and time management skills. Detailed feedback identifies areas for further improvement.
5. Exam Technique
We teach specific strategies for approaching different question types, managing time effectively, and maximising scores.
Monthly Preparation Plans
Effective 11 Plus preparation requires a structured timeline approach. Our month-by-month guidance helps ensure comprehensive coverage of all required topics:
May: Foundation Building
- Comprehensive skills assessment
- Core mathematics concepts review
- English comprehension techniques
- Introduction to reasoning skills
- Vocabulary development plan
June: Skill Development
- Advanced mathematics problem-solving
- Verbal reasoning pattern recognition
- Non-verbal reasoning techniques
- Creative writing structure
- First mock test and feedback
July: Technique Refinement
- Exam strategy development
- Time management techniques
- Advanced comprehension skills
- Complex reasoning questions
- Second mock test and targeted improvement
August: Consolidation
- Comprehensive revision programme
- Weak area intensive focus
- Full-length mock examinations
- Exam day preparation
- Final strategy refinement
Practice and Mock Tests
Regular testing is crucial for 11 Plus success. Our mock test programme provides:
- Authentic Exam Experience: Tests conducted under exam conditions
- School-Specific Papers: Mock tests tailored to your target schools
- Detailed Analysis: Comprehensive feedback identifying strengths and areas for improvement
- Progress Tracking: Monitor development over time with comparative results
- Exam Technique Development: Build time management and question approach strategies
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Our experience has identified several common pitfalls in 11 Plus preparation:
- Starting Too Late: Beginning preparation just a few months before the exam often leads to unnecessary pressure and incomplete coverage
- Focusing Only on Strengths: Neglecting weaker areas can create significant gaps in knowledge
- Excessive Practice Without Guidance: Quality of practice is more important than quantity
- Ignoring Exam Technique: Even knowledgeable students can underperform without proper exam strategies
- Creating Undue Pressure: Excessive stress can undermine performance and confidence
Success Stories
Our structured 11 Plus preparation programme has helped hundreds of children secure places at prestigious grammar and independent schools:
“We started preparing our son in Year 4 with Geek School Tutoring. The structured approach, regular feedback, and mock tests were invaluable. He secured a place at St. Olave’s Grammar School with a score well above the pass mark.”
Mr. Patel, Bromley
“After a disappointing experience with another tutor, we switched to Geek School Tutoring just six months before the exam. Their targeted approach identified and addressed our daughter’s specific needs. She gained a place at Newstead Wood School despite the limited preparation time.”
Mrs. Thompson, Beckenham
Frequently Asked Questions
When should we start 11 Plus preparation?
We generally recommend starting structured preparation 12-18 months before the examination date. For most children, this means beginning in Year 4 or early Year 5. However, some children may benefit from a gentler introduction to key concepts in Year 3, particularly if they need support in core areas.
How much preparation time is needed each week?
This varies by child and timeline, but typically we recommend 1-2 hours of tutoring plus 2-3 hours of independent work weekly in Year 4, increasing gradually as the exam approaches. Quality of work is more important than quantity.
Which exam board will my child face?
This depends on your target schools. We can advise on the specific exam formats used by schools in your area and tailor preparation accordingly.
How do you keep children motivated during preparation?
We use a variety of engaging teaching methods, celebrate progress, set achievable goals, and ensure children understand the purpose of their work. Our tutors are skilled at building confidence and maintaining enthusiasm throughout the preparation journey.
Book an Assessment
The first step in our process is a comprehensive assessment of your child’s current abilities. This allows us to create a personalised learning plan tailored to their specific needs and target schools.
Our assessment includes:
- Evaluation of current English and Mathematics skills
- Assessment of reasoning abilities
- Creative writing assessment
- Detailed feedback report
- Personalised recommendations
- Preparation timeline planning
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