What the 11+ tests
Most entrance exams test some combination of four areas. Exactly which ones, and in what format, depends on the school, so always check each school's admissions page.
- Verbal Reasoning: vocabulary, word logic and comprehension
- Non-Verbal Reasoning: patterns, shapes and spatial reasoning
- English: comprehension, grammar and often a piece of writing
- Maths: arithmetic and multi-step problem-solving
CEM and GL: why the format matters
Many schools use papers written by CEM or GL Assessment, while independent schools often set their own. Question styles and timings differ, so practising in the right format matters more as the exam gets closer.
When to start
There is no single right answer. Many families start in Year 4 or Year 5, which leaves time to build vocabulary, reading and arithmetic before moving to exam-style practice. Starting earlier is about steady habits, not pressure.
A short assessment is the best way to decide. It shows which areas are already strong and which need time.
How to practise at home
- Read every day and talk about new words; vocabulary underpins Verbal Reasoning and English.
- Keep arithmetic sharp with short, regular practice rather than long sessions.
- Mix in reasoning puzzles little and often.
- Move to timed papers gradually, then review mistakes together.
Why mock exams help
Sitting a full paper under timed, exam-day conditions shows how a child copes with pace and pressure, not just content. A marked mock with a detailed report shows exactly where to focus in the final months.
