About the 11+ Course

The 11+ Test will take place in early September of Year 6

The 11+ Test consists of two 45-50 minute papers comprising English Comprehension, SPAG (Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar), Verbal Reasoning, Numerical and Non-Verbal Reasoning elements.

Out-of-county pupils will need to be registered in the summer term of Year 5 to take a test in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.  

For registration and admissions criteria, please visit the specific school websites, as well as those of Buckinghamshire County Council and the Slough Consortium.

Why choose tuition?

Verbal and non-verbal skills are not taught in most schools.  Children attending tuition will work on the materials, skills, and techniques necessary to prepare for these aspects of the 11+ test.  When taking the test, pupils must understand exactly what they need to do. If some are more used to taking tests than others, this could lead to differences in performance. For example, pupils with more experience might be more relaxed about taking the test, need to spend less time reading the instructions, and have more time to think about what answers to give. Competition for grammar school places is increasingly competitive, with the highest scores given priority in selection.

What is Verbal Reasoning?

Verbal Reasoning involves understanding and manipulating word, letter, and number concepts (such as word meanings, spellings, patterns, and codes).  It requires logical thinking and reasoning, and problem-solving skills. 

What is Non-Verbal Reasoning?

Non-Verbal Reasoning is the testing of a child’s ability to solve problems using visual and spatial skills to interpret images and shapes.  Pupils will learn techniques and strategies to answer questions about pictures, patterns, shapes, sizes, and positioning in 2D and 3D formats.

Group Size

Groups are a maximum of 6 pupils. 

I think working in a small group helps children to learn from each other and generates a healthy sense of natural competition and motivation. It gives pupils time to process new learning and techniques, and the session is less intensive as they take turns to answer and explain methods. 

Also, I believe an important factor of learning is hearing the questions others ask that they may not have thought of themselves, as well as learning from their own and others' mistakes. 

 Pupil Ability

At times, the preparation work will be challenging as the 11+ test is designed to identify pupils with the potential to meet grammar school levels of attainment.

Therefore, the level of comprehension, vocabulary/word power, and mental maths skills required for success in the test needs to be built up to a high standard during the course, alongside time spent practising techniques.

A baseline assessment test will be carried out before tuition commences. 

As a guideline for pupil eligibility, they ought to be achieving at least 70% in exercises and tests from the start.

Able pupils read regularly, developing higher vocabulary skills and word power.  

They will achieve highly in school and demonstrate determination and commitment towards their exam preparations.  

Naturally, this process is not for every child.

Practice at home needs to be a partnership between a parent and child, possibly requiring an additional 2 to 3+ hours per week. 

Parents should mark all homework and may comment on any significant difficulties a child may be having on a note attached to the page. This can then be addressed in the next session.

NB school homework comes first, so your child needs to be organised.

Homework:

Pupils will have a range of vocabulary, English, verbal reasoning, maths, and non-verbal reasoning homework to complete each week.  

It is important that this homework is completed before each session, as any difficulties that arise will be clarified in each lesson.

Pupils should work independently on tasks set. 

Parents should mark each task with their child and record a score for that task.  

Pupils should then have a go at independently correcting any errors. 

Where errors or omissions remain, it would be beneficial for parents to work with their child to reach correct answers. 

If you have any questions regarding tuition details, please do not hesitate to get in touch.