The Best 11 Plus Practice Papers: How to Get Ready for the Exam
Are you getting your child ready for the 11 plus exam? The exam was once compulsory for all children, as it serves as part of the selection process for admission to UK grammar schools. However, the test is now optional, but many parents still encourage their children to take it for the opportunity of a better education.
With around 160 grammar schools in the UK, and many children taking the exam each year, the competition is fierce, and multiple students will compete for a place at their chosen school. The key to success is revision, and there’s no better way to do that than with 11+ practice papers.
It’s no secret that the revision process can be just as daunting as the test itself, but with the right tools and resources, you can be prepared for anything.
In this blog post, we will discuss the best 11 plus practice papers available so that you can give your child the best opportunity for success.
Let’s get started.
Why Is Revision Important?
The 11 plus exam focuses on four subjects, including Maths, English, Non-Verbal Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning. The key is ensuring your child gets the highest possible results, as grammar schools usually offer the most accomplished students a place.
Starting the revision process early can help your child develop their skills and get used to the exam format. Practice papers are excellent because they simulate the real exam and ensure you can isolate any areas for improvement.
Also, past 11+ papers can build confidence and reduce stress levels on the test day. Let’s look at some of the best 11 plus practice papers available.
11+ Guide
The 11+ Guide is one of the most valuable resources for parents because it has a host of helpful guides for parents. However, the best part of the website is the number of free practice papers available with mark schemes so you can grade each paper.
Better still, you can filter your search by the examination board or access papers from independent schools, which is great if you’re aiming for a particular school.
ElevenPlusExams
Another helpful website is ElevenPlusExams, which has plenty of mock papers for students. You can also choose online or paper mocks and use the convenient booking system to get your child onto a test.
One of the drawbacks is that many free tests don’t have marking schemes, but if you want to gauge how prepared your child is, you’ll find everything you need through ElevenPlusExams.
Bond11 Plus
Are you looking to get the best support for your child? Bond11 Plus is one of the most comprehensive resources, with plenty of free practice papers. However, you can also purchase one of the many handbooks, which do come at some expense, but they are worth it.
If you don’t want to spend money, you can access some examples from the 11+ practice area, but they’re not as in-depth as the handbooks.
School Entrance Tests
School Entrance Tests has some practice tests, but its most significant selling factor is that the company offers a page for each county. As many grammar schools set their entry limits, you can give your child a chance to succeed by preparing them to meet the entrance threshold.
You will have to pay for test papers from your chosen counties, but it’s beneficial to see what your child might be up against.
Rob Williams Assessment
If you’re anxious about the exams and want some extra support, the Rob Williams Assessment website is an excellent option. It offers a range of YouTube videos which are ideal for children with a limited attention span, as they’re fun and interactive.
You can also find 11+ practice papers and a step-by-step programme to ensure your child has everything they need when walking into the exam.
CGP
CGP is another platform that requires investment, but you can also access some practice papers and free guidance for parents. While the site isn’t as extensive as some others, it does have plenty of benefits, including the free mark schemes.
Kendrick Grammar School
Many grammar schools offer their previous 11+ papers for free, but the Kendrick Grammar School is one of the best. According to Think Academy, it’s the highest ranked school in the UK, and using previous test papers will enhance your child’s chances of admission.
The papers are from 2014 to 2019, and there’s an answer section that’s incredibly easy to read so that you won’t get stuck at any point. It genuinely is one of the most effective websites you can use, and we highly recommend it.
11+ Lifeline
Last but not least is 11+ Lifeline. The website offers an 11+ preparation course that does come at an extra charge, but it’s recommended by education professionals for its informative and digestible content.
If you’re unsure about investing in the course, you can look at some free samples, which are designed to be easy for children to read. A bronze subscription costs just £8.59 monthly, but the silver package is best if you want full support.
Better still, if you don’t feel the course is working for your child, you can cancel after one month.
What Other Options Are There?
While practice papers are great for seeing where your child is currently at, they won’t offer support in terms of revision. If you want to give your child the best chance for success, a private tutor will be able to help.
Tutors understand how to work with a learner and can identify gaps in their knowledge, ensuring they can focus on the topics your child struggles with most.
At Fleet Tutors, we offer a range of convenient services from fully qualified teachers, including in-person and online private tutoring.
Our tutors are education professionals and highly qualified to ensure your child gets the best possible outcome after their exam, tailoring their technique to each student’s learning style.
Working with us means you get a team of educational professionals that continuously go out of their way to help you and your child secure top grades.
If you’d like to discuss our services, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team.
The Bottom Line
The 11+ opens a world of opportunities for your child and can secure them a place at a prestigious grammar school.
With smaller classrooms and some of the most highly qualified teachers in the UK, your child can eventually get into a top university and look forward to a prosperous career.
So, now all you need to do is choose one of the websites above and get your child started on some test papers. Remember, we’re only a phone call or email away.