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Grammar School 11+ Preparation Guide: Complete Parent Guide

Research the School. Understand the Test. Build the Skills.

Preparing for a grammar school 11+ entrance assessment involves more than completing practice papers.

Parents first need to understand which grammar schools they are targeting, how those schools select students, which assessment format is used, which subjects are tested and what admissions criteria apply.

There is no single national grammar-school 11+ test. Different schools, areas and consortia can use different assessment providers, subject combinations, scoring systems and admissions arrangements.

This guide explains how to plan your child's grammar-school 11+ preparation — from choosing target schools and understanding exam formats to developing English, Maths and reasoning skills, using mock tests and preparing for the final assessment.

Quick Guide to Grammar School 11+ Preparation

What is the grammar school 11+?
A selective entrance assessment used by grammar schools for admission
When is it usually taken?
Generally during Year 6 for Year 7 entry
What subjects can be tested?
English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning are common
Is every grammar-school test the same?
No
Can schools use different providers?
Yes
Does passing guarantee a place?
Not necessarily
When should preparation start?
It depends on the child's level, target school and test date
Are mock tests useful?
Yes, when introduced at the appropriate stage
Should parents check admissions policies?
Absolutely

01What Is a Grammar School?

Grammar schools are academically selective state secondary schools. Unlike comprehensive schools, grammar schools can use academic selection as part of their admissions process.

Children usually apply for Year 7 entry, and admission may involve an entrance assessment commonly referred to as the 11+.

However, grammar-school admissions are not identical across England.

Different schools and areas may have different

  • Entrance Tests
  • Assessment Providers
  • Qualifying Scores
  • Ranking Systems
  • Catchment Rules
  • Priority Areas
  • Oversubscription Criteria

Parents should therefore research individual target schools carefully.

02What Is the Grammar School 11+ Exam?

The 11+ is an entrance assessment designed to help selective schools assess applicants. Depending on the school or area, it may assess:

  • English
  • Maths
  • Verbal Reasoning
  • Non-Verbal Reasoning

Some schools may use different combinations or additional school-specific arrangements.

The first rule of 11+ preparation is therefore: do not prepare for a generic 11+ until you understand the assessment used by your target school.

03Is There One National Grammar School 11+ Exam?

No. There is no single national test taken by every grammar-school applicant.

The format may depend on

  • County
  • Local Authority
  • Grammar-School Consortium
  • Individual School
  • Assessment Provider

This means a preparation plan that works for one area may not perfectly match another.

04Start by Choosing Your Target Grammar Schools

Before buying practice books or scheduling tuition, identify the schools your child may realistically apply to. Create a list containing:

  • School Name
  • Location
  • Admissions Authority
  • Assessment Provider
  • Subjects Tested
  • Registration Deadline
  • Test Date
  • Catchment/Priority Rules
  • Admissions Criteria

This research should come before intensive preparation.

05Why Target-School Research Matters

Suppose one child is preparing for an assessment that includes English + Maths + VR + NVR while another child's test focuses mainly on English + Maths. Their preparation plans should not be identical.

Target-school research prevents families from spending excessive time on skills that may not be central to the relevant assessment.

06What Should Parents Check for Each Grammar School?

Before beginning structured preparation, confirm:

Assessment Provider
Which organisation currently supplies the entrance assessment?
Subjects Tested
English? Maths? VR? NVR?
Test Format
Multiple choice? Written responses? Digital? Paper based?
Test Structure
How many sections or papers?
Admissions Criteria
How are places allocated?
Catchment
Does location influence priority?
Registration
Is separate test registration required?
Application Process
How does the school fit into the wider secondary-school application process?

Always use information for the correct admissions year.

07Common Grammar School 11+ Subjects

Although formats vary, preparation may involve four principal areas:

English
Reading, Comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar, SPaG, Language Skills
Maths
Arithmetic, Fractions, Decimals, Percentages, Geometry, Measurement, Reasoning, Problem Solving
Verbal Reasoning
Vocabulary, Analogies, Codes, Sequences, Word Relationships, Classification
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Patterns, Shapes, Rotations, Reflections, Matrices, Spatial Reasoning

08Grammar School 11+ English Preparation

English preparation should develop more than basic reading. Students may need to:

  • Read unfamiliar passages
  • Identify explicit information
  • Make inferences
  • Understand vocabulary in context
  • Recognise word relationships
  • Apply grammar accurately
  • Work within time limits

A strong English programme should combine

  • Reading + Vocabulary + Comprehension + Grammar + Exam Practice

09Reading Comprehension

Comprehension may require students to answer questions involving

  • Retrieval
  • Inference
  • Prediction
  • Vocabulary in Context
  • Main Ideas
  • Writer's Meaning
  • Evidence

Children should learn to return to the passage rather than answering entirely from memory.

10Building Vocabulary

Vocabulary supports

  • English Comprehension
  • Verbal Reasoning
  • Synonyms
  • Antonyms
  • Word Relationships

Useful preparation includes

  • Regular Reading
  • Vocabulary Lists
  • Word Families
  • Prefixes & Suffixes
  • Synonyms & Antonyms
  • Context-Based Learning

Vocabulary should be developed gradually rather than crammed shortly before the test.

11Grammar & SPaG

Depending on the assessment, students may need confidence with

  • Grammar
  • Spelling
  • Punctuation
  • Sentence Structure
  • Parts of Speech

Preparation should focus on applying rules accurately, not merely memorising definitions.

12Grammar School 11+ Maths Preparation

Grammar-school Maths requires strong fundamentals combined with reasoning. Core areas can include:

  • Number
  • Arithmetic
  • Fractions
  • Decimals
  • Percentages
  • Ratio
  • Measurement
  • Geometry
  • Statistics
  • Problem Solving

Students should be able to recognise which method a question requires.

13Arithmetic Fluency

Students should develop confidence with

  • Addition
  • Subtraction
  • Multiplication
  • Division
  • Times Tables
  • Mental Maths

Slow arithmetic can affect performance even when the child understands more advanced concepts.

14Fractions, Decimals & Percentages

These topics are closely connected. Students should understand relationships such as

  • ½ = 0.5 = 50%
  • ¼ = 0.25 = 25%

Preparation should include

  • Equivalent Fractions
  • Fraction Calculations
  • Decimal Place Value
  • Percentage Problems
  • Conversions

15Problem Solving

11+ Maths often requires students to apply familiar mathematics in unfamiliar situations. Teach students to ask:

  • What information is given?
  • What am I trying to find?
  • Which information matters?
  • Which operation is required?
  • Does my answer make sense?

16Multi-Step Maths Problems

A useful method is:

Read
Understand the complete problem.
Break It Down
Identify smaller calculations.
Solve
Complete each stage carefully.
Check
Verify the final result.

Students should avoid trying to solve complex problems entirely in their heads.

17Grammar School Verbal Reasoning

Verbal Reasoning assesses logical thinking using words and language. It can involve:

  • Vocabulary
  • Analogies
  • Synonyms
  • Antonyms
  • Codes
  • Letter Sequences
  • Word Relationships
  • Classification

Strong vocabulary can significantly support performance.

18Grammar School Non-Verbal Reasoning

Non-Verbal Reasoning focuses on visual information. Students may encounter:

  • Shape Sequences
  • Patterns
  • Analogies
  • Matrices
  • Rotations
  • Reflections
  • Spatial Relationships

Students should develop a systematic way of analysing visual changes.

19A Useful NVR Checklist

Look for changes in

  • Shape
  • Number
  • Position
  • Rotation
  • Reflection
  • Direction
  • Shading
  • Size

This helps reduce random guessing.

20Which Subject Is Most Important?

There is no universal answer. The most important subjects are the ones included in the child's target assessment.

Parents should avoid assuming that every grammar-school test gives equal importance to English, Maths, VR and NVR. Check the official format first.

21When Should Grammar School 11+ Preparation Start?

There is no single ideal starting point. A useful broad progression is:

Year 3
Build academic foundations.
Year 4
Develop reading, vocabulary, arithmetic and early reasoning.
Year 5
Begin structured 11+ preparation.
Summer Before Year 6
Increase timed work and mock preparation.
Year 6 Before the Test
Consolidate weak areas and exam technique.

The child's current level matters more than simply counting months.

22Grammar School Preparation in Year 3

The focus should generally be

  • Reading
  • Vocabulary
  • Times Tables
  • Arithmetic
  • Problem Solving
  • Writing
  • Learning Confidence

Formal exam pressure is usually unnecessary.

23Grammar School Preparation in Year 4

Year 4 can be a good stage to introduce

  • More Challenging Reading
  • Vocabulary Development
  • Maths Reasoning
  • Problem Solving
  • Basic VR
  • Basic NVR

The priority should remain skill building.

24Grammar School Preparation in Year 5

Year 5 is often when preparation becomes more structured. Students can begin:

  • Targeted English Practice
  • Structured Maths Preparation
  • Full VR/NVR Question-Type Coverage
  • Mixed Questions
  • Exam-Style Work
  • Early Timed Sections

25Summer Before Year 6

This is often an important consolidation period. Focus can include:

  • Mixed-topic revision
  • Timed practice
  • Exam-style questions
  • Mock tests
  • Error analysis
  • Weak-area improvement
  • Vocabulary revision

The aim should be focused preparation — not excessive testing.

26Final Weeks Before the Grammar School Test

In the final stage, prioritise

  • Accuracy
  • Timing
  • Exam Technique
  • Weak Areas
  • Question Familiarity
  • Confidence

Avoid attempting to learn large amounts of entirely new material immediately before the assessment.

27How Much 11+ Study Should a Child Do?

There is no universal number of hours.

The right amount depends on

  • Age
  • Current Level
  • Target Schools
  • School Workload
  • Time Until Exam
  • Learning Pace

Short, consistent practice is often more sustainable than occasional excessive study.

28Example Weekly Grammar School 11+ Plan

Monday — English
Comprehension + vocabulary
Tuesday — Maths
Topic practice + problem solving
Wednesday — Verbal Reasoning
VR question types + vocabulary
Thursday — Non-Verbal Reasoning
Patterns + spatial reasoning
Friday — Weak Areas
Review errors from the week
Weekend
Mixed practice or mock when appropriate

The plan should be adapted to the actual target-school assessment.

29Foundation Before Exam Technique

A strong preparation pathway should usually follow

  • Concept Understanding → Accuracy → Question Practice → Mixed Practice → Timing → Mock Tests

Students should not spend months rushing through papers without secure foundations.

30Accuracy Before Speed

Speed matters in many entrance tests, but it should not come at the expense of accuracy. Teach students to:

  • Understand the method.
  • Apply it correctly.
  • Become consistent.
  • Improve efficiency.
  • Introduce timed practice.

Controlled speed is the goal.

31When Should Timed Practice Begin?

Once the student understands the relevant question types and can answer with reasonable accuracy.

Progress from

  • Untimed Practice → Short Timed Sets → Timed Sections → Full Timed Papers

32Why Mock Tests Matter

11+ mock tests can help assess

  • Knowledge
  • Accuracy
  • Timing
  • Concentration
  • Exam Technique
  • Confidence

But mock tests should be used as diagnostic tools — not simply score generators.

33When Should Mock Tests Start?

A useful progression is

  • Topic Practice → Mixed Practice → Timed Sections → Mini-Mocks → Full Mocks

Full mock tests are most valuable once students have covered enough content for the results to be meaningful.

34What Should Parents Analyse After a Mock?

Look beyond the overall percentage.

Review

  • English Errors
  • Maths Errors
  • VR Weaknesses
  • NVR Weaknesses
  • Timing
  • Unanswered Questions
  • Careless Mistakes
  • Repeated Weak Topics

The next preparation phase should respond directly to these results.

35Create an 11+ Error Log

AreaProblemReasonNext Step
EnglishInferenceEvidence missedInference practice
MathsFractionsConcept gapReview fractions
VRSynonymsVocabulary gapVocabulary revision
NVRRotationPattern missedRotation practice
TimingPaper unfinishedSlow question selectionTimed sections

This turns mistakes into an improvement plan.

36What Is a Good Grammar School Mock Score?

There is no universal percentage that guarantees success.

Different ones below can produce very different results

  • Mock Providers
  • Grammar Schools
  • Assessment Formats
  • Standardisation Systems

Instead, monitor

  • Progress
  • Accuracy
  • Consistency
  • Timing
  • Weak-Area Improvement

37How Are Grammar School 11+ Scores Used?

Scoring arrangements vary.

Some admissions systems may use

  • Raw Scores
  • Standardised Scores
  • Age-Standardised Scores
  • Combined Scores
  • Rankings
  • Qualifying Scores

Parents should read the target school's published admissions arrangements carefully.

38What Is a Qualifying Score?

A qualifying score usually refers to a score required to meet an academic selection standard. However, achieving that score does not necessarily guarantee admission.

The school may still be oversubscribed. Other published admissions criteria can then become relevant.

39Does Passing the 11+ Guarantee a Grammar School Place?

No. This is extremely important.

Depending on the school, allocation may also be influenced by

  • Ranked Score
  • Catchment
  • Priority Area
  • Distance
  • Pupil Premium Priority
  • Looked-After Child Priority
  • Other Oversubscription Criteria

Parents must check each school's current policy.

40Understanding Catchment Areas

Some grammar schools use

  • Catchment Areas
  • Priority Areas
  • Distance Criteria

Others may structure admissions differently. A high entrance score does not automatically remove every location-related consideration. Parents should therefore research school geography alongside test preparation.

41Should You Apply to More Than One Grammar School?

This depends on local options and the family's preferences. Where several suitable schools are available, parents may wish to research multiple possibilities.

However, every school should be evaluated based on

  • Admissions Criteria
  • Location
  • Academic Environment
  • Pastoral Support
  • Travel Practicality
  • Suitability for the Child

Do not select a school solely because it is academically selective.

42How to Choose a Grammar School

Consider:

Academic Fit
Does the environment suit your child's strengths and learning style?
Location
Is daily travel realistic?
School Culture
What does the school emphasise?
Pastoral Support
How does the school support students?
Curriculum
Which subjects and opportunities are available?
Admissions
Is your child eligible under the current criteria?

A grammar school should be a good overall fit — not just a target score.

43Open Days & School Visits

Where available, open events can help families understand

  • School Environment
  • Teaching Approach
  • Facilities
  • Curriculum
  • Extracurricular Opportunities
  • Student Expectations

Parents can then make more informed decisions about which schools to prioritise.

44Grammar School Admissions Timeline

Exact dates vary, but parents may need to manage

  • School Research
  • 11+ Registration
  • Test Preparation
  • Entrance Assessment
  • Results/Eligibility Information
  • Secondary-School Application
  • School Preference Submission
  • Offer Day

The entrance-test registration process and the general secondary-school application process may be separate.

45Why Parents Should Start Research Early

Admissions arrangements are often published well before the child sits the actual test. Early research gives families time to:

  • Identify suitable schools
  • Understand the correct assessment
  • Check eligibility
  • Record deadlines
  • Build an appropriate preparation plan

This can prevent last-minute confusion.

46Grammar School Test Providers

Different grammar schools or regions may use different assessment arrangements. Parents may encounter:

  • GL Assessment
  • CSSE
  • FSCE
  • School-Specific Assessment Arrangements

The provider or format should be verified for the relevant admissions year.

47GL Assessment Preparation

If the target school uses GL Assessment, preparation may involve some combination of

  • English
  • Maths
  • Verbal Reasoning
  • Non-Verbal Reasoning

However, not every GL-based test necessarily uses all four in the same way. Always check current local requirements.

48CSSE Preparation

Families targeting schools within the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex should prepare specifically for the current CSSE assessment.

Generic GL-style reasoning practice should not automatically be treated as equivalent to CSSE preparation.

49School-Specific Entrance Tests

Some schools or selective routes may have distinctive assessment arrangements. Preparation should then be based on:

  • Official Admissions Information
  • Current Test Format
  • Published Familiarisation Materials
  • Relevant Subject Requirements

Do not rely solely on outdated forum discussions or old examination formats.

50Independent-School 11+ vs Grammar-School 11+

These are not necessarily the same.

Grammar School
Selective state-school admission.
Independent School
Fee-paying school with its own admissions process.

Independent schools may use

  • English
  • Maths
  • Creative Writing
  • Reasoning
  • ISEB Assessments
  • Interviews

Families applying to both types of school may need separate preparation strategies.

51Common Grammar School Preparation Mistakes

Starting Without Researching the School
Know the exam route first.
Using the Wrong Test Format
Generic 11+ resources may not match the target assessment.
Doing Full Papers Too Early
Build foundations first.
Ignoring Vocabulary
This can affect English and VR.
Ignoring Maths Fundamentals
Weak arithmetic affects advanced problem solving.
Focusing Only on Speed
Accuracy matters.
Taking Too Many Mocks
Mocks should be followed by improvement work.
Comparing Children Constantly
Every child has a different preparation pathway.
Assuming Passing Guarantees Admission
Admissions criteria still apply.

52What If Your Child Is Strong in Maths but Weak in English?

Create an uneven preparation plan.

They may need more time on

  • Reading
  • Vocabulary
  • Comprehension
  • Inference

while maintaining Maths strength with regular practice. A personalised plan is more effective than giving every subject equal study time regardless of need.

53What If English Is Strong but Maths Is Weak?

Identify the exact Maths gaps. These may include

  • Times Tables
  • Fractions
  • Arithmetic
  • Problem Solving
  • Geometry
  • Timing

Target the specific weaknesses rather than simply completing more full papers.

54What If Reasoning Is Weak?

Separate VR and NVR.

VR difficulty may come from

  • Vocabulary
  • Codes
  • Analogies
  • Sequences

NVR difficulty may come from

  • Rotation
  • Reflection
  • Matrices
  • Pattern Recognition

Targeted practice usually produces better information than treating “reasoning” as one broad weakness.

55What If Your Child Starts Late?

A shorter preparation period can still be used productively.

Begin with an assessment of

  • English
  • Maths
  • VR
  • NVR
  • Timing

Then prioritise high-impact weaknesses. Do not attempt to complete every available workbook.

56What If Your Child Becomes Overwhelmed?

Preparation should remain manageable.

Consider

  • Reducing Session Length
  • Using Shorter Practice Sets
  • Focusing on Fewer Priorities
  • Including Regular Breaks
  • Separating Teaching from Testing

The objective is sustained progress, not maximum workload.

57How Parents Can Support Grammar School Preparation

Parents can help by

  • Researching target schools
  • Tracking important dates
  • Encouraging reading
  • Supporting vocabulary development
  • Practising mental Maths
  • Providing a consistent study environment
  • Reviewing errors calmly
  • Encouraging regular breaks
  • Avoiding excessive comparison
  • Monitoring progress over time

58How to Measure Progress

Do not rely only on test percentages.

Monitor

  • Concept Understanding
  • Vocabulary Growth
  • Arithmetic Fluency
  • Reasoning Accuracy
  • Timing
  • Independent Working
  • Mock Performance
  • Repeated Error Reduction

Progress can occur even before it is reflected in one overall score.

59Grammar School Preparation Checklist

Before your child sits the entrance assessment, check:

  • Target grammar schools identified
  • Admissions policies reviewed
  • Test provider confirmed
  • Subjects tested confirmed
  • Registration deadline recorded
  • Test date recorded
  • Catchment/priority criteria checked
  • English preparation completed
  • Maths preparation completed
  • VR covered where required
  • NVR covered where required
  • Timed practice completed
  • Mock tests completed appropriately
  • Weak areas reviewed
  • Exam instructions understood
  • Secondary-school application requirements checked

60Frequently Asked Questions

What is a grammar-school 11+ exam?

It is a selective entrance assessment used as part of the admissions process for grammar schools.

Does every grammar school use the same 11+ exam?

No. Different schools and areas can use different test providers and formats.

What subjects are usually tested?

Common areas include English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, but the exact combination varies.

When should my child begin preparation?

It depends on their current level and target-school requirements. Many families strengthen foundations during Year 4 and begin more structured preparation in Year 5.

Is Year 5 too late to start?

Not necessarily. Many children begin structured 11+ preparation during Year 5.

Do grammar schools have catchment areas?

Some do, while others use different priority or distance arrangements. Check each school's current admissions policy.

Does passing guarantee a place?

No. Oversubscription and other admissions criteria may still apply.

How many mock tests should my child take?

There is no universal number. Each mock should have a clear purpose and be followed by review and improvement.

Should my child practise every day?

Short, consistent practice can be effective, but the schedule should remain appropriate to the child's age and workload.

Which practice papers should we use?

Use resources aligned as closely as possible to the current assessment used by the target school.

How Dominis Supports Grammar School 11+ Preparation

Dominis provides structured preparation based on the child's current level, target grammar school and relevant entrance-test requirements.

English Preparation

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Vocabulary
  • Grammar & SPaG
  • Exam-Style Practice

Maths Preparation

  • Arithmetic
  • Fractions, Decimals & Percentages
  • Problem Solving
  • Mathematical Reasoning

Verbal Reasoning

  • Vocabulary
  • Analogies
  • Codes
  • Sequences
  • Word Relationships

Non-Verbal Reasoning

  • Patterns
  • Matrices
  • Rotations
  • Reflections
  • Spatial Reasoning

Exam Preparation

  • Target-School Planning
  • Topic-Wise Practice
  • Timed Sections
  • Mock Tests
  • Performance Analysis
  • Weak-Area Improvement
  • Exam Technique

Prepare for the Right Grammar School

Research the School. Understand the Test. Build the Skills.

Tell us your child's current year group, target grammar school and preparation needs, and our team can recommend the most suitable pathway.

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