11+ Courses Guide

Subjects Covered

• English: The 11+ typically tests reading comprehension and core literacy skills (vocabulary, spelling, punctuation, grammar). Some exams include a creative writing task to assess a child’s writing ability.
• Maths: Questions cover Key Stage 2 maths topics – arithmetic, problem-solving, and applied reasoning. While most content aligns with the primary curriculum, a few higher-end Year 6 topics may appear to gauge problem-solving in new contexts.
• Verbal Reasoning: Language-based logic questions (e.g. word patterns, analogies, codes) that are not taught in the regular school curriculum. This section tests a child’s ability to reason with words and letters.
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Logic puzzles involving shapes, patterns, and spatial awareness (also not covered in standard curriculum). Children must decipher sequences or relationships between figures and diagrams.
• Note: Each grammar school or region may use a different combination of these subjects. A good prep course covers all the core areas (English, maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning) so your child is prepared regardless of the test format . Some courses also teach creative writing or critical thinking if the target schools require it .

• Small Group Classes: Many 11+ courses are taught in small groups (often 6–10 students per class) led by experienced tutors. This allows personal attention while letting children learn from peers in a fun, motivating environment. One-to-one tutoring is another option for a fully tailored approach, though it typically costs more.
• Weekly Sessions: Sessions are usually held once or twice a week, commonly lasting about an hour or more each. For example, some providers run two 1-hour sessions per week – one focusing on 11+ content (verbal/non-verbal reasoning practice and exam techniques) and another reinforcing core English and maths skills. Consistent weekly contact helps maintain steady progress.
• Structured Curriculum: Courses are often organized into modules or terms that systematically cover all question types. One reputable provider runs year-long programs broken into six-week blocks, each targeting specific question techniques and topic areas. Year 4 courses tend to be introductory (building core skills), while Year 5 courses become more exam-focused and may even be tailored to your child’s specific exam board or school.
• Homework & Resources: Expect regular homework or practice assignments to reinforce class learning. Many courses include access to additional resources like online question banks, practice papers, vocabulary lists, or reading recommendations for at-home study. Some even offer extras like a weekly book club or online portal where students can review lessons and access further materials between classes.

• When to Start: It’s advisable to begin 11+ preparation about a year before the exam. Most children take the 11+ in early Year 6 (usually September of Year 6 for grammar schools) , so many families start formal prep at the beginning of Year 5. Some even start gently in Year 4 to build foundations, especially for verbal and non-verbal reasoning skills that aren’t taught in school. Starting early with a “little and often” approach gives plenty of time to cover all topics and avoid last-minute cramming.
• Course Length: Preparation courses typically span 12+ months leading up to the exam. Providers often run programs through Year 5 up to the exam date, sometimes divided into terms or shorter modules for manageability. For instance, a course might run weekly from the autumn of Year 5 through summer of Year 6, or be organized in cycles (e.g. a series of 6-week units) that a student can join at any time. The idea is to systematically cover all exam content areas and revisit them for mastery.
• Structured Curriculum: Courses are often organized into modules or terms that systematically cover all question types. One reputable provider runs year-long programs broken into six-week blocks, each targeting specific question techniques and topic areas. Year 4 courses tend to be introductory (building core skills), while Year 5 courses become more exam-focused and may even be tailored to your child’s specific exam board or school.
• Key Milestones: Keep in mind the 11+ exam timeline. Registration for grammar school tests usually opens around spring of Year 5 (many regions open in April/May and close registrations by June/July). The exams themselves are sat in September of Year 6, with results available by October. A good prep schedule will account for these dates – for example, finishing core learning by summer and using the final weeks for revision and mock exams. If you’re starting later than Year 5, intensive holiday courses or summer bootcamps can help cover ground quickly, but a longer preparation period is generally recommended for the best outcom.