11+ guides for parents
Eighty editorial guides covering every county, every test format, every subject and the parent strategy decisions that actually move the needle.
County guides
Kent 11+: a parent's guide
A complete parent guide to the Kent 11+: which schools use it, when it sits, what the format looks like, and how to prepare effectively at home.
Medway 11+: a parent's guide
A complete parent guide to the Medway 11+: which schools use it, when it sits, what the format looks like, and how to prepare effectively at home.
Essex (CSSE) 11+: a parent's guide
A complete parent guide to the Essex (CSSE) 11+: which schools use it, when it sits, what the format looks like, and how to prepare effectively at home.
Buckinghamshire 11+: a parent's guide
A complete parent guide to the Buckinghamshire 11+: which schools use it, when it sits, what the format looks like, and how to prepare effectively at home.
Birmingham (KEVI) 11+: a parent's guide
A complete parent guide to the Birmingham (KEVI) 11+: which schools use it, when it sits, what the format looks like, and how to prepare effectively at home.
Gloucestershire 11+: a parent's guide
A complete parent guide to the Gloucestershire 11+: which schools use it, when it sits, what the format looks like, and how to prepare effectively at home.
Lincolnshire 11+: a parent's guide
A complete parent guide to the Lincolnshire 11+: which schools use it, when it sits, what the format looks like, and how to prepare effectively at home.
Warwickshire 11+: a parent's guide
A complete parent guide to the Warwickshire 11+: which schools use it, when it sits, what the format looks like, and how to prepare effectively at home.
Walsall 11+: a parent's guide
A complete parent guide to the Walsall 11+: which schools use it, when it sits, what the format looks like, and how to prepare effectively at home.
Wolverhampton 11+: a parent's guide
A complete parent guide to the Wolverhampton 11+: which schools use it, when it sits, what the format looks like, and how to prepare effectively at home.
Telford & Wrekin 11+: a parent's guide
A complete parent guide to the Telford & Wrekin 11+: which schools use it, when it sits, what the format looks like, and how to prepare effectively at home.
Stoke / Newcastle-under-Lyme 11+: a parent's guide
A complete parent guide to the Stoke / Newcastle-under-Lyme 11+: which schools use it, when it sits, what the format looks like, and how to prepare effectively at home.
Trafford 11+: a parent's guide
A complete parent guide to the Trafford 11+: which schools use it, when it sits, what the format looks like, and how to prepare effectively at home.
Wirral 11+: a parent's guide
A complete parent guide to the Wirral 11+: which schools use it, when it sits, what the format looks like, and how to prepare effectively at home.
Lancashire 11+: a parent's guide
A complete parent guide to the Lancashire 11+: which schools use it, when it sits, what the format looks like, and how to prepare effectively at home.
Cumbria 11+: a parent's guide
A complete parent guide to the Cumbria 11+: which schools use it, when it sits, what the format looks like, and how to prepare effectively at home.
Yorkshire 11+: a parent's guide
A complete parent guide to the Yorkshire 11+: which schools use it, when it sits, what the format looks like, and how to prepare effectively at home.
Devon 11+: a parent's guide
A complete parent guide to the Devon 11+: which schools use it, when it sits, what the format looks like, and how to prepare effectively at home.
Dorset 11+: a parent's guide
A complete parent guide to the Dorset 11+: which schools use it, when it sits, what the format looks like, and how to prepare effectively at home.
Reading 11+: a parent's guide
A complete parent guide to the Reading 11+: which schools use it, when it sits, what the format looks like, and how to prepare effectively at home.
Slough 11+: a parent's guide
A complete parent guide to the Slough 11+: which schools use it, when it sits, what the format looks like, and how to prepare effectively at home.
Bexley 11+: a parent's guide
A complete parent guide to the Bexley 11+: which schools use it, when it sits, what the format looks like, and how to prepare effectively at home.
Sutton 11+: a parent's guide
A complete parent guide to the Sutton 11+: which schools use it, when it sits, what the format looks like, and how to prepare effectively at home.
Kingston-upon-Thames 11+: a parent's guide
A complete parent guide to the Kingston-upon-Thames 11+: which schools use it, when it sits, what the format looks like, and how to prepare effectively at home.
Redbridge 11+: a parent's guide
A complete parent guide to the Redbridge 11+: which schools use it, when it sits, what the format looks like, and how to prepare effectively at home.
Enfield 11+: a parent's guide
A complete parent guide to the Enfield 11+: which schools use it, when it sits, what the format looks like, and how to prepare effectively at home.
Barnet 11+: a parent's guide
A complete parent guide to the Barnet 11+: which schools use it, when it sits, what the format looks like, and how to prepare effectively at home.
Northern Ireland 11+: a parent's guide
A complete parent guide to the Northern Ireland 11+: which schools use it, when it sits, what the format looks like, and how to prepare effectively at home.
Calderdale 11+: a parent's guide
A complete parent guide to the Calderdale 11+: which schools use it, when it sits, what the format looks like, and how to prepare effectively at home.
Shropshire 11+: a parent's guide
A complete parent guide to the Shropshire 11+: which schools use it, when it sits, what the format looks like, and how to prepare effectively at home.
Format explainers
GL Assessment: format explainer
A parent guide to the GL Assessment 11+ format: where it is used, paper structure, question style, and how to prepare effectively for this specific format.
CEM (legacy & CEM-style): format explainer
A parent guide to the CEM (legacy & CEM-style) 11+ format: where it is used, paper structure, question style, and how to prepare effectively for this specific format.
ISEB Common Pre-Test: format explainer
A parent guide to the ISEB Common Pre-Test 11+ format: where it is used, paper structure, question style, and how to prepare effectively for this specific format.
CSSE (Essex bespoke): format explainer
A parent guide to the CSSE (Essex bespoke) 11+ format: where it is used, paper structure, question style, and how to prepare effectively for this specific format.
AQE (Northern Ireland): format explainer
A parent guide to the AQE (Northern Ireland) 11+ format: where it is used, paper structure, question style, and how to prepare effectively for this specific format.
PPTC Transfer Test (Northern Ireland): format explainer
A parent guide to the PPTC Transfer Test (Northern Ireland) 11+ format: where it is used, paper structure, question style, and how to prepare effectively for this specific format.
Subject deep-dives
Maths at 11+: a deep-dive for parents
Everything UK parents need to know about Maths at 11+: what is tested, the question types, recommended preparation, common mistakes and the books that actually help.
English Comprehension at 11+: a deep-dive for parents
Everything UK parents need to know about English Comprehension at 11+: what is tested, the question types, recommended preparation, common mistakes and the books that actually help.
Verbal Reasoning at 11+: a deep-dive for parents
Everything UK parents need to know about Verbal Reasoning at 11+: what is tested, the question types, recommended preparation, common mistakes and the books that actually help.
Non-Verbal Reasoning at 11+: a deep-dive for parents
Everything UK parents need to know about Non-Verbal Reasoning at 11+: what is tested, the question types, recommended preparation, common mistakes and the books that actually help.
Creative Writing at 11+: a deep-dive for parents
Everything UK parents need to know about Creative Writing at 11+: what is tested, the question types, recommended preparation, common mistakes and the books that actually help.
Parent strategy guides
When to start preparing for the 11+
A practical parent guide: when to start preparing for the 11+. Concrete, honest advice from families who have been through the UK 11+ process.
Choosing an 11+ tutor
A practical parent guide: choosing an 11+ tutor. Concrete, honest advice from families who have been through the UK 11+ process.
Self-study without a tutor
A practical parent guide: self-study without a tutor. Concrete, honest advice from families who have been through the UK 11+ process.
Building a 12-week practice schedule
A practical parent guide: building a 12-week practice schedule. Concrete, honest advice from families who have been through the UK 11+ process.
11+ books that actually help
A practical parent guide: 11+ books that actually help. Concrete, honest advice from families who have been through the UK 11+ process.
Mock tests: how many, when, and how to use them
A practical parent guide: mock tests: how many, when, and how to use them. Concrete, honest advice from families who have been through the UK 11+ process.
Exam day routine — the morning of the test
A practical parent guide: exam day routine — the morning of the test. Concrete, honest advice from families who have been through the UK 11+ process.
Managing 11+ anxiety — for children and parents
A practical parent guide: managing 11+ anxiety — for children and parents. Concrete, honest advice from families who have been through the UK 11+ process.
After 11+ results — what to do next
A practical parent guide: after 11+ results — what to do next. Concrete, honest advice from families who have been through the UK 11+ process.
A complete Year 5 preparation plan
A practical parent guide: a complete year 5 preparation plan. Concrete, honest advice from families who have been through the UK 11+ process.
Score & results explainers
11+ scaled score bands explained
A clear parent explainer: 11+ scaled score bands explained. Plain English, no jargon, written for families navigating UK 11+ results.
Age standardisation in 11+ scoring
A clear parent explainer: age standardisation in 11+ scoring. Plain English, no jargon, written for families navigating UK 11+ results.
Qualifying scores by UK region
A clear parent explainer: qualifying scores by uk region. Plain English, no jargon, written for families navigating UK 11+ results.
Results day — what happens, and when
A clear parent explainer: results day — what happens, and when. Plain English, no jargon, written for families navigating UK 11+ results.
11+ appeals — when, why and how
A clear parent explainer: 11+ appeals — when, why and how. Plain English, no jargon, written for families navigating UK 11+ results.
Timeline & registration guides
Generic UK 11+ timeline — Year 5 to offer day
A month-by-month parent timeline for the UK 11+: registration windows, sitting dates, results day and the secondary preference cycle.
Kent 11+ timeline — month by month
A month-by-month parent timeline for the UK 11+: registration windows, sitting dates, results day and the secondary preference cycle.
Buckinghamshire 11+ timeline — month by month
A month-by-month parent timeline for the UK 11+: registration windows, sitting dates, results day and the secondary preference cycle.
Essex CSSE timeline — month by month
A month-by-month parent timeline for the UK 11+: registration windows, sitting dates, results day and the secondary preference cycle.
Birmingham KEVI 11+ timeline — month by month
A month-by-month parent timeline for the UK 11+: registration windows, sitting dates, results day and the secondary preference cycle.
Trafford 11+ timeline — month by month
A month-by-month parent timeline for the UK 11+: registration windows, sitting dates, results day and the secondary preference cycle.
Sutton 11+ timeline — month by month
A month-by-month parent timeline for the UK 11+: registration windows, sitting dates, results day and the secondary preference cycle.
Northern Ireland transfer timeline — month by month
A month-by-month parent timeline for the UK 11+: registration windows, sitting dates, results day and the secondary preference cycle.
Subject × format guides
Maths in the GL Assessment 11+
Detailed parent guide to Maths in GL Assessment format: what it tests, the topics that matter, common mistakes and a practice rhythm that works.
English in the GL Assessment 11+
Detailed parent guide to English in GL Assessment format: what it tests, the topics that matter, common mistakes and a practice rhythm that works.
Verbal Reasoning in the GL Assessment 11+
Detailed parent guide to Verbal Reasoning in GL Assessment format: what it tests, the topics that matter, common mistakes and a practice rhythm that works.
Non-Verbal Reasoning in the GL Assessment 11+
Detailed parent guide to Non-Verbal Reasoning in GL Assessment format: what it tests, the topics that matter, common mistakes and a practice rhythm that works.
Maths in the CEM-style 11+
Detailed parent guide to Maths in CEM-style format: what it tests, the topics that matter, common mistakes and a practice rhythm that works.
English in the CEM-style 11+
Detailed parent guide to English in CEM-style format: what it tests, the topics that matter, common mistakes and a practice rhythm that works.
Maths in the CSSE 11+
Detailed parent guide to Maths in CSSE format: what it tests, the topics that matter, common mistakes and a practice rhythm that works.
English in the CSSE 11+
Detailed parent guide to English in CSSE format: what it tests, the topics that matter, common mistakes and a practice rhythm that works.
Maths in the AQE 11+
Detailed parent guide to Maths in AQE format: what it tests, the topics that matter, common mistakes and a practice rhythm that works.
English in the AQE 11+
Detailed parent guide to English in AQE format: what it tests, the topics that matter, common mistakes and a practice rhythm that works.
Maths in the ISEB Pre-Test 11+
Detailed parent guide to Maths in ISEB Pre-Test format: what it tests, the topics that matter, common mistakes and a practice rhythm that works.
Verbal Reasoning in the CEM-style 11+
Detailed parent guide to Verbal Reasoning in CEM-style format: what it tests, the topics that matter, common mistakes and a practice rhythm that works.
Year-by-year plans
Year 3: should we be doing anything?
A detailed term-by-term parent plan for the 11+ year, with topics to prioritise, common mistakes to avoid, and what to look for as signs of progress.
Year 4: setting the foundations
A detailed term-by-term parent plan for the 11+ year, with topics to prioritise, common mistakes to avoid, and what to look for as signs of progress.
Year 5: the strategic year
A detailed term-by-term parent plan for the 11+ year, with topics to prioritise, common mistakes to avoid, and what to look for as signs of progress.
Year 6: the final sprint
A detailed term-by-term parent plan for the 11+ year, with topics to prioritise, common mistakes to avoid, and what to look for as signs of progress.
Topic deep-dives
Letter-number codes in 11+ Verbal Reasoning
A focused parent guide to letter-number codes in 11+ verbal reasoning: what the question type tests, the technique to learn, worked examples, and how to practise effectively.
Comprehension inference questions
A focused parent guide to comprehension inference questions: what the question type tests, the technique to learn, worked examples, and how to practise effectively.
Cloze passage questions in CEM
A focused parent guide to cloze passage questions in cem: what the question type tests, the technique to learn, worked examples, and how to practise effectively.
Shuffled sentences in CEM and ISEB
A focused parent guide to shuffled sentences in cem and iseb: what the question type tests, the technique to learn, worked examples, and how to practise effectively.
Mental arithmetic in 11+ Maths
A focused parent guide to mental arithmetic in 11+ maths: what the question type tests, the technique to learn, worked examples, and how to practise effectively.
Fractions in 11+ Maths
A focused parent guide to fractions in 11+ maths: what the question type tests, the technique to learn, worked examples, and how to practise effectively.
Ratio and proportion in 11+ Maths
A focused parent guide to ratio and proportion in 11+ maths: what the question type tests, the technique to learn, worked examples, and how to practise effectively.
Rotations and reflections in NVR
A focused parent guide to rotations and reflections in nvr: what the question type tests, the technique to learn, worked examples, and how to practise effectively.
Folding nets and 3D shapes in NVR
A focused parent guide to folding nets and 3d shapes in nvr: what the question type tests, the technique to learn, worked examples, and how to practise effectively.
Time and distance word problems
A focused parent guide to time and distance word problems: what the question type tests, the technique to learn, worked examples, and how to practise effectively.
Extended writing for CSSE and ISEB
A focused parent guide to extended writing for csse and iseb: what the question type tests, the technique to learn, worked examples, and how to practise effectively.
SPaG essentials for 11+
A focused parent guide to spag essentials for 11+: what the question type tests, the technique to learn, worked examples, and how to practise effectively.
Building 11+ vocabulary
A focused parent guide to building 11+ vocabulary: what the question type tests, the technique to learn, worked examples, and how to practise effectively.
Test day routine and exam technique
A focused parent guide to test day routine and exam technique: what the question type tests, the technique to learn, worked examples, and how to practise effectively.
Parent FAQs
How to pick an 11+ tutor (and whether you need one)
Detailed parent guide to how to pick an 11+ tutor (and whether you need one). Practical advice, common mistakes and a clear next step.
Online tutoring vs in-person — what works for whom
Detailed parent guide to online tutoring vs in-person — what works for whom. Practical advice, common mistakes and a clear next step.
How much should the 11+ year cost?
Detailed parent guide to how much should the 11+ year cost?. Practical advice, common mistakes and a clear next step.
Working with your child's primary school during the 11+ year
Detailed parent guide to working with your child's primary school during the 11+ year. Practical advice, common mistakes and a clear next step.
Sibling priority and how it affects 11+ admissions
Detailed parent guide to sibling priority and how it affects 11+ admissions. Practical advice, common mistakes and a clear next step.
The 11+ appeals process — when, how, and the realistic odds
Detailed parent guide to the 11+ appeals process — when, how, and the realistic odds. Practical advice, common mistakes and a clear next step.
If your child does not qualify — what next?
Detailed parent guide to if your child does not qualify — what next?. Practical advice, common mistakes and a clear next step.
After getting a grammar offer — what to do over the summer
Detailed parent guide to after getting a grammar offer — what to do over the summer. Practical advice, common mistakes and a clear next step.
Settling in to grammar school — the first term
Detailed parent guide to settling in to grammar school — the first term. Practical advice, common mistakes and a clear next step.
Should you sit mock tests, and which?
Detailed parent guide to should you sit mock tests, and which?. Practical advice, common mistakes and a clear next step.
Self-study at home vs structured tutoring — making the choice
Detailed parent guide to self-study at home vs structured tutoring — making the choice. Practical advice, common mistakes and a clear next step.
Managing 11+ anxiety in children (and parents)
Detailed parent guide to managing 11+ anxiety in children (and parents). Practical advice, common mistakes and a clear next step.
Sitting multiple grammar tests in different counties
Detailed parent guide to sitting multiple grammar tests in different counties. Practical advice, common mistakes and a clear next step.
Relocating to a grammar area — does it work?
Detailed parent guide to relocating to a grammar area — does it work?. Practical advice, common mistakes and a clear next step.
Starting 11+ preparation late — in Year 6
Detailed parent guide to starting 11+ preparation late — in year 6. Practical advice, common mistakes and a clear next step.
Preparing twins or close siblings together for the 11+
Detailed parent guide to preparing twins or close siblings together for the 11+. Practical advice, common mistakes and a clear next step.
Children with additional needs and the 11+
Detailed parent guide to children with additional needs and the 11+. Practical advice, common mistakes and a clear next step.
Independent vs grammar — making the trade-off
Detailed parent guide to independent vs grammar — making the trade-off. Practical advice, common mistakes and a clear next step.
District & catchment guides
Tonbridge & Tunbridge Wells 11+: catchment & realistic chances
Detailed parent guide to the tonbridge & tunbridge wells 11+: catchment & realistic chances situation: realistic catchment, format expectations, term-by-term plan and common mistakes.
Amersham & Chesham 11+: tight catchment, hard 121
Detailed parent guide to the amersham & chesham 11+: tight catchment, hard 121 situation: realistic catchment, format expectations, term-by-term plan and common mistakes.
Essex CSSE catchment: four schools, one bespoke test
Detailed parent guide to the essex csse catchment: four schools, one bespoke test situation: realistic catchment, format expectations, term-by-term plan and common mistakes.
Trafford & Altrincham 11+: earliest test in the country
Detailed parent guide to the trafford & altrincham 11+: earliest test in the country situation: realistic catchment, format expectations, term-by-term plan and common mistakes.
Cross-London grammar applications — the strategic picture
Detailed parent guide to the cross-london grammar applications — the strategic picture situation: realistic catchment, format expectations, term-by-term plan and common mistakes.
Birmingham KEVI catchment: eight schools, one cohort-percentile test
Detailed parent guide to the birmingham kevi catchment: eight schools, one cohort-percentile test situation: realistic catchment, format expectations, term-by-term plan and common mistakes.
Northern Ireland transfer: AQE vs PPTC
Detailed parent guide to the northern ireland transfer: aqe vs pptc situation: realistic catchment, format expectations, term-by-term plan and common mistakes.
Medway and cross-Kent applications
Detailed parent guide to the medway and cross-kent applications situation: realistic catchment, format expectations, term-by-term plan and common mistakes.
Sutton 11+: five schools, mixed formats, super-selective effects
Detailed parent guide to the sutton 11+: five schools, mixed formats, super-selective effects situation: realistic catchment, format expectations, term-by-term plan and common mistakes.
Lincolnshire 11+: rural catchment and travel logistics
Detailed parent guide to the lincolnshire 11+: rural catchment and travel logistics situation: realistic catchment, format expectations, term-by-term plan and common mistakes.
Gloucestershire 11+: CEM-style with Pate's super-selective effect
Detailed parent guide to the gloucestershire 11+: cem-style with pate's super-selective effect situation: realistic catchment, format expectations, term-by-term plan and common mistakes.
Reading and Slough — two separate but related grammar systems
Detailed parent guide to the reading and slough — two separate but related grammar systems situation: realistic catchment, format expectations, term-by-term plan and common mistakes.