Exams & revision
11-Plus preparation: when to start and what's actually tested
By Teachers Delivered · 24 June 2026
The 11-Plus is a competitive, timed exam for entry to grammar and many independent schools. Because parts of it are not taught in primary school, preparation genuinely makes a difference. Here's when to start and what your child will actually face.
What's tested
Most 11-Plus exams cover four areas:
- English — comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar, and sometimes a writing task.
- Maths — primary maths applied to timed problem-solving, usually a little ahead of the school pace.
- Verbal reasoning — word- and logic-based puzzles.
- Non-verbal reasoning — patterns, sequences and spatial puzzles.
The exact mix and format depend on your region and target schools — GL Assessment, a CEM-style paper, ISEB, or a school's own exam.
When to start
Most families begin in Year 4 or early Year 5, building steadily rather than cramming. Starting early has a real advantage: it lets your child grow genuine skills and confidence, rather than just drilling papers under pressure. If you're starting later, it's still very doable — you'll just want a focused plan.
How to prepare well
The single biggest mistake is jumping straight to past papers. Verbal and non-verbal reasoning have specific techniques for each question type; teach those first, then practise. And keep it positive — a young child's confidence and pace on the day matter as much as the content.
- Learn the reasoning techniques before drilling papers.
- Build up timed practice gradually.
- Match your practice to your target schools' format.
Where a tutor helps
A specialist 11-Plus tutor spots gaps early, teaches the reasoning techniques properly, and keeps a bright child calm and motivated through a competitive process. Every tutor on Teachers Delivered is a qualified, DBS-checked teacher.