What is 11+?

If your child wishes to attend a school which has an entrance exam, this is often referred to as the 11+ exam.

All schools have a slightly different criteria (it is always best to check on their websites for confirmation) but your child will need to answer questions from at least three of the following four areas:

• Maths
• English (sometimes this will include creative writing)
• Verbal Reasoning
• Non-verbal Reasoning

Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning are not usually taught in state schools, so many parents choose to have their child tutored specifically in these areas.

Unlike GCSEs and A Levels, there is no specific ‘pass grade’, as children are assessed in areas that are not necessarily covered by the written exam, such as:

• Interview
• Letter of recommendation from the current Head Teacher
• Letter of recommendation from the current Class Teacher
• Activities outside of school – music, sports, chess, etc.

Schools often set their own exam papers, and the previous years’ papers are often available from the school by request. It is important to check whether your chosen school has GL or CEM papers, as this does affect the topics that your child will be assessed upon.

If the school is a fee-paying school, the fees are usually based upon the income/outgoings of each individual family. Some families will pay much more than others, purely due to the parents’ income. Most of the schools offer bursaries and scholarships, so it is a good idea to read through these sections on each school’s website.

If you have any questions that you feel are not covered by the websites, it is a good idea to call the school directly to speak with someone who can give you the information that you need. You should never be afraid of asking for clarification, and most schools will be more than happy to assist you.

Finally, please remember to:

• Check the date and time of the exam
• Check which subjects are covered in the exam
• Is there a fee to be paid for sitting the exam?
• When do any fees need to be paid for?
• Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket – apply for a few different options, as they may all give you different offers…
• Look around a few similar schools, as you might change your mind when you have visited them
• You should still complete the Local Authority form for a State School place – you never know what will happen 6 months from now!

Bolton Tuition Centre offers 11+ tuition and has an excellent pass rate. Please feel free to contact us for a free assessment, if you believe that we can help.