How to Prepare for the 11+ Exam
This guide covers the practical questions every 11+ parent asks — timing, subjects, exam board, and a realistic weekly plan.
When to start
Most families begin 12–18 months out — the start of Year 4 or Year 5 — with short, regular sessions. Consistency beats intensity: 20–40 minutes a day, most days, outperforms weekend cramming.
What to study
- English: comprehension and vocabulary first, then spelling, punctuation and grammar.
- Maths: secure arithmetic, then fractions/decimals/percentages, ratio, algebra, geometry and word problems.
- Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning: learn a method per question type, then build speed.
GL Assessment or CEM?
Check with your target schools or local grammar consortium. GL has predictable question types and separate papers; CEM mixes subjects in a section and tests vocabulary in context. Prepare for the one your schools use, but broad fluency helps in both.
A simple weekly plan
- 2–3 short adaptive lessons or topic drills on current weak areas
- 1 vocabulary / times-table fluency session
- 1 timed mini-paper or, closer to the exam, a full mock test
- Review every wrong answer — understand the mistake, not just the right answer
How many mock tests?
One a fortnight from the start of Year 5, weekly in the final term. Use the per-topic breakdown to steer the next week's practice.
Explore OjasaLearn
- 11+ exam preparation
- 11+ mock tests online
- 11+ Maths practice
- 11+ English practice
- Verbal Reasoning practice
- Non-Verbal Reasoning practice
- GL Assessment practice
- CEM exam practice
- Olympiad-style practice
- School & entrance exam preparation
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