11 Plus - Grammar Schools Entrance Test

The 11 Plus is an entrance exam used by selective schools to assess students for admission, typically at age 10 or 11 (usually at the beginning of Year 6). It tests skills in English, mathematics, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning and requires students to demonstrate strong critical thinking and time management abilities under pressure.

Textbook Tutors helps students maximize their chances of passing by providing tailored study plans, expert guidance in key subjects, regular practice exams, and focused skill-building sessions. Our approach ensures that students develop the knowledge, confidence, and exam techniques needed to excel in the 11 Plus.

Over the years we have noticed the following problems faced by 11 Plus students and we have developed a number of ways of dealing with them.

Pain Points of the 11 Plus Exam and How Textbook Tutors Solves Them with Real Examples

1. Pressure and Anxiety:

   • Pain Point: The high-stakes nature of the 11 Plus can create intense pressure and anxiety for students, which can negatively impact their performance.

   • Textbook Tutors’ Solution: We integrate stress management techniques into our tutoring sessions. For example, we teach students breathing exercises and visualization strategies that they can use to stay calm during the exam. One student, who initially found the thought of the 11 Plus overwhelming, practiced these techniques with us during mock exams and saw a significant reduction in their anxiety. By the time the real exam arrived, they felt more in control and were able to focus clearly on the tasks at hand.

2. Challenging Content:

   • Pain Point: The 11 Plus includes advanced topics such as verbal and non-verbal reasoning, areas that students may not encounter in their regular school curriculum.

   • Textbook Tutors’ Solution: We introduce these challenging topics gradually, starting with simple examples and building up to more complex questions. For instance, when a student struggled with non-verbal reasoning, we began with pattern recognition exercises before progressing to full exam-style questions. We also use interactive tools to make abstract concepts more engaging. One student who initially found verbal reasoning especially difficult was able to improve dramatically by focusing on word games and logic puzzles that strengthened their understanding step-by-step.

3. Time Constraints:

   • Pain Point: Managing time during the 11 Plus is challenging, as students must answer numerous questions within a limited timeframe.

   • Textbook Tutors’ Solution: We simulate the timed conditions of the 11 Plus through regular mock exams and timed drills. For example, if a student struggles with completing questions on time, we implement techniques such as skipping overly challenging questions and revisiting them later. One student who frequently ran out of time during practice tests learned to pace themselves by using this strategy, allowing them to finish the real exam with time to spare, which significantly improved their overall score.

4. Consistency and Motivation:

   • Pain Point: Maintaining consistent revision and motivation over the many months leading up to the 11 Plus can be difficult for young students.

   • Textbook Tutors’ Solution: We create personalized study schedules that break revision down into manageable chunks, making it less daunting for students. For example, we set small, achievable goals for each session and regularly review progress, which helps maintain momentum. We also introduce fun learning methods, like games and rewards, to keep students engaged. One student who initially struggled with consistency benefited from breaking tasks into daily “bite-sized” pieces of work and received rewards for completing them, which helped sustain their motivation and focus over time.

Textbook Tutors combines personalized study plans, focused skill-building, and emotional support to ensure students are prepared both academically and mentally for the 11 Plus exam. Our methods address not only the challenging content but also the stress and time management difficulties, ensuring that students feel ready to tackle the exam with confidence.

Through gentle guidance, my students become well-prepared both academically and mentally, enabling them to overcome the pressures and challenges of the 11 Plus.

 Get in touch with a professional. Someone who has  been there and done it.