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The 11+ exam is a big milestone in your child’s education and, for many parents, it can feel overwhelming at first. But don’t worry — you’re not alone! Whether you're new to the process or just looking for more clarity, this post will help you get started on the right foot.

What is the 11+?

The 11+ is an entrance exam used by grammar schools in Buckinghamshire (and other areas in the UK) to assess academic potential. Most children take the 11+ in Year 6, just before they turn 11. It tests their skills in four main areas: Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Maths, and English. The results of the 11+ determine eligibility for grammar school places, so it’s a key part of the secondary school application process.

How Early Should You Start Preparing?

One of the first questions many parents ask is, "When should we start preparing?" The answer is: don’t rush it! While some start prep in Year 4, many students begin in Year 5 (a year before the exam). However, the key is to gradually introduce the test content in a low-stress way. Early preparation can include things like reading together, building maths confidence and playing word and logic games.

Don’t feel pressured to start formal test practice too early; building a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy is just as important as familiarising your child with the exam format.

What’s the Test Format?

The Bucks 11+ consists of the following sections:

• Verbal Reasoning: This assesses a child’s ability to understand and reason using words and language. It includes tasks like analogies, sequences and vocabulary-based questions.

• Non-Verbal Reasoning: These questions focus on pattern recognition, logic and spatial reasoning. It involves shapes and symbols rather than words.

• Maths: The maths section covers number patterns, problem-solving and reasoning (not just calculation). The focus is on understanding concepts, working efficiently and tackling more complex problems.

• English: This includes comprehension (reading passages and answering questions) and grammar, as well as vocabulary building.

Understanding the test format is crucial for both you and your child. The more familiar they are with the question types, the more confident they’ll feel on exam day.

How to Approach Prep Without the Pressure

The key to 11+ success isn’t cramming or overloading your child with worksheets. Instead, focus on building their confidence and skills in a way that feels natural. Here are a few tips:

• Read together regularly: Encourage your child to read a mix of fiction, non-fiction and even newspapers. This helps with vocabulary and comprehension skills.

• Play word and logic games: Crosswords, word searches or even puzzles and games like Sudoku or chess can develop their thinking skills while having fun.

• Create a balanced routine: Short, regular study sessions are more effective than long, tiring ones. A few times a week for 15-30 minutes each time is ideal.

• Celebrate progress, not perfection: Help your child enjoy the learning process. Praise their effort and celebrate each small achievement.

The goal is to help your child build their skills while maintaining a positive attitude towards learning.

How fledu Can Support Your Journey

Starting the 11+ journey doesn’t need to be overwhelming! At fledu, we offer both online and in-person 11+ tuition to help guide your child every step of the way. Our expert teaching, small group sizes and supportive environment ensure that each child feels heard, understood and ready for the exam.

Check out our 11+ tuition options to see how we can help you and your child.

Conclusion

With a steady, balanced approach, your child will be ready to face the 11+ exam with confidence. Keep an eye on the Advice Hub for more helpful tips and insights. If you ever need support along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at fledu.