Information

Let's take it slow

The 11 Plus is a rather confusing beast. This section tries to explain the nuances of the whole process. From finding your school, to obtaining a place.

If you have a question, give us a call and we'll do our best to help!

1. Finding the right school

   The first step along this winding road is to whittle the schools you want to apply for. In most LEAs you'll be allowed 6 choices.

   BBC School League Tables

   If you go to the website above, choose your area on the right and it'll come up with a table of all the schools around you. you'll then need to sort the results by examination results, we recommend A-Levels.

   It gets a little more complicated if there arn't many good schools in your area. The best thing to do is search areas surrounding you.

2. Applying to the chosen schools

   Once you've decided what schools to apply for, you'll have to apply to them. You'll have to fill out a Common Application Form. Depending on the area, you can choose from 6 or 3 schools which are placed in order of preference. If you don't get into your first choice, your second is then counted. Fortunately, Schools don't know where you placed them in your preferences list.

   Please also remember that most grammar schools also require you to fill out a supplementary application form.

3. What tests do the schools do

   Depending on the grammar school, your child will have to revise for; English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non Verbal Reasoning. If you go to the schools website and click on "admissions" or an equivalent, then the information required will likely be there.

4. Tutor your child to get into the schools you want.

   There are three main ways of tutoring your child; either at home with you, with a private tutor or group tuition.

   Home tuition

   Simply buy practice papers and sit down with your child. This is a little easier said than done. Ironically we tutor one of our teachers children. With patience however, it is entirely possible and in some cases, very effective.

   1 to 1 private tuition

   If you look at the tuition section of your local paper, there will be countless people offering 1 to 1 tuition for the 11+. This solution is as effective as the tutor is competent. Make sure the tutor is; CRB checked, has taught professionally, has a proven pass rate and that your child is comfortable.

   Group Tuition

   Trawl through the internet and you'll find many 11+ courses. We're one of them. If you live too far to come to us, make sure the course you're thinking of uses qualified teachers which are CRB checked and that the materials are suitable for them.

5. Finish

   Relax for a few years.