Whether the aim is simply to get a place somewhere (selective), or more ambitiously score highest in the cohort to ensure high settings in Year 7, even win scholarship and bursary offers, there is no easy route into your target school(s).

Still, the parent and child journey does not have to be arduous, as long as you’re not fooled into trusting a single app to get a student over the line.

Studious traits founded on curiosity are most easily cultivated in the Early Years using high quality learning resources and good toys, but it’s never too late to harness a young mind. Our aim (ultimately) is to help students avoid the stress of cram-learning the basics with remedial apps in later Primary years. Moreover, we know how they can enjoy the process and relish 11+ exams when they come.

Explore the Learnest Library >

Knowledge of the core subjects (English, Maths and Science,) and significant knowledge and knowhow beyond (the core), will need to be demonstrated to conquer the 11+ exam papers.

To complete the 11+ exams, especially English papers, students need significant stamina—and will have needed to practise lengthy writing exercises.

A wider general knowledge is also essential at all levels—language, numeracy, history, for example—primarily for understanding the content of exam paper questions, but also for interviews and Year 1 readiness.

For 11+ study and practice:

11+ past paper database
KS1 & KS2 Maths
KS1 & KS2 Science
KS1 & KS2 English
Visual Comprehension exercises
Reading Comprehension exercises
Creative Writing exercises
Spelling lists & tests
Vocabulary books
Reading Recommendations

Explore the Learnest Library >

Learnest’s guide to the Eleven-Plus describes the processes of applying to Secondary School, and how to prepare and practise for entrance exams including Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning, English, Maths and Science papers.

Use our insight and tips to develop your own learning plans, encourage self-study and learn how to answer the many different question types posed by 11+ exams.

This information has been put together by a team of people which includes parents whose children have passed through the Eleven-Plus and gained several scholarship offers. The guide is based on our research of the current status of the processes and our experiences.

Explore the Learnest Library >