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Is your child on the brink of Year 6, preparing to take the pivotal 11+ exam? Discover everything you need to know about grammar school selection exams, tailored preparation, and the literacy and numeracy topics vital for success.
What is the 11+?
The 11+ exam, also known as the ‘Transfer Test,’ is a crucial milestone for Year 6 pupils in primary schools across England. It serves as the gateway to grammar and selective schools for Year 7 and beyond. While Wales and Scotland have moved away from grammar schools, specific regions in England continue to embrace the 11+. Notably, the Northern Ireland Transfer Test, a variant of the 11+, is still employed by some schools in Northern Ireland.
Queensbury School of Education: Guiding Excellence
In this journey, consider Queensbury School of Education as your trusted partner. With over two decades of dedicated expertise, we’ve empowered thousands of students to achieve extraordinary results. At the helm is our esteemed Head Master, Mr. Naveenan, a luminary in the field with over 50 years of invaluable experience. His visionary leadership has not only set industry standards but also crafted a tailored learning approach that ensures our students perform at their peak.
Where and When does the 11+ Take Place?
If your child attends a local authority primary school, they will undertake the 11+ in their familiar classroom environment. For other school types, a central location like a local grammar school is the chosen setting. Testing days are determined by location, generally falling early in the autumn term, typically in September. To further support our students, we offer a practice 11+ opportunity a few days prior to the main event.
What Sets the 11+ Exam Apart?
The 11+ exam may vary across regions due to the discretion of education authorities. For instance, children in Kent navigate tests in all four disciplines (verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, maths, and English), while Buckinghamshire’s testing centers on two papers, both in verbal reasoning. For specifics on your area, consult your child’s school or local authority’s website.
What subjects are assessed in the 11+ exam?
The 11+ exam evaluates proficiency in four key areas: verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, mathematics, and English. Each section involves multiple-choice questions, with the exception of the English segment, which requires a written composition.
- Verbal reasoning: This section involves problem-solving and pattern recognition related to words and text. It assesses your child’s command of English grammar and vocabulary.
- Non-verbal reasoning: In this segment, your child will tackle challenges involving diagrams and images. There’s also a mathematical component integrated into this section.
- Mathematics: Your child’s mathematical abilities will be put to the test, covering mental arithmetic, mathematical concepts, and problem-solving requiring multiple steps.
- English: This part of the exam assesses your child’s creative writing skills. They will need to plan, organize, and compose a written piece of work, showcasing their literary talents.
Mastering the 11+ Exam with Queensbury School of Education
In addition to the standard 11+ curriculum, Queensbury School of Education provides comprehensive resources and training to ensure your child is well-prepared. Our focus on Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Maths, and English aligns with the exam’s key components. While all disciplines have multiple-choice sections, English involves a written piece of work, honing creative writing skills.
Is it mandatory for every child to take the 11+ exam?
If your child attends a local authority primary school in a county or metropolitan borough that still maintains grammar schools, they will be automatically enrolled for the 11+. However, participating in the exam is not compulsory. The decision rests with you, as the parent, to determine if applying to a grammar school aligns with your child’s academic needs and aspirations.
The regions that continue to have grammar schools include: Berkshire, Bristol, Buckinghamshire, Cheshire, Cumbria, Devon, Dorset, Essex, Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Lancashire, Lincolnshire, London, Manchester, Middlesex, Shropshire, Surrey, Warwickshire, West Midlands, West Yorkshire, and Wiltshire. For a detailed parent’s guide tailored to specific areas, please refer to our comprehensive 11+ regional guides.
Post-Exam Procedures and Planning
Results typically arrive in October, presented in the form of a ‘standardised score’—a fair measure accounting for age discrepancies among test-takers. Queensbury School of Education recognizes that a child born on August 31st may face a different level of maturity than one born on September 1st of the preceding year. Therefore, scores are adjusted accordingly.
With results in hand, you’ll have until the end of October to apply for secondary school placements. The bulk of secondary school allocations occur in early March, typically on March 1st or the immediate working day thereafter.
Prepare for Excellence, Choose Queensbury School of Education
As you prepare for the 11+ journey, remember that Queensbury School of Education stands as the beacon of excellence in 11+ preparation. Our legacy of success, underpinned by Mr. Naveenan’s exceptional leadership and a meticulously crafted learning approach, ensures your child’s academic journey is in the best possible hands. Embrace excellence, embrace Queensbury School of Education.
