A Different Approach
I decided to stop face-to-face tutoring, and share everything I know about preparing a child for the 11+ in a series of videos. These videos go page by page through the books, showing how I use them, with all the tips and tricks I’ve picked up over the years. Nothing held back. We’ll cover maths, English, verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and exam techniques.
What makes my content special is that I’m aiming it at you, the person helping the child, and I hope to give you the confidence and information you need. All you need do is get a copy of the book, watch the relevant videos for a few pages at a time, then sit down with your child and go through the work. For some this could be a low-cost alternative to paying for a private tutor. For those who employ a tutor, these videos can serve to help you better understand the work your child is doing, and provide you with the knowledge and confidence to assist and support them. So whether you employ a tutor or not, I hope you find this useful.
There are a number of free-to-view videos, and for a fee of £5 per month subscribers gain full access to all of my content. You can cancel your membership whenever you wish. If you want to take a look, just click here.
What is the 11+
The 11+ is a test used in some areas of the UK to determine whether or not a child is eligible for a place at a grammar school. The vast majority of children who pass the 11+ do so with the aid of tutoring. Primary schools are strictly limited in the amount of preparation that they are allowed to offer the children.
Among the areas of England where the 11+ is used, the exam varies greatly. If you do further research elsewhere, in books or on the internet, be sure that you are researching the correct type of 11+ (GL). Buckinghamshire uses a particular system of multiple choice questions based on English, verbal reasoning, mathematics and non-verbal reasoning.
I've attached a copy of the Buckinghamshire Familiarisation booklet to a post which you can find here. This booklet is the best source of information about what is in the test - a copy is sent to all those sitting the test each year.
The 11+ is a test used in some areas of the UK to determine whether or not a child is eligible for a place at a grammar school. The vast majority of children who pass the 11+ do so with the aid of tutoring. Primary schools are strictly limited in the amount of preparation that they are allowed to offer the children.
Among the areas of England where the 11+ is used, the exam varies greatly. If you do further research elsewhere, in books or on the internet, be sure that you are researching the correct type of 11+ (GL). Buckinghamshire uses a particular system of multiple choice questions based on English, verbal reasoning, mathematics and non-verbal reasoning.
I've attached a copy of the Buckinghamshire Familiarisation booklet to a post which you can find here. This booklet is the best source of information about what is in the test - a copy is sent to all those sitting the test each year.
Recommended Books
I recommend the CGP books. These books are well produced and contain answers at the back.
Choosing the Right Books
Knowing where to start can be tricky. For example, if your child is 9 years old, you maybe wondering whether to get the 8-9 or the 9-10 books. As general advice:
- If your child is in year 4, start with the 8-9 books. If a particular book is clearly too easy, move to the 9-10.
- If your child is starting year 5, get the 9-10 books.
- When your child has completed the 9-10 books, move on to the 10-11 books.