What is the 11+ Exam and How Can Mathnasium Help Your Child?

If you're a parent navigating the UK education system, you've likely heard about the 11+ exam, a milestone for children aiming to secure places at grammar or independent schools. But what exactly is the 11+ exam, and how can you ensure your child is prepared to tackle it with confidence?

At Mathnasium, we understand the challenges families face when it comes to 11+ preparation. From mastering complex reasoning questions to building confidence under pressure, the journey can feel overwhelming. That's why we’ve developed two targeted programmes, the 11+ Test Prep Programme and 11+ Summer Boost Programme, to provide the comprehensive support your child needs to succeed.

What Is the 11+ exam?

The 11+ exam is an entrance test designed for children aged 10 to 11, typically taken in the autumn term of Year 6. It assesses a child’s ability in areas such as verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, maths and English. While the format varies by region and school, the aim is to identify students with the academic potential to thrive in a grammar or independent school environment.

Historically, the 11+ exam has been a competitive process, with many schools selecting candidates based on their performance to fill limited places. This has led to increasing pressure on students and parents to seek effective preparation strategies that cater to specific exam formats.

Many parents find 11+ preparation daunting, particularly when faced with:

• Uncertainty about where to begin: Understanding the different exam formats and finding appropriate resources can be confusing.
• Time constraints: Balancing practice with other commitments can leave families feeling stretched.
• Knowledge gaps: Pinpointing and addressing weaknesses in reasoning or maths skills can be challenging without expert guidance.
• Pressure on children: Preparing for a high-stakes exam can cause stress and affect confidence.

After surveying the 11+ market and drawing on our experience supporting children and families, we created a unique programme to fully support the progress of each child in a structured way, maximising their potential without adding pressure.

11+ Test Prep Programme: A year-round solution designed to master key skills, develop critical thinking and boost confidence. This programme focuses on reasoning, problem-solving and maths while aligning with the unique format of your child’s chosen school.

11+ Summer Boost Programme: An accelerated 8 week summer course that sharpens skills through practice exams, targeted instruction and closing knowledge gaps. Perfect for students who need a focused learning burst as exam season approaches.

By using the proven Mathnasium Method™, we ensure that every child receives individualised attention and support. Our programmes help students feel confident and prepared, ready to take on the 11+ exam with assurance.

At Mathnasium, our goal is simple: to empower your child to approach the 11+ exam feeling confident and prepared. Our programmes not only boost their ability in the exam, it will enhance their mathematical, critical thinking and reasoning skills for life.