Grammer Schools

If you're a parent in Buckinghamshire or Slough, you've likely heard of the 11+ exam. It’s a selective test that can open the door to a grammar school education for your child. But what exactly is the 11+ process, and how can you give your child the best chance of success? Let's break it down.

Understanding the 11+ Exam

The 11+ is a standardized test taken by children in their final year of primary school (Year 6). It’s designed to assess their academic potential and suitability for a grammar school education. The exam is highly competitive, and schools use the results to determine who they offer a Year 7 place to.

The process and test content differ slightly between Buckinghamshire and Slough, so it's essential to know which one applies to you.

The Bucks 11+ (Secondary Transfer Test)

Who Takes It? Children aiming for a place at a Buckinghamshire grammar school.
What’s Tested? The exam is provided by GL Assessment and consists of two papers. These papers test a combination of verbal skills (comprehension, vocabulary, verbal reasoning) and mathematical and non-verbal skills (non-verbal reasoning, spatial reasoning, and maths).
The Passing Score: To be considered for a grammar school place, your child needs to achieve a minimum standardised score of 121. This score is age-standardised to ensure fairness across all students.
How to Apply: If you live in Buckinghamshire and your child attends a state primary school, they are automatically registered. If you are applying from outside the county or your child attends a private school, you must register them online before the deadline.

The Slough Consortium 11+

Who Takes It? Children applying to any of the four grammar schools in the Slough Consortium.
What’s Tested? This exam is also provided by GL Assessment and tests three key areas: Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, and Numerical Reasoning.
The Passing Score: The qualifying score for the Slough Consortium is 111. Achieving this score makes your child eligible to be considered for a place.
How to Apply: Parents must register their child directly with the Slough Consortium before the specified deadline.

The Admission Timeline: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a simple timeline to help you through the process:

Register Your Child: Make sure you've registered your child for the correct exam (Bucks or Slough) by the summer of their Year 5.
Take the Test: The exams are held in September of Year 6.
Receive Results: You will receive your child's score in mid-October. This is a crucial time!
Complete the CAF: The deadline for the Common Application Form (CAF) is October 31st. On this form, you list your school preferences. Remember to list the grammar schools you’re applying for in genuine order of preference. Achieving a qualifying score doesn't guarantee a place, as schools often have their own oversubscription criteria, like your distance from the school.

How to Prepare Your Child for Success

The 11+ is a unique exam that tests skills not always taught in the standard primary school curriculum. Concepts like verbal and non-verbal reasoning can be new to many children, and mastering them requires dedicated practice.

Starting preparation early, ideally in Year 4 or Year 5, can make a huge difference. It allows your child to learn at a steady pace without the pressure of cramming.

Working with an experienced tutor can be invaluable. A good tutor can:

Help your child become familiar with the exam format.
Improve their speed and accuracy under timed conditions.
Boost their confidence by working through tricky concepts.
Provide targeted support in areas where they are struggling.

LEC has been helping students with the 11+ for over 35 years, providing expert guidance and support to help them secure a place at their chosen grammar school. Their extensive experience in this field can give your child the competitive edge they need to succeed. We not only help the children but we also guide you the parents through this daunting process.