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11+ preparation for grammar and selective schools

The 11+ is a selective entrance exam taken by some children in their final year of primary school to win a place at a grammar or independent school. Zyzaa Tuition prepares children for the 11+ at our Hounslow, Greenford and Hayes/Southall centres and in an online session on Tuesday evenings (6pm to 8pm), and we tailor our preparation to the schools and exam boards that matter to your family. Please ask us about 11+ options for Slough families.

Not every school uses the same format, so we start by finding out which schools you are considering and what the test involves.

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What the 11+ usually tests

The format varies between areas and schools, but the 11+ generally tests four things:

  • Maths and English, which usually follow the National Curriculum;
  • Verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning, which are not taught as school subjects, so children need extra practice to become familiar with the question styles.

Because the 11+ is generally taken only once, it pays to prepare carefully and to practise under exam-style conditions.

GL Assessment or CEM?

The two main exam providers used by grammar schools are GL Assessment and CEM, and some areas use a combination. A third provider, ISEB, is used by a number of independent schools. Our tutors identify the topics your child needs to study for the specific test they will sit. Read our guide to the differences between GL and CEM, or start with what the 11+ is.

Schools we prepare children for

We support children applying to grammar and independent schools across London and the surrounding counties, including Slough-area schools such as Herschel Grammar School, Langley Grammar School, Upton Court Grammar School and St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School. See the full list of schools we prepare for, and always check each school’s own admissions page for the current test, registration deadlines and entry requirements.

11+ fees and application support

11+ preparation is £200 per month. Our 11+ application support and advice service helps you choose schools, understand admission criteria and complete the application, and costs £150 for up to two school applications per child. A £40 annual resources fee applies; see our pricing page for full details.

When should my child start?

Children usually sit the exam at the start of Year 6, when they are ten or eleven, so preparation typically begins before then. Every child is different, so the best first step is a free assessment, which shows where your child is now and what to work on before the test.

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11+ tuition FAQs

No. The 11+ is not compulsory. It is used by grammar schools and some independent schools to select pupils, so you only need it if you are applying to a school that uses it.
In most cases a child sits the test once for each year of entry, so there is usually no chance to reset the result. That is why practice and preparation matter.
They are different test providers with different formats and question types. GL papers are usually split by subject, while CEM tests are organised into verbal, numerical and non-verbal reasoning. Which one your child sits depends on the school or area.
Check the admissions page of each school you are considering, or ask us. We tailor our 11+ preparation to the schools in your area.
11+ preparation is £200 per month. See our pricing page for the full fee details.

11+ guides and advice

New to the 11+? Start with what the 11+ is, then read GL vs CEM explained, the grammar and selective schools we prepare for and our 11+ application support.

Parent guide to 11+ preparation

Read our parent’s guide to 11+ preparation before choosing tuition.