11+ Exam Tips: How to Prepare Your Child for Grammar School Success

The 11+ exam is a pivotal moment in a child’s academic journey — a gateway to selective grammar schools that are known for their rigorous standards and academic excellence. For many families across the UK, preparing for the 11+ is both an exciting opportunity and a high-pressure experience.

At Learning Labs UK, we’ve helped hundreds of students prepare successfully for the 11+ across our tuition centres, including those offering maths tuition in Wembley and maths tuition in Hounslow. Through structured, personalised learning and experienced tutors, we’ve seen first-hand what works — and what doesn’t — when it comes to 11+ exam preparation.

In this blog, we’ll share practical tips and strategies to help your child approach the exam with confidence and clarity.

1. Understand the Format

The first step in preparing for the 11+ is understanding what exactly is being tested. The format can vary by region and school, but most exams include four main components:

Mathematics

English

Verbal Reasoning

Non-Verbal Reasoning

Some grammar schools use the GL Assessment board, while others use CEM (Centre for Evaluation & Monitoring). Knowing which format your target schools use is essential, as it will determine the types of questions and skills your child needs to focus on.

At Learning Labs UK’s maths tuition centres in Wembley and Hounslow, students receive targeted instruction aligned with their specific test boards — no guesswork involved.

2. Start Early, Stay Consistent

One of the most common mistakes families make is leaving preparation too late. Ideally, students should start preparing at least a year before the 11+ exam — giving them time to build skills gradually rather than cramming at the last minute.

A consistent weekly routine that includes timed practice, feedback, and homework is far more effective than intense bursts of studying.

This is where professional guidance becomes valuable. With structured support from Learning Labs UK — including centres offering maths tuition in Hounslow and Wembley — students develop a solid study rhythm and avoid burnout.

3. Prioritise Maths Mastery

Maths is a core component of nearly all 11+ exams. The questions often go beyond the National Curriculum and test a child’s problem-solving ability, number sense, and logical reasoning.

Key areas to focus on include:

Fractions, decimals, and percentages

Word problems and multi-step operations

Algebraic reasoning and sequences

Time, measurements, and data interpretation

At our maths tuition centres in Wembley and Hounslow, tutors help students build both conceptual understanding and speed — so they can tackle challenging questions with confidence under exam conditions.

4. Don’t Neglect English and Vocabulary

Even students who enjoy reading may struggle with the 11+ English section, which often includes:

Reading comprehension

Cloze passages

Grammar and punctuation

Vocabulary-based questions

Encourage your child to read widely — from classic literature to non-fiction texts. The more they’re exposed to diverse language and sentence structures, the better they’ll perform.

Vocabulary is a major differentiator in CEM exams. Make learning new words fun with flashcards, spelling games, and apps. At Learning Labs UK, we incorporate vocabulary enrichment into every English session, reinforcing what students read with practical application.

5. Train the Brain with Reasoning Practice

Verbal and non-verbal reasoning are skills not typically taught in schools — but they make up a large portion of the 11+ exam. These sections test how well your child can recognise patterns, relationships, and solve logic-based puzzles.

Our tutors provide step-by-step reasoning instruction, helping students develop strategies for:

Word codes and letter sequences

Odd-one-out logic

Matrix and shape-based puzzles

Code cracking and analogy-based tasks

These exercises also improve mental flexibility — a key advantage across all exam sections.

6. Practice Under Timed Conditions

Many children do well in practice exercises at home, but struggle under the pressure of a ticking clock. That’s why timed mock exams and past paper simulations are critical.

We simulate full-length exams at our Learning Labs centres in Wembley and Hounslow, teaching students how to manage time, skip difficult questions, and review answers efficiently.

Practising under exam conditions reduces anxiety and builds familiarity — so that the real thing feels less daunting.

7. Track Progress and Adapt

Every child learns at a different pace, and progress isn’t always linear. Regular assessments and progress reports help parents understand what’s working and what needs improvement.

At Learning Labs UK, we provide weekly feedback and performance summaries to ensure your child stays on track. Tutors adapt lesson plans based on evolving needs — something that’s difficult to achieve with DIY prep or generic workbooks.

8. Consider Professional Tuition Support

While some students may excel with home-based learning, others benefit significantly from expert guidance. With dedicated maths tuition in Hounslow and Wembley, Learning Labs UK helps bridge learning gaps and elevate potential — whether your child is behind, average, or already aiming for top scores.

Our small-group model (3–5 students per class) combines the individual attention of one-on-one tutoring with the collaborative energy of peer learning. This creates a focused, supportive, and motivating environment where students thrive.

9. Keep a Balanced Routine

Last but not least — balance is essential. Don’t let 11+ prep become an all-consuming part of your child’s life. Make room for play, rest, and extracurriculars. A healthy routine supports better focus, reduced anxiety, and improved long-term memory.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for the 11+ exam is a marathon, not a sprint. With the right mix of early planning, targeted practice, and professional support, your child can walk into the test room with confidence — and walk out one step closer to grammar school success.

Whether you’re looking for maths tuition in Wembley or maths tuition in Hounslow, Learning Labs UK has the experience, structure, and track record to guide your child every step of the way.