If your child is heading towards grammar school entrance exams, you're probably feeling overwhelmed by the options. This guide covers everything: what the 11+ tests, when to start preparing, which resources actually work, and how to keep your child motivated without burning them out.
The 11+ exam typically covers four areas, though not every school tests all four:
Some specialist language schools also include a Language Aptitude Test (LAT), which tests your child's ability to learn an unfamiliar language. This is one of the hardest areas to prepare for because it deliberately uses invented languages.
Most families start serious preparation 12–18 months before the exam, which typically takes place in September or October of Year 6. That means starting in Year 4 or early Year 5.
However, building a strong foundation in reading, vocabulary, and mental arithmetic from Year 3 onwards makes formal 11+ prep much easier when the time comes.
Bond 11+ and CGP are the most widely used workbook series. They're excellent for structured practice, but the downside is that once your child has completed a book, they've seen all the questions. There's no fresh content.
The advantage of digital practice is adaptive difficulty — the app gets harder as your child improves, so they're always working at the edge of their ability. Apps can also generate unlimited fresh questions, which prevents memorisation.
Cognithix is currently the only 11+ app that covers all four areas including LAT preparation. It generates questions on-device, works offline, and adapts to your child's strengths and weaknesses. The parent dashboard shows exactly which topics need more work.
A good 11+ tutor can make a significant difference, particularly for exam technique and confidence. Expect to pay £30–60 per hour. The best approach is to combine tutoring with daily independent practice using books or apps.
Different regions use different exam boards:
Check which format your target school uses before buying materials or choosing an app. Most resources are designed for GL, but the reasoning skills transfer to CEM.
If you're targeting a specialist language school, your child will likely face a LAT. This tests:
Most 11+ books don't cover LAT at all. Cognithix is one of the few resources that includes dedicated LAT preparation with adaptive exercises.
11+ preparation can easily become stressful for both parents and children. Some strategies that work:
Your child will typically sit the exam at their target school or a designated test centre. The exam lasts between 1 and 2.5 hours depending on the format. Most schools allow a pencil case, water bottle, and sometimes a snack for break time.
The single most important thing you can do on exam day is stay calm. Your child will pick up on your anxiety. Treat it as a normal day with an interesting challenge, not a life-defining moment.
Start early but keep it light. Use a mix of books, apps, and (optionally) a tutor. Practice daily in short sessions. Cover all four areas, including LAT if relevant. And remember — the 11+ is one path among many. A child who doesn't pass still has an excellent education ahead of them.