11 PLUS INFO
What is the 11 Plus?
In the Yorkshire region, we have five selective, non-fee paying, state secondary schools, which select their pupils based on academic ability. These are known as grammar schools. The 11 Plus is a selection test used by the five grammar schools to help them select their pupils. It is used to determine the natural academic ability in year six of primary school.
This exam is of huge significance and is potentially one of the most important exams your child may take in their life. Passing the 11 Plus selection test not only gives your child a major confidence boost and eagerness to succeed but also provides them with an academic edge that will help them extensively in their future.
Competition for places at the grammar schools has never been higher and, with large class sizes in school, it can be extremely difficult to ensure your child is receiving the support they need for the 11 Plus selection test. At Wiseowls Learning, we believe that the key to success is to join our courses at the earliest opportunity, in order to gain high levels of confidence and ability. Only the most academically able and well-prepared children can expect to score highly enough to be offered a place at a grammar school. We are very proud that 90% of our students gained a place at a Grammar schools.
Not sure whether the 11 Plus selection test is suitable for your child?
Are your child’s results consistently average or above? Are teachers pleased with the level they are at with the school curriculum? Is your child gifted academically? Then don’t let them miss out on the best start to secondary education! Why not try a free session at Wiseowls Learning, Our centre is vibrant and full of positive energy, it is a place where your child will want to come.
THE TEST
ENGLISH
This section focuses on reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation. Students read both fiction and non-fiction texts and answer questions that test their understanding of meaning, inference, and language use. They also practise identifying parts of speech, correcting grammatical errors, and expanding their vocabulary. Strong comprehension and careful attention to detail are key to success in this part of the exam.
MATHS
CREATIVE WRITING
Maths covers a broad range of topics including number operations, fractions, decimals, percentages, measurement, geometry, and data handling. Students develop core calculation skills alongside logical reasoning and the ability to apply methods in multi-step problems. Questions are often worded to test how well children can apply their mathematical knowledge in unfamiliar or real-life situations, encouraging flexible thinking and accuracy under time pressure.
Creative writing assesses a student’s ability to write clearly, imaginatively, and with structure. Students are typically given a prompt or theme and asked to produce a short story or descriptive piece. This section focuses on planning, paragraphing, varied sentence structure, and the effective use of language and vocabulary. Creativity is important, but so is clarity, coherence, and the ability to hold the reader’s attention from beginning to end.
Supporting your child in subjects like this can be a daunting task, especially as you may not have had any experience of this subject yourself. It could determine your child’s future potential and intelligence. Wiseowls learning is able to help consolidate these skills on our 11 Plus courses.
When is the 11 Plus selection test?
The selection test is at the beginning of year six. The exact dates are dependent on each school. Wiseowls Learning can advise you on all the key dates when you come along to try a free session.
How do you register your child for the 11 Plus selection test?
You are able to register your child using the online registration form via the individual school website or contact the school directly. Wiseowls Learning can help you with the forms when you bring your child to try a free session.
The Results
You will receive the results within a few weeks, with each school advertising their own dates. You will have ample time to decide your preferred choices on your school selection form. You will be given a position in order of merit, but this will not constitute your offer of a place, as that confirmed position is sent to you from your local authority on March 1st the year following the selection test.
What can you do to prepare your child for the 11 Plus selection test?
Success is more probable when your child is well prepared. Therefore, you should ensure that you start enhancing their subject skills and knowledge as early as possible. At Wiseowls Learning, we have a proven formula to work on improving your child’s weaker areas whilst maintaining their stronger skills. Our aim is to increase their self-belief as well as encouraging motivation and engagement. We are able to adapt our teaching to the pace of their learning, whilst solving any challenges that come along their way.
The Wiseowls Learning 11 Plus courses are based around teaching in small sized groups, making the learning experience more enjoyable within a lively and vibrant environment.
11 Plus Courses
Our 11 Plus courses are designed to nurture, develop and consolidate all aspects needed to succeed in the Grammar school selection test. Our centre is vibrant and full of positive energy, it is a place where your child will want to come. We are very proud that 90% of our students gain a place at a Grammar school.
Reach out to us with your child to find out why you can put your trust in us.
Pretest
We highly recommend booking a place on one of our popular pretests, to give your child an opportunity of what to expect in terms of the environment and time conditions, as well as an insight into what areas they are confident with or struggling on. The Wiseowls Learning 11 Plus pretests are specially formulated and unique to Wiseowls Learning tuition centres, they are not in general circulation.
Intense Revision Course
The aims of this course is to cover any weak areas identified by the learners. We will go over each subject area in greater depth, ensuring that any doubts your child may have are dealt with effectively, in a way which leaves your child confident, enthusiastic and ready to face the test. Timing is critical in the 11 Plus selection test so at Wiseowls Learning, we help your child focus on completing past practice papers under strict timed conditions in preparation for the selection test. Our intense revision courses take place throughout the year.
Summer School
With the long summer break your child may become complacent, or simply put their learning on hold, therefore we offer an opportunity for them to stay focused at our Summer School. These daily Masterclasses are ideal to ensure your child is confident in each area of the 11 Plus selection test. Furthermore, exam practice papers are carried out under timed conditions which will allow students to feel much more confident and prepared for the big day as well as help to overcome any exam nerves.
Wiseowls learning are an approved Ofsted voluntary registered childcare provider. Childcare vouchers, the childcare element of Working Tax Credits and Universal Credit or the Childcare Grant for full-time students could enable you to save on your fees. We also offer a fantastic scholarship scheme, which gives a discount to parents receiving means-tested benefits e.g. Income Support, employment support allowance or Job Seekers Allowance (proof of eligibility will be required).
